Connecting members with decision-makers, year-round

RIA delivers over 100 events annually – from flagship two-day conferences attracting 400–500 delegates, to focused roundtables on policy, innovation and technical themes.

These events give members direct access to Government officials, major clients, and supply chain partners – creating valuable opportunities to network, influence, and grow their business.

With something for every part of the sector, our events programme is a key way RIA supports members throughout the year.

RIA supports hundreds of members in global growth

In 2024, RIA delivered a powerful programme of export activity across five continents – helping hundreds of UK rail suppliers build international connections and win new business.

We supported trade missions and UK pavilions in key markets including Germany, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Portugal and Morocco, hosted visiting delegations from Kenya, Angola and Australia, and arranged targeted events in London for countries like Japan, Chile, Sweden and Indonesia.

Highlights included:

• A UK Pavilion at InnoTrans, with 24 exhibitors, a 350 guest reception and over 150 meetings arranged.
• A successful trade mission to Ireland with 30 UK companies and over 100 applicants.
• MOUs signed and Ministerial roundtables held with Portugal, Turkey and Kenya, strengthening long-term trade relationships.

From rail-themed embassy briefings to on-the-ground supplier engagement, RIA continues to open doors abroad and help members succeed in global markets.

RIA lobbying promts Transport Select Commitee action on key rail issues

RIA’s advocacy helped secure two influential Transport Select Committee inquiries in 2024: one on the Future of Transport Data and another on the Rail Investment Pipeline.

These inquiries reflect RIA’s continued push for a smarter, data-driven transport system and a stable flow of rail investment – tackling the damaging ‘boom and bust’ cycle our industry too often faces.

Their launch demonstrates RIA’s ability to shape the national agenda and ensure member priorities are heard at the highest levels of Government.

RIA's advocacy shapes debate and builds relationships

Throughout 2024, RIA has led a high-impact political engagement programme – building trusted relationships across Government, Parliament, the opposition, and key rail stakeholders.

We engaged closely with Rail Minister Huw Merriman before the election and continue regular dialogue with his successor Lord Hendy. We’ve also met the interim Chair of Network Rail and maintained strong ties with the Transport Select Committee – with former Chair Iain Stewart and new Chair Ruth Cadbury both involved in RIA-led activity.

Our work has directly shaped the political agenda:

• RIA briefings were quoted in parliamentary debates on rolling stock and regional investment.
• We drafted and tabled dozens of Parliamentary Questions, securing vital supplier-related information on enhancements, Network Rail spend, and rolling stock strategy.

RIA brings supply chain concerns to the top table

RIA has actively led efforts to address growing member concerns over stalled contracts and uncertainty around future work from Network Rail.

Working in collaboration with other industry associations, RIA has facilitated high-level conversations with Network Rail leadership – ensuring supplier voices are heard.

This has included two national online supplier briefings, bringing clarity on CP7 budgets and plans, and a live Q&A with Network Rail executives at our Annual Conference, where difficult but necessary questions were addressed.

RIA celebrates major membership milestone ahead of 150th anniversary

This year RIA proudly welcomed its 400th member, TVS Supply Chain Solutions – more than doubling membership since 2018.

This milestone reflects the growing value businesses place on being part of a strong, unified voice for the UK rail supply sector, particularly during a time of market uncertainty.

From just 190 members in 2018 to 400 today, RIA continues to evolve, championing our members through industry-leading lobbying, events, networking, and export support.