Talking Investment: Derby’s national role in the future of rail

Derby is the headquarters of Rail Forum, a highly respected national trade body representing around 400 rail sector members from across the UK. Here, in her own words, Jemma Smalls, communications, policy and public affairs manager at Rail Forum, explains Derby’s key role in the future of the industry.

Rail Forum has always called Derby home – and with good reason.

The city has rail in its DNA, but it’s not just history that keeps us here, it’s Derby’s pivotal and growing role in shaping the future of our national rail sector.

While we’ve recently relocated to new offices in John Ellis and Paul Duval House, right beside Derby station, our roots in the city run deep.

The move places us at the heart of Derby’s Station Quarter regeneration area – an ambitious plan that aligns with our focus on driving collaboration, innovation and investment in the industry.

Rail Forum is a highly respected national industry body representing some 400 member organisations from across the UK.

Our membership spans rolling stock manufacturers, infrastructure specialists, digital technology providers, SMEs and major Tier 1s – from the South West to Scotland.

And while we are proud to be based in Derby, our focus and impact are truly nationwide.

In March 2023, government announced Derby as the future headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR).

They sought to locate their headquarters in a place with rich railway heritage, strong links to the national network and significant public support – and Derby certainly met the criteria.

The East Midlands is the rail capital of the UK and Europe’s densest rail cluster, brimming with skills and expertise.

It is well-placed to support the integration and transformation GBR is aiming to deliver – and to be a catalyst for other regions across the UK.

To maximise this opportunity, Derby must champion its rail sector with the same prominence, pride and priority it gives to aviation.

Last October, we were pleased to support the launch of Rail Campus Derby, a cross-industry initiative that will help to build stronger connections between industry, academia and policy leaders – even ahead of GBR being formally established.

Our new location positions us perfectly to support that continued collaboration, welcoming colleagues from across the country with rail access quite literally on our doorstep!

Earlier this month, we were proud to take part in Alstom’s The Greatest Gathering, a major celebration as part of the Railway 200 campaign and the world’s largest-ever gathering of historic and modern trains and rail-related exhibits.

Exhibiting in the STEM Hub, we helped to showcase some of the incredible career opportunities within rail to young people and families – helping build the pipeline of future talent that our members across the UK are so eager to welcome.

We also proudly wore our Rail Safety Week hats; as custodians of this important national initiative, The Greatest Gathering was a brilliant platform to keep rail safety front of mind for the thousands of visitors of all ages.

So, while our day-to-day work focuses on national challenges and opportunities – from supporting supply chain resilience and advocating for member issues, to delivering key workstreams on manufacturing, innovation, export, skills and safety – Derby continues to provide us with a fantastic base.

One that is not only steeped in heritage, but also future-focused, well connected, and deeply collaborative.

We’re excited about what’s to come – for Derby, for GBR, and for the wider UK rail sector.

At Rail Forum, we’ll continue to champion the voice of our members wherever they’re based and work together to ensure the railway delivers for people, places and the economy – right across the country.