Rail Forum is proud to announce the launch of the third and final edition of its UK Rail Manufacturing Capability Brochure in its current form, reinforcing the role of UK rail manufacturing as a cornerstone of economic growth, decarbonisation and export opportunity.
Cat Appleby, Membership & Engagement Director at Rail Forum, said: “We are delighted to launch the third edition of our capability brochure. Alongside our #MayMake social media campaign and other initiatives, it continues to showcase and strengthen the UK’s rail manufacturing sector, both nationally and internationally.”
With over 30% of Rail Forum members directly involved in manufacturing rail-related products across the UK, the sector continues to demonstrate a diverse and resilient capability that supports innovation, skills development and strong domestic supply chains, while delivering significant social and economic value. The brochure is designed to help customers, partners and policymakers easily identify specialist UK manufacturing expertise and connect with suppliers across the country.
Neil Hodgson, Deputy Director Energy Intensive Industries, Rail and Maritime, Department for Business and Trade, said: “Taking forward the momentum, this third edition of the UK Rail Manufacturing Capability Brochure highlights Rail Forum’s sterling work of showcasing those of its members involved in manufacturing, whilst enabling users to find specialist UK manufacturing capability that can support and enhance their rail activity and, in doing so, deliver social value in the process.”
The brochure is once again supported by Rail Forum’s Strategic Partners, Made in Britain and Make UK, alongside Manufacturing Partner Transport Design International.
Chris Corkan, Regional Director, Midlands & East of England, Make UK, said: “Make UK is once again delighted to support our valuable Affiliate Partner, the Rail Forum, in the publication of its annual capability brochure. This is the bible of the rail industry supply chain and is a valuable resource to connect companies with each other […] At the moment, we should be pulling every available lever to boost economic growth and investment in our rail network is a vital part of that.”
John Pearce, CEO, Made in Britain, said: “Collaboration and connectivity are at the heart of everything we do at Made in Britain, and this is why we are proud to support the latest edition of the Rail Forum’s Manufacturing Capability Brochure.”
“Working well together helps us all to recognise the crucial role our manufacturers play in the UK’s infrastructure, even when faced with unprecedented challenges.”
Geoff Newman, Chief Operations Officer, Transport Design International, said:
“TDI is proud to support the third edition of Rail Forum’s Manufacturing Capability Brochure, reinforcing our commitment as Manufacturing Partner for 2026-2027. This collaboration showcases UK manufacturing capabilities, a vital initiative for the rail sector.
“TDI’s focus on lightweight technologies and very light rail transit solutions, aligns perfectly with the brochure’s aim to drive growth. As we expand our manufacturing capability and develop our Greenway Initiative community rail solutions, we look forward to working with our colleagues across the industry and supporting rail projects in the UK and abroad.”
The launch of the third edition also reflects continued progress within Rail Forum’s Manufacturing Workstream. Since May 2024, the workstream – guided by a dedicated Steering Group – has delivered targeted activity to support members, including a Manufacturing Roundtable and networking event in Shildon to mark National Manufacturing Day 2025.
The brochure follows the release of the Transport Committee’s “Engine for Growth: Securing Skills for Transport Manufacturing” report which makes several recommendations and calls on the government “to go as far as possible towards supporting public procurement from British manufacturers”.
Rail Forum looks forward to continuing to work with members, partners and government to promote UK rail manufacturing capability and strengthen connections at home and internationally.