RIA RISE AWARDS Categories

RIA’s Railway Industry Supplier Excellence (RISE) Awards celebrates the excellence and achievements of the UK rail supply community, in a range of categories. 

The word count for each entry is 1000 words maximum.

Please visit the FAQ page for more details.

Company Awards

The Application of Digital Technology Award 

This award recognises a company using digital technology to deliver success for their business and their customers within the railway industry.

• 200 word summary of your entry – this will be published online if you are shortlisted.
• Starting point / challenges.
• Initiative / project.
• Outcomes and impact.

Employer of the Year Award

Your entry should explain why your business is an exemplary employer and explain how the company has benefitted staff and customers through its actions.

• 200 word summary of your entry – this will be published online if you are shortlisted
• Starting point / background.
• Initiative / project / incentives.
• Outcomes and impact.
• Evidence to show why you are an exemplary employer.

Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Award

This award recognises an organisation's environmental impact and stewardship, how a company manages relations with and creates value for stakeholders, and the leadership, management, practices and policies of shareholder rights.

• 200 word summary of your entry – this will be published online if you are shortlisted
• Starting point / challenges.
• Solution / technology / initiative / project.
• How does it solve the problem / impact / outcomes – internal and external.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Award 

This award recognises a company that is showing great strides in incorporating and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across their business and the rail industry. 

• 200 word summary of your entry – this will be published online if you are shortlisted
• Starting point / challenges.
• Solution / initiative / project.
• Impact and outcomes – internal and external. 

Innovation Award

The Innovation Award recognises and celebrates the organisation and individuals whose work is dedicated to successful innovation within the railway industry.

• 200 word summary of your entry – this will be published online if you are shortlisted
• Starting point / challenges.
• Initiative / project.
• Outcomes and impact.

Partnership Award

This award recognises the successful partnership between railway suppliers or rail suppliers and clients.

• 200 word summary of your entry – this will be published online if you are shortlisted
• Starting point / challenges.
• Initiative / project.
• Outcomes and impact.
• Please list all suppliers involved. 

Safety Award

The Safety Award recognises excellence in health and safety including achievement or contribution to the railway industry.

• 200 word summary of your entry – this will be published online if you are shortlisted
• Problem / challenge / pain point / starting point.
• Solution / technology / initiative / project.
• Impact and outcomes – internal and external

SME Exporter in Rail Award

This award demonstrates that the nominee has been proficient in exporting their rail product or service to overseas markets.

• 200 word summary of your entry – this will be published online if you are shortlisted
• Challenges / starting point, including figures.
• Achievement / impact, including figures, demonstrating growth and improvement.

SME Growth in Rail Award

This category recognises your company’s growth in sales, headcount and profitability.
Submission headings should include: 

• 200 word summary of your entry – this will be published online if you are shortlisted
• Challenges / starting point, including figures. 
• Achievement / impact, including figures, demonstrating growth and improvement.

Wellbeing Award

This award recognises an organisation that promotes great practices and guidance for positive mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

• 200 word summary of your entry – this will be published online if you are shortlisted
• Starting point / challenges.
• Initiative / project.
• Outcomes and impact. 
  
  

Individual Awards 

Employee of the Year Award

This award recognises an employee who goes above and beyond their role, to mark their exceptional work, contribution, behaviour and success.
You should seek permission from your nominee before you submit your nomination. You and your nominee should be prepared to attend the ceremony on the evening of 25 June 2026, in person.

• 200 word summary of your entry – this will be published online if you are shortlisted
• Name, company and job title
• Professional and personal characteristics and behaviours.
• Demonstrable achievements / lasting impact.
• Recent contribution / impact on the supply chain / how the nominee has made a difference to the wider industry.
• Endorsements from named colleagues – not anonymous – ideally from more than one company.

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award recognises an emerging leader whose record reflects ongoing and exceptional growth in contribution and responsibility. 

Tell the judges about why your nominee deserves recognition as an exemplary future leader from the perspective of the rail supply community. You should seek permission from your nominee before you submit your nomination. You and your nominee should be prepared to attend the awards ceremony on the evening of 25 June 2026, in person.

• 200 word summary of your entry – this will be published online if you are shortlisted
• Name, company and job title
• Professional and personal characteristics and behaviours.
• Demonstrable achievements / lasting impact.
• Recent contribution / impact on the supply chain / how the nominee has made a difference to the wider industry.
• Endorsements from named colleagues – not anonymous – ideally from more than one company.