South West industry leaders meet in Swindon to discuss regional rail improvements
Business leaders and decision makers met in Swindon last week to discuss improvements to rail infrastructure in the South West.
The event was organised by Western Gateway – the South West and South Wales powerhouse – with rail management firm D2 Rail and Swindon-based business support firm The Future Smiths.
Industry figures including Frank Anatole, principal architect of Network Rail, James Cooke, deputy director of the Western Gateway and representatives from Innovate UK and Transport for Wales discussed the implementation of the Western Gateway 2050 Rail Vision, which aims to improve services between the West and London.
The UK’s Net Zero Review chair to speak at Western Gateway's Net Zero Conference
South Swindon MP Sir Robert Buckland emphasised the pivotal role of an efficient rail system in achieving environmental goals and enhancing productivity.
He said: “I was delighted to attend this exciting event. It really highlighted the importance of collaborative working and the benefits of bringing together industry and decision makers to create delivery opportunities.
"A fully functioning and efficient rail system is essential if we are to reach our carbon emission targets and improve our below average productivity and this has been the focus for the Western Gateway Rail Vision 2050.”
Dan Smith, head of engineering at D2, also said: “D2 Rail provide project management services for major infrastructure projects and for a company like ours, building a team in Swindon to facilitate our growth was of course the natural choice.
"As someone who grew up here, I also know the challenges and the opportunities of the area. It’s great to see the Knowledge Quarter getting the regeneration it deserves and to see the area start to come to life again.
"This evening’s event was all about bringing together a community of designers, manufacturers and suppliers so we can all work together to understand the vision for the Western Gateway and how we can support it.”
Visit Hampshire Biz News for bright, upbeat and positive business news from the county
Deputy director of the Western Gateway, James Cooke, highlighted their commitment to cost-effective delivery and high-quality design standards. The event coincided with the formal endorsement of the Global Centre for Rail Excellence Vision, demonstrating the organisation's determination to propel its vision forward.
Simone Ward-Baptiste, co-founder of The Future Smiths, said: "We have the pleasure of working with some of the most creative minds in Swindon and Wiltshire.
“As part of that work, we’re keen to connect them to the people that matter most in their sector. That’s why it’s important that we host events like the Rail Innovation Series, alongside partners like D2 and The Western Gateway.”
