The Director of Rail Integration and Security at the Department for Transport (DfT) has praised the UK rail’s supply chain and the impact organisations are having on projects all over the world.
Benjamin Smith made the comments in front of 300 key influencers, Government officials and industry leaders at the Railway Industry Association’s (RIA) UK InnoTrans Networking Reception at the British Embassy in Berlin, Germany.
“In this exciting time for the UK rail industry the Government remains committed to the important role the private sector and rail supply chain plays in delivering the best for passengers and the taxpayers.
“I’m in no doubt that international partners recognise the expertise and value the UK rail supply chain can bring to their railways and the UK stands ready to support transformational change in projects around the world to pave the way for a greener, safer and more resilient future.”
Earlier on Wednesday, members of RIA had taken Benjamin and his colleagues from the DfT on a tour of the stands of the UK Pavilions at InnoTrans, the world’s leading trade show for transport technology, showcasing the products and services of both RIA members and non-members.
Benjamin added: “I’ve had a fantastic day exploring the UK Pavilions with some counterparts from around the world flying the flag for the UK rail industry.
“Something that struck me as I’ve gone around the show is the energy amongst businesses here and the depth and breadth of experience on the show. To see it brought to life at InnoTrans really illustrates why the UK is such a sought after partner for rail projects around the world. The UK has a world-leading rail sector and has had for the last two centuries leading with creativity, technical prowess and unwavering commitment to grow our industry.”
Guests at the Networking Reception also heard speeches from Darren Caplan, Chief Executive Officer at RIA, who spoke of a need for the industry to talk positively about the light at the end of the tunnel and not just the tunnel, and James Brewer, Head, Rail Supply Chains, at the Department for Business & Trade, who highlighted the work the organisation is doing to support the rail industry; as well as a video message from the Rail Minister Lord Hendy, who highlighted the importance of celebrating the past, present and future of the railways ahead of its 200th anniversary next year.
“For nearly 200 years the railways have been part of the fabric of our nation and one of our most treasured public institutions,” said Lord Hendy. “September 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the first passenger railway in the world. Since then pioneered designing, engineering and construction have all been, and will always be at the heart of the UK approach to rail.
“Railway 200 is a cross industry initiative to recognise this landmark occasion and will celebrate the past, present and future of the rail industry, and it is this future that I am most excited about, this mission focussed Government is committed to delivering for Britain’s railway by putting passengers at the heart of the service, reforming the railways and bringing them into public ownership
“We remain committed to the important role to the private sector of the rail industry such as opportunities for private rolling stock leases companies, private rail freight operators and open access operators, and of course the huge rail supply chain, undoubtedly it is a brilliant and exciting time for the UK’s railways. Our rail sector continues to be a world leader, This Government stands firmly behind you.”
Platinum sponsor of the Networking Reception was AtkinsRéalis; Gold sponsors Connected Places Catapult, Loram UK Ltd and Rail Products; and Silver sponsors Arcadis, Bender UK Ltd, British Steel and Furrer & Frey.
Colette Carroll, OBE, Managing Director, Transportation, AtkinsRéalis, said: “When I think about the mission over the next year, and I think about how important rail is to place-based growth, economic growth, I’m just really excited. If we span forward 20 years I think this team, this group will need a bigger embassy to drink in.
“Enjoy everything that InnoTrans brings. InnoTrans brings connectivity, it brings creativity, it brings ideas. But the most important thing it does it bring people together.”
