Growth opportunities to dominate agenda at 30th Rail Freight Group Conference

As the rail sector enters a period of transition, underscored by the introduction of the Great British Railways (GBRTT) which is overseeing rail transport from 2023, rail freight industry leaders will convene on Wednesday 5th October 2022 to explore growth opportunities for rail freight.

The annual Rail Freight Group Conference 2022 – which returns for its 30th year with notable keynote addresses from industry and policymakers – will be hosted by the international law firm Addleshaw Goddard at its London office.

The main theme to be explored at this year’s event will be, how to best maximise growth opportunities for the sector.

The event will provide the perfect opportunity for industry leaders to debate how best to further strengthen and improve resilience in supply chains, including the role of improved connectivity and supporting a shift to rail freight.

Sustainability is high on the agenda for many British industries right now and the rail sector is no different. Senior industry insiders will shed light on how rail freight can improve sustainability, from decarbonising rolling stock to supporting biodiversity.

Key speakers from the rail industry will include Helen McAllister, Programme Director (Freight Reform) at the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT), who will provide clarity on her team’s role in supporting rail freight growth and set out GBR’s vision.

John Smith, Managing Director at GB Railfreight, will explore all the elements of achieving growth – from plans and priorities and how the sector can deliver on growth targets, to development plans and which sectors are providing the most opportunities.

Chris Cleveland, Head of Sustainability at Freightliner, will analyse rail technologies required to support sustainability, the role of data, and how to implement a strategy that supports decarbonisation.

A range of other high-level rail experts in the industry will also discuss:

• opportunities and growth areas for rail freight in construction
• how can the sector support biodiversity?
• delivering more sustainable freight rolling stock
• resilience in supply chain

The one-day event will be chaired by Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General at Rail Freight Group. She’s been leading work to ensure that Government and rail industry policy is supportive to rail freight growth and Group member companies by promoting opportunities to fully participate in the sector.

Maggie Simpson, said: “The 30th Rail Freight Group Conference will be a chance for many of the industry’s leading innovators to come together to share ideas and help shape rail freight policy over the coming year and beyond.

“There will be plenty of opportunities throughout the day to network with key stakeholders from the rail freight sector, including policymakers, and those leading on growth strategies.”

The event is being organised by Waterfront Conference Company in partnership with the Rail Freight Group. Waterfront delivers physical and virtual policy conferences for the planning, energy, rail, ports and maritime sectors.

For more information and to register for the 30th Rail Freight Group Conference 2022, visit the event website at https://waterfront.eventscase.com/EN/RFG22 or for other Waterfront events, visit https://www.waterfrontconferencecompany.com/.