Philip Hoare has been appointed as Chair of the Rail Supply Group (RSG)

The RSG is responsible for delivering the rail sector deal which was agreed last year by industry and government. It aims to improve:

• Customer experience – by driving greater capacity on the railways through the roll out of digital technologies and by increasing data sharing to enhance the services available to customers and improve journey planning
• The economy – by making more effective use of existing network capacity and moving goods between suppliers, manufacturers and customers reliably and efficiently
• The rail industry supply chain – by making it more focused, efficient, productive and confident, with investment in skills, stock and capital equipment through enhanced confidence in the pipeline of work

These goals will be achieved through work focused on four key pillars – digitalisation, data sharing, sustainability and boosting exports and inward investment, all underpinned by efforts to enhance skills, people and productivity.

Delivery of the sector deal will be further boosted by the appointment of Neil Ridley as Programme Manager. With over 30 years’ experience in the transport sector, most recently as Director of the Unlocking Innovation Scheme at the Railway Industry Association, Neil will be responsible for coordinating and driving forward work on the sector deal.

Commenting on his appointment as chair of the RSG, Philip Hoare, said: “The rail sector deal marked an important step forward for the industry in developing not only a world class supply chain but also the resilient railway Britain needs. I’d like to thank Gordon for his huge contribution; an efficient and reliable rail service is essential to keep the UK moving and improving productivity. The industry is committed to improving the service it delivers to users of the railway and I look forward to leading the Rail Supply Group in the next stage of realising this important strategy.”

Paul Plummer, CEO of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “The railway and its supply chain are key parts of Britain’s economy and by working more closely together they can do even more to boost prosperity in the years ahead. Philip is the ideal person to make that happen. Delivering the sector deal for rail will help to create even more jobs in rail, secure a better service for customers and position Britain at the forefront of rail technology worldwide.”

Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association, said: “Philip has long been a keen advocate of the rail industry and was instrumental in getting the Rail Sector Deal signed with Government. So, it is great to have him steering the Rail Supply Group as it moves into the delivery phase of the Sector Deal.

“The Sector Deal provides a platform for the rail industry to deliver even more for UK plc, by bringing Government and industry together in a collaborative relationship. With Philip at the helm, we will have the expertise and drive to deliver the Sector Deal, and provide the benefits it sets out.”