Innovation expert set to help rail firms drive ideas forward

Rail Forum has announced its members will now be able to access the support of a dedicated innovation expert to help them meet the future needs of the industry.

Ian Evley, of Innovate UK Business Growth, will help forum members navigate the innovation support landscape, access funding, and overcome barriers to innovation.

In order to drive better customer experience, required cost efficiencies and deliver on its sustainability credentials, the UK rail industry needs to embrace innovation more than ever before.

According to Rail Forum, Innovate UK has a compelling business support offer, particularly for SMEs involved in the sector.

Ian, who is an innovation and growth specialist at Innovate UK Business Growth, said: “I am delighted to be collaborating with Rail Forum to highlight the opportunities for innovative SMEs within the rail sector, and between us we hope to make a real difference.

“Through our collaboration we aim to leverage our respective strengths to target existing resources in a more meaningful and purposeful way for the benefit of rail sector engaged businesses nationwide.”

Catherine Appleby, membership and engagement director at Rail Forum, said: “We know that our members have diverse capability; they represent an incredible resource for innovating rail operations and performance.

“However, the barriers for introducing innovation to rail can be difficult to navigate.

“By working in partnership with Innovate UK and particularly Ian, we can provide real support for our members, helping them to develop new products and services and access funding and guidance.

“When combined with our wider innovation workstream, we are confident that our members will have every opportunity to bring forward innovation.”