Export is a major growth strategy for many sectors and that is no exception for rail. With a history of export, the rail sector has, and continues, to provide key expertise, parts and systems to railway operations around the global. The credibility of UK goods and services, particularly in rail remains high.
The Rail Forum recognise that a balanced portfolio of strong domestic market combined with growing export markets can deliver the future for the industry. Our export support seeks to deliver real support for members by working closely with our partners such as Department for Business & Trade, and UK Export Finance and taking a steer on our activities directly from our members - both via our Export Steering Group (find out more information below) and through consultation with our wider membership.
In fact, this activity forms one of our key workstreams because 50% of our members are either already exporting, or are looking at exporting!
What does our export support look like?
Click to view the areas below…
Communication
Regular export mailer highlighting international events, tenders and opportunities as well as showcasing premium member export activities. Members can find recent editions in the Export Support page on the members area.
Events
We have already delivered a range of events from market briefings and export roundtables with more planned including some international missions.
Promotion
We are keen to ensure that we promote our members rail capabilities internationally through a range of promotional activities, some led by Rail Forum, and other via our partners and will be announcing further developments in early 2025.
Advocacy
We are keen to utilise the vast knowledge and networks of our exporting members to support fellow members as they grow their export experience and capability. The Export Steering Group is key here and are already helping with member queries.
Partnerships
Our support makes use of our extensive and growing network of partnerships and strong working relationships which includes:
- Department for Business & Trade with engagement across the UK and internationally, from International Trade Advisors at the cutting edge of support delivery through to Ministerial level
(details support provided, available here)
- Department for Transport (International) with regular dialogue enabling member awareness and involvement in consultation, visits, MOUs and high level activities
- UK Export Finance, supporting not only UK companies with financial services, but also support major clients to deliver projects with UK supply chain - we are working closely in Africa (and beyond)
International Partnerships
- European Rail Clusters Initiative - our membership with ERCI is a great opportunity to promote UK innovation across a network of 18 rail clusters, and deliver international collaborative opportunities, both supporting export growth.
- Southern African Railways Association- our Letter of Intent, signed in 2023, aims to support the wider SARA objectives and provide opportunity to profile UK rail expertise to support the development of SARA member rail operations. It also covers finance and education with our co-partners UKEF, DBT and BCRRE.
International Trade Week 2024
We have been thrilled with the response to our support of the Department for Business & Trade's 'International Trade Week' campaign.
Check out some of the posts below utilising our social media template resources…
Working Collaboratively with DBT
Department for Business & Trade is the department for economic growth. We support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country. Rail Forum members can benefit by its vast network in many ways:
- Local support and guidance through the International Trade Advisor network
- National Rail Team, lead by Simon Burke, steering rail export activities, priority SME markets and international events/missions
- International teams, based in Embassies around the world, making connections and using their networks to further UK business activities
- UK Export Finance - helping to support both UK suppliers and international projects
For information on support available to SMEs from the DBT - click here.
We work with all aspects of DBT and have regular meetings and updates. We promote our member interests including steering rail specific support and activities, raising member concerns and queries as well as supporting DBT activities and promoting their support across our membership.
Sept 2024 - Our Export Steering Group hold a round table with DBT Rail Team (lead Simon Burke and Rail Specialist, Jake Rudham)
Introducing our Export Partner
About Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE)
GCRE is a cutting-edge rail testing and research facility in Wales. The GCRE serves as a unique, purpose-built environment for testing, validation, and innovation in the rail sector. The facility includes an electrified, high-speed test track, as well as a 4.5km low-speed loop, designed for extensive research on rolling stock, infrastructure, and rail operations under controlled conditions. This capability supports new and existing rail industry players looking to test, certify, and enhance their products before release or export.
The GCRE's mission is to position the UK as a leader in rail technology by attracting international collaborations, making it an ideal partner for Rail Forum's export initiatives. By providing world-class testing and research opportunities, GCRE enhances the UK's export potential and aligns with the nation's ambition to drive innovation in the global rail market.
For more info, visit > https://www.gcre.wales/
Kelly Warburton, Chief Commercial Officer at GCRE said:
"The Global Centre of Rail Excellence is delighted to partner with the Rail Forum as its Export Partner and is looking forward to playing a full role in the Steering Group to enhance the export potential of UK rail.
"GCRE will be a world class facility for research, testing and product development that will be a very powerful platform from which to showcase the very best in UK rail innovation for an international export market.
"Rail is a critical strategic asset for the UK not only in terms of public transport, but also in how it can help to grow the UK economy and enhance our national exports. With an international portfolio of customers and partners using the facility, GCRE will add important new capability to UK exports and so we are excited to partner with the Rail Forum for this critical programme."
A formal press release on this topic can be found here.
Advisory Group
| Daniel Stephens | CEO, Encompass Engineering & Technical Director of The Polus Group |  |
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Establishing offices in the USA and Canada and undertaking projects in Europe has provided us with valuable experience in navigating international regulations when exporting services. As CEO of Encompass Engineering, I joined the export steering committee to share our expertise in global market entry strategies and help shape industry best practices for successful international expansion.
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| Sam Sharp | International Commercial Director, Transport Design International (TDI) |  |
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Sam Sharp, International Commercial Director at TDI, excels in expanding global rail opportunities and leads TDI's Very Light Rail innovations.
TDI is a design and manufacturing company that specialises in Very Light Rail (VLR) technologies for mass transit solutions. We are market leaders in lightweighting and have delivered more than 135 projects across the globe. |
| Sam Kirk | Managing Director, J- Flex |  |
| Almost half of J-Flex' revenue can be attributed to exports, with partnerships in Germany, Spain & Australia, and overall exports to over 50 countries supporting rolling stock, trackside and sub-surface applications. |
| Mandy Lancaster | Business Development Manager, Portaramp |  |
| With a real drive and passion for growth in export, we want to expand further our already established relationships with more Train Builders and Operator across the EU and ROW. |
| Arthur Emyr | Head of Business Development & Engagement, Global Centre of Rail Excellence |  |
| The Global Centre of Rail Excellence will be a world class facility for rail research, testing and product development that will be a powerful platform from which to showcase the very best in UK rail innovation for an international export market. With a worldwide portfolio of customers and unique infrastructure located at the facility, GCRE will add new capability to the UK rail industry and enhance its potential for export growth through faster approvals and certification that will be attractive to a global market. |
| Neil Gregory | Director, GOS Tool & Engineering Services Ltd. |  |
| John Blackham | Vice President Global After Sales & Service, Hübner Group Mobility Rail |  |
| Ben Evans | New Business Director, AtkinsRéalis |  |
| Working for a truly global business, at AtkinsRéalis I see firsthand the huge value that UK expertise and innovation can bring to the railways all around the world. |
