Purchase of equipment and services for use on Britain's railways is the responsibility of the individual companies concerned.

There are however strict technical and quality control requirements for many items, including all safety-related procurement, such as compliance with the relevant British or European Standards, Railway Group Standards and Network Rail Company Standards. Most suppliers will need to register with Link-Up, the railway supplier qualification and accreditation scheme run by Achilles Information Ltd (tel: 01332 206602).

Further information on the benefits of RIA membership for UK-based suppliers can be found here.