7 July 2023
7 July UK - Linbrooke Rail, a leading contractor providing advanced signalling, power, and communications solutions across the UK Rail Network, recently welcomed Miriam Cates MP to its headquarters in Chapeltown, Sheffield, as part of the Railway Industry Association (RIA) Rail Fellowship Programme. During her visit, Cates gained valuable insights into the techniques employed by Linbrooke to reduce costs for the taxpayer on the Midland Mainline and the wider work the company does in training and supporting the local economy.
Linbrooke Rail, known for its innovative technology, has developed solutions that have been instrumental in cost reduction efforts on the signalling of the Midland Mainline. The company takes pride in the fact that the technology was developed right where the company was founded, reflecting Sheffield’s longstanding expertise in the rail industry.
Cates met Jason Garside, Group Head of Recruitment, a former Marine who now leads Linbrooke’s scheme supporting those with ties to the Armed Forces. Remarkably, 10% of the company's workforce has links to the military, reflecting Linbrooke's dedication to providing employment opportunities to people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
During her visit, Cates had the opportunity to meet with the dedicated workforce at Linbrooke's distribution centre. The discussions highlighted the company's emphasis on training and employing local talent, ensuring that the community benefits from job opportunities and skills development in the rail sector. Linbrooke Rail's commitment to empowering the local workforce resonated with Cates, who sits on the education committee, and has spoken of the need to create sustainable employment opportunities for young people.
Miriam Cates, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said, "It was a privilege to visit Linbrooke Rail in Chapeltown and witness the impressive techniques they employ to reduce costs for the taxpayer on the Midland Mainline. I was particularly impressed by the commitment shown to the local community, with 10% of the workforce having connections to the Armed Forces. Linbrooke's dedication to training and employing locals is commendable and contributes significantly to the economy of our region."
Ruby Sampson, Public Affairs & PR Executive at the Railway Industry Association (RIA), commented, "We are delighted to have Miriam Cates MP participate in the RIA Rail Fellowship Programme and visit Linbrooke Rail in Chapeltown. The programme aims to foster closer ties between parliamentarians and the rail supply sector, enabling them to gain valuable insights into the industry.
“We thank Linbrooke for hosting and demonstrating to Miriam Cates their dedication to reducing costs on the rail network through innovation, while supporting and training the local workforce. They exemplify the reason we run the programme.”
Ben Lynch, Director, Linbrooke Rail said,"It was a pleasure to meet Miriam and her team and to welcome RIA colleagues to Linbrooke. We must highlight to the politicians the importance of rail works we are undertaking to renew life-expired assets. Our West Hampstead Life Extension programme in the Eastern region has an incredible impact on cost saving for taxpayers and sustainably benefits the industry. The cash that we all inject into British Railway can be saved if companies like Linbrooke are given an opportunity to
regenerate life-expired assets giving them a new lease of life to keep the British Railway open for passengers to enjoy."
Notes
About RIA: The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is the voice of the UK rail supply community. We help to grow a sustainable, high-performing, railway supply industry, and to export UK rail expertise and products. RIA has 350 companies in membership in a sector that contributes £43 billion in economic growth and £14 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as employing 710,000 people. It is also a vital industry for the UK’s economic recovery, supporting green investment and jobs in towns and communities across the UK; for every £1 spent in rail, £2.50 is generated in the wider economy. RIA’s membership is active across the whole of railway supply, covering a diverse range of products and services and including both multi-national companies and SMEs (60% by number). www.riagb.org.uk
About Linbrooke Rail: Linbrooke connects people by delivering infrastructure services within the Rail, Utilities & Optical sectors in the UK & Europe.
Operating in 5 offices in the UK with 365, 24/7 support across all time zones to its 30+ industry-leading clients, Linbrooke offers end-to-end delivery from development, design, installation & commissioning.
450 colleagues | 5 regional offices | 30+ clients
For more information, visit: www.linbrooke.co.uk