Rail & HS2 Minister Huw Merriman set to speak at RIA’s Annual Conference & Dinner 2023
7 July 2023
Today, the Railway Industry Association (RIA) can announce that Rail & HS2 Minister, Huw Merriman MP, will address its award-winning RIA Annual Conference & Dinner 2023, taking place on 1-2 November at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London.
Huw Merriman has been Minister of State at the Department for Transport since October 2022, with responsibility for rail transformation and reform, rail infrastructure, HS2, the Integrated Rail Plan and Northern Powerhouse Rail. Before that, he was the Chair of the Transport Select Committee.
This year’s conference theme focuses on “Promoting the case for rail and investment in uncertain times”. Over the space of two days, the programme will combine keynote speeches, panel discussions, interview sessions, spotlight exhibitor pitches and unique networking opportunities for rail suppliers, clients, policy makers and influencers, stakeholders and media.
Alongside Minister Merriman, a number of major keynote speakers have also been confirmed for the conference, including Beth West, CEO, East West Rail, Steve White, MD, Southeastern, Maggie Simpson OBE, DG, Rail Freight Group, Martin Tugwell, Chief Executive, Transport for the North, and Emma Porter, MD, Story Contracting, with many more to be announced in the coming weeks.
RIA Senior Marketing & Events Manager, Grace Smithen, said: “We’re thrilled that Rail & HS2 Minister, Huw Merriman MP will be a keynote speaker at RIA’s Annual Conference & Dinner 2023.
“Huw Merriman has been a keen advocate for the rail supply sector, both during his time as Chair of the Transport Select Committee and as Rail & HS2 Minister. He will no doubt offer a fascinating insight into the Government’s approach on the key issues of the day, from rail reform to investment, decarbonisation and the future of major projects.
“Once again, the RIA Annual Conference & Dinner will offer attendees the opportunity to hear from a first-class range of speakers, take advantage of unrivalled networking opportunities and enjoy some fantastic entertainment. Alongside the established features of the conference, we’re also introducing spotlight sessions, where exhibitors will be able to showcase their products.
“Tickets are selling fast, so we’d urge anyone who’s interested in attending to book now to avoid disappointment!”
Notes to Editors
- 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). https://www.riagb.org.uk/