Future of Rail: Exports & Trade

UK rail is world-renowned as one of the best and safest networks in the world. This event will showcase the multitude of opportunities for UK businesses to export around the world, whilst also detailing how UK suppliers can access them.

Agenda

09:30 | Registrations and Networking

10:15 | Session One

Welcome - Neil Walker, Exports Director, Railway Industry Association

Introduction to RIA Exports Leadership Group (RELG) - Joy Grover, RIA RELG Chair and Associate New Business Director, PriestmanGoode

Keynote - Amanda Brooks CBE, Director General, Trade Negotiations, Department for Business and Trade

Panel Discussion - How can rail be more involved in free trade agreements (FTAs)?

• Chair: Amanda Brooks CBE, Director General, Trade Negotiations, Department for Business and Trade
• Kate Thornley, Chief Negotiator, UK-India FTA, Department for Business and Trade
• Alex Mulchrone, Deputy Chief Negotiator, UK-Turkey FTA, Department for Business and Trade

Keynotes and Q&A - Opportunities in Ireland

• Michael Flynn, Deputy Programme Director, MetroLink (Ireland)
• Eoin Gillard, Assistant Director of Transport Investment, National Transport Authority (Ireland)
• Anneke Taylor, Senior Trade Adviser - Business and Trade, British Embassy Dublin

12:00 | Break

12:15 | Session Two

Panel Discussion - UK Export Finance interaction with the market: how to get involved

• Chair: Paul Ling, Business Manager – Infrastructure and Construction Underwriting Team, UK Export Finance (UKEF)
• Andrea Walker, Co-Head Trade and Structured Finance Underwriting, UK Export Finance (UKEF)
• Noel Travers, Chief Executive Officer, Buckland Rail and Chair of the Railway Industry Association (RIA)
• Doruk Günay, Managing Director - Head of Export Finance, Rönesans Holding (Turkey)

Keynote - Ian Napier, Head of International Rail Trade & Engagement, Department for Transport

Panel Discussion - RIA SME Exports Workshop Report launch

• Neil Walker, Exports Director, Railway Industry Association
• Joy Grover, RIA RELG Chair and Associate New Business Director, PriestmanGoode
• Catherine Leech, RIA SME Chair and Managing Director, Anturas Consulting

Closing Remarks - Neil Walker, Exports Director, Railway Industry Association

13:40 | Networking Lunch

14:30 | Event close

About the Future of Rail Series

In RIA’s 150th year, and marking the 200th anniversary of the railway, the RIA Future of Rail series leads and shapes the national debate on the future of the rail sector. Through a programme of dynamic events held across the UK, this series tackles some of the rail industry's most pressing topics, from demand and investment to devolution and exports.

With themes including Demand, Rail Reform, Decarbonisation & Climate Adaptation, Integrated Transport, Investment, Stations, Devolution, Exports, and Whole System Planning, the series brings together thought leaders and industry experts to explore innovative solutions that benefit the sector and the country as a whole. Free for RIA members, these events provide a unique platform for fresh ideas, evidence-based insights, and strategic discussions.

RIA actively invites contributions from organisations with pioneering perspectives and research to shape the conversation, drive progress, and inspire meaningful change for the future of rail.