North’s rail businesses come together to support TfN’s investment programme

Rail businesses from across the North of England have come together today to launch a new report, showing how they will support Transport for the North’s investment plans, and planned investment from HS2 Ltd and Network Rail.

Building the North’s New Railways, launched by the Northern Rail Industry Leaders – a group of around 40 Northern rail businesses – shows how:

• Rail contributes around £7.3 billion in economic growth to Northern Powerhouse area, supporting some 132,700 jobs;
• The North already has significant capabilities in delivering rail projects, with around 300 companies in the region, employing 58,000 people;
• By maximising investment from TfN, HS2 Ltd and Network Rail, rail businesses could deliver an estimated further £600 million in economic growth and 10,000 jobs (in addition to those provide by HS2 and existing programmes).

The Report sets out 14 recommendations on how rail businesses can support planned rail investment, including developing digital and decarbonisation route maps for the North, and pooling unspent apprenticeship levy funding to enable more SMEs to employ apprentices.

Mike Hulme, Co-Chair of Northern Rail Industry Leaders, said: “Building the North’s New Railways is a ground-breaking report, setting out how rail businesses can support TfN’s vital work. The coming few years provide a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity for the North of England – and rail businesses across the region are ready to seize that opportunity.”

Justin Moss, Co-Chair of Northern Rail Industry Leaders, said: “The North already has world-leading expertise in delivering rail projects – from train manufacturers to signalling and telecoms, track systems and software provides. Today’s report shows how these businesses will work the TfN, HS2 Ltd, Network Rail, the Government and all stakeholders to transform the North’s rail network over the coming years.” 

The Report has already received support from a number of organisations, including TfN, MPs from across the region and businesses.

Read the Report

Notes to Editors

1. About NRIL: NRIL brings together businesses to help develop and support the rail industry in the region. It brings together 40 rail organisations in the North of England and is supported by the Railway Industry Association (RIA). The ‘Building the North’s New Railways’ Report will look at how rail suppliers, Transport for the North, Government and key organisations can work together to deliver the best for the region through rail investment.