Rail Forum relocates to Derby’s ‘Station Quarter’

Rail Forum has announced it has relocated its headquarters to Derby’s ‘Station Quarter’ in advance of ambitious regeneration plans.

The national trade association, which represents almost 400 rail-related  businesses, has moved to Paul Duval House, next door to Derby Midland Station and in the heart of Derby City Council’s ambitious plans to regenerate the area.

Rail Forum said the new location offers easy access to industry colleagues and stakeholders visiting Derby by rail, while also being within walking distance of members based on Pride Park or within the city.

The new Rail Forum base is also well placed to support industry teams and local stakeholders in line with work happening in advance of Great British Railways (GBR) to better integrate the rail industry.

In October last year, industry and regional leaders came together with the Secretary of State for Transport to launch Rail Campus Derby, which will accelerate cross-industry collaboration in Derby, in advance of the legislation that will establish GBR and deliver the new HQ.

Elaine Clark OBE, chief executive of Rail Forum, said: “I’m enormously grateful to the former team at GBRTT, Network Rail East Midlands Route colleagues and Shadow GBR for recognising the role that the supply chain can play in delivering an integrated railway.

“Our objectives may occasionally not align, but our passion for the railway and the difference it can make to the communities we serve is shared.

“We look forward to playing our part in unlocking new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and revenue growth, so that together we can deliver a truly Great British Railways.”

Laura Shoaf CBE, chair of Shadow GBR, said: “I’m thrilled to see this positive step towards a more integrated rail industry as we move closer to the formal stand up of GBR.

“The work Rail Forum does in bringing together stakeholders is vital to our ambition of delivering a simpler and better railway for our passengers and freight users.”