Railway Industry Association joins Reshoring UK to promote the UK’s rail industry
The Railway Industry Association, the UK trade body for the rail supply community, has joined Reshoring UK, a collaboration of industrial engineering associations focused on connecting manufacturers with trusted, accredited UK suppliers capable of delivering products and services that match their requirements.
The new partnership will support RIA members who are looking to fill the gaps in their supply chains or to support the creation of new ones, by connecting them with other companies in the UK.
Neil Walker, Exports Director at the Railway Industry Association (RIA), said: “The UK rail industry is already well recognised across the world for its innovation, expertise and ability to deliver effectively, supporting both our domestic rail network and other nations’ railways too. Yet, the results of an independent ComRes survey of rail business leaders at the end of 2019 found that more than half, 56%, felt that too little consideration was given for whether rail suppliers have a presence and support jobs in the UK. It is therefore vital that we continue to build up our domestic industry, whilst attracting foreign direct investment into the rail market, from overseas.
“That is why the Railway Industry Association is excited to be joining Reshoring UK, an organisation that brings rail suppliers with a UK presence together to create supply chains and develop an even stronger UK rail offer. We look forward to working with Reshoring UK and RIA members to deliver a growing, sustainable rail sector which provides growth, investment and export income for the benefit of UK plc.”
Baroness Burt of Solihull, Patron of Reshoring UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Railway Industry Association as a Partner in the Reshoring UK initiative. RIA will be an important contributor in the development of the network, to encourage engagement with our manufacturers to recognise the strength of the skills and innovation available to the manufacturing supply chain in the UK.”
