Darren Caplan, chief executive of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), told an audience of MPs and industry representatives at an RIA parliamentary reception this week that despite “some negativity of reporting this year” there has also been a very positive side, which should be promoted.

Railway-related activity supports nearly 600,000 jobs in the UK and contributes £36.4bn in gross value added to the economy, according to research published earlier this year by Oxford Economics.

The European railway suppliers’ organisation UNIFE (Union des Industries Ferroviaires Européennes) has predicted that the global rail supply market will grow by 2.7 per cent a year over the next five years. Caplan pointed out that the British market looks particularly promising, with several major projects in the pipeline, while the government has allocated £48bn to Network Rail for routine operations, maintenance and renewals for 2019-24.

A critical concern for RIA is the need to smooth out ‘boom and bust’ funding cycles, which would give businesses confidence to invest in equipment, skills and training. References by several politicians at the event indicate the message is being heard, even if not yet acted upon.

One of those picking up that point was Rail Minister Andrew Jones, who despite being appointed just weeks ago, assured his audience “I understand why rail matters. Our country couldn’t operate without it.”

Jones acknowledged this year’s negative stories, particularly the failed introduction of the new timetable in May and the termination of the Virgin East Coast franchise, but quoted figures showing how much rail use has grown in recent years, noting that the South East franchise alone moves 450,000 passengers a day.

“These are measures of an industry that is succeeding, not failing – and the private sector plays a significant part.

“We’re investing to deliver success: £48bn over the next five years. This record investment is an opportunity for the supply chain. You will be a cornerstone of this industry’s success.”

Both Jones and business minister Richard Harrington spoke of a forthcoming Rail Sector Deal as part of the government’s Industrial Strategy.

Harrington explained that sector deals are intended to create “real partnership” between government and industry. He compared the rail sector to another of his responsibilities, nuclear, describing it as “core to our development as a country. It’s about skills and exports.”

This understanding of rail as a business, not just a means of transport, is something RIA has been working on this year through a programme of ‘Rail Fellowships’. Under this scheme, MPs spend a day ‘on location’ with a member company whose work is relevant to their role or constituency, to help them understand the diversity of technical disciplines and employment opportunities within the sector.

Darren Caplan, chief executive of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), told an audience of MPs and industry representatives at an RIA parliamentary reception this week that despite “some negativity of reporting this year” there has also been a very positive side, which should be promoted.

Railway-related activity supports nearly 600,000 jobs in the UK and contributes £36.4bn in gross value added to the economy, according to research published earlier this year by Oxford Economics.

The European railway suppliers’ organisation UNIFE (Union des Industries Ferroviaires Européennes) has predicted that the global rail supply market will grow by 2.7 per cent a year over the next five years. Caplan pointed out that the British market looks particularly promising, with several major projects in the pipeline, while the government has allocated £48bn to Network Rail for routine operations, maintenance and renewals for 2019-24.

A critical concern for RIA is the need to smooth out ‘boom and bust’ funding cycles, which would give businesses confidence to invest in equipment, skills and training. References by several politicians at the event indicate the message is being heard, even if not yet acted upon.

One of those picking up that point was Rail Minister Andrew Jones, who despite being appointed just weeks ago, assured his audience “I understand why rail matters. Our country couldn’t operate without it.”

Jones acknowledged this year’s negative stories, particularly the failed introduction of the new timetable in May and the termination of the Virgin East Coast franchise, but quoted figures showing how much rail use has grown in recent years, noting that the South East franchise alone moves 450,000 passengers a day.

“These are measures of an industry that is succeeding, not failing – and the private sector plays a significant part.

“We’re investing to deliver success: £48bn over the next five years. This record investment is an opportunity for the supply chain. You will be a cornerstone of this industry’s success.”

Both Jones and business minister Richard Harrington spoke of a forthcoming Rail Sector Deal as part of the government’s Industrial Strategy.

Harrington explained that sector deals are intended to create “real partnership” between government and industry. He compared the rail sector to another of his responsibilities, nuclear, describing it as “core to our development as a country. It’s about skills and exports.”

This understanding of rail as a business, not just a means of transport, is something RIA has been working on this year through a programme of ‘Rail Fellowships’. Under this scheme, MPs spend a day ‘on location’ with a member company whose work is relevant to their role or constituency, to help them understand the diversity of technical disciplines and employment opportunities within the sector.