Richard Carr appointed RIA North Business Engagement Manager

Well-known rail industry consultant Richard Carr has been appointed the Railway Industry Association's (RIA) Business Engagement Manager for the North of England, supporting the organisation in the roll out of its Nations & Regions network.

Richard has extensive experience working in the sector, having worked as Owner and Managing Director of rail equipment manufacturer Mechan, and having provided consultancy services for the University of Huddersfield and several supply chain companies. He was also an active member of the Rail Supply Group SME and Export workstreams and helped establish the Rail Sector Deal SME Collaboration pilot scheme. 

Richard Carr, RIA North Business Engagement Manager, said: "It's really exciting to be joining RIA North at such an important time for the industry. With the Integrated Rail Plan now out, the Transpennine Route Upgrade underway, and preparations to bring HS2 to Manchester beginning, amongst many other projects, there is a huge amount for rail businesses to get involved with. I'm really looking forward to working with RIA, the Executive team of RIA North and businesses and stakeholders across the region, to build a strong rail supply chain across the North."

RIA Director & RIA North Lead David Clarke said: "Richard's appointment marks a key moment for the roll out of RIA's Nations & Regions network. RIA members now have a dedicated professional in Richard who is ready to support them in the region, helping deliver a strong and successful Northern rail supply sector. Congratulations to Richard on his appointment - and welcome to the team!"

Justin Moss, Chair of RIA North, said: "I’m delighted to have Richard join the RIA North team as we begin 2022. We have a really exciting year ahead, building on the work of the Northern Rail Industry Leaders as we strengthen our partnership with RIA and further grow our executive team for rail suppliers in the North. It will mean even more support, events and activity to help your businesses succeed and grow in the North."

Richard will support RIA members in the North by engaging and influencing key decision-makers in the region, delivering networking and intelligence-sharing events and supporting the delivery of the RIA North Leadership Group's priorities.

Notes to Editors

1. About RIA North:  RIA North is the voice of the rail supply community in the North of England, representing RIA members across the region. Rail in the North support £7.7bn in economic growth (GVA), 154,000 jobs and £2.5bn in tax revenue and is an essential industry in delivering the Government's build back better, decarbonisation and levelling-up agendas. www.riagb.org.uk/north

2. 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 300+ 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). www.riagb.org.uk