Future of Rail: Whole System Planning

Event Partners: Salesforce

Sponsored by: Independent Rail Retailers

This thought leadership event will explore how the rail industry can make better decisions as the sector prepares for the creation of Great British Railways (GBR). Traditionally, decisions about the network have been split, with costs and revenues managed separately by government, often limiting investment and missing the wider picture. One of GBR’s core aims is to integrate cost and revenue management, enabling smarter choices that reflect not only financial efficiency but also broader social, economic, and environmental benefits. A crucial part of this is how the sector’s frameworks – from economic appraisal to commercial frameworks – evolve to properly assess long-term value, risk, and return on investment. 

Getting best value for the railway means balancing affordability with long-term value, avoiding short-term cost cutting that compromises quality, resilience, or lifecycle performance. The health of the network cannot just be judged on infrastructure delivery or price alone: it must also reflect how rail integrates with other modes of transport, improves customer experience, and supports wider regional and economic growth. This event will challenge delegates to think beyond immediate pressures and consider how commercial models, funding frameworks, and investment choices can safeguard the long-term strength of the railway for passengers, freight users, and the UK economy. 

Agenda

Arrivals – from 09:30 for a prompt 10.00 start with welcomes from RIA and Salesforce 

10:00 - Section 1 – Railway Economics: what do we need to be thinking about to get best value for money from the railway?  

Keynotes and Q&A discussion with 

Jonny Mood, Transport Director, National Audit Office  

Will Godfrey, Director of Economics, Finance and Markets, Office of Rail & Road 

Tom Worsley CBE, Visiting Fellow, Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds  

11:00 - Mid-Morning Break 

11:30 - Section 2 – Track and Train Integration  

Keynote – Getting it right: what can we learn from Core Valley Lines, Wales, with 

Wayne Brigden, Business Director for Transport, Amey 

Ian Fowler, Business Director, Amey 

Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer, Transport for Wales  

Panel Discussion – How can we leverage integration to turbo charge revenues and reset customer experience? with 

(Chair) Milda Manomaityte, Chief Operating Officer, Railway Industry Association  

Richard Rowson, freelance consultant specialising in customer-centric technology

Natasha Grice, Director, Transport Focus

Kristoff van Leeuwen, Head of Public Sector Business Development, Worldline

Keith White, Strategic Industry Lead (Public Sector Transport), Salesforce

13:00 - Networking Lunch 

14:00 - Section 3 – Thinking smarter and changing systems  

Keynote – Julian Ross, Senior Programme Integration Manager, Network Rail 

Panel Discussion – How can commercial and procurement approaches change the way we get things done?  

Liz Baldwin, Director, Southern Renewals Enterprise, Network Rail 

Alwyn Frank, Director and Market Partner, Capita 

Stacie-Ann Fongo, Commercial Director, Arcadis

Sean O’Reilly, Whole Industry Finance Director, Network Rail

Keynote – Thomas Ableman, Founder, Freewheeling

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.