Grab your name badge, breakfast and start your networking early

Leading investment in trains and infrastructure development projects for the operator, Chris and his team work closely with Network Rail and Transport for the in the delivery of route electrification, ETCS and improved capacity and capability.

Martin will set out how investment in the North’s transport system, and in particular investment in its railway offering, is essential to realising the potential of the North – both its economy and people. The evidence base assembled by Transport for the North sets out the size of the prize, as well as the scale of the challenge facing the North’s transport system. As Transport for the North finalises its updated Strategic Transport Plan, Martin will set out the opportunities that exist across the North to begin realising the North’s potential, and touch on how the working arrangements in the North create the opportunity to make progress with rail reform.

Join leaders of Industry for an informative conversation and Q&A on how we can reframe our approach to deliver better outcomes for the NORTH.

Panellists Include:

• Karen Heppenstall, Head of Rail, Midlands Connect
• Tricia Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Northern Trains
• Darren Oldham, Rail and Road Director, Transport for the North
• Ken Norbury, Transportation Unit General Manager, Mott MacDonald
• Jessica Patterson, Buildings & Cities Social Outcomes Lead, Mott MacDonald
  

Grab a coffee, mid morning snack and a fist full of business cards during the second networking opportunity of the day

The integration of rail and road as detailed in TfN's strategic plan is a central part of the investment strategy where world class transport supports sustainable economic growth, excellent quality of life and improved opportunities for all. What does this integration mean for the supply chain?

This panel will discuss how it is essential to work in a partnership to fully understand the needs of our customers, address their challenges and develop solutions that will deliver improvements for passengers and freight customers – at the right cost. In the current economic climate, it is more important than ever that every pound is spent wisely.

• James Corker, Rail Sector Director, Skanska UK PLC
• Paul Harwood, Programme Director, GBRTT
• Elena Stebbings, Project Director, Mott MacDonald
• Andrew Inskip, Senior Estimator, Severfield PLC
  
  

Neil brings the latest news on the multi-billion pound programme to deliver more frequent, faster, greener trains, running on a better, cleaner and more reliable railway for the North. The TRU is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the UK today working with a range of suppliers to return the best possible value for passengers. Listen to Neil share some key takeaways on safety, sustainability and innovation in what has been a big year for the programme.

Grab your lunch, talk to the speakers about how you can help with their challenges and network with new customers.

• Nick Smith, Regional Growth Manager, West Coast Partnership
  
• Andrew Dixon, Head of High Speed Rail - Infrastructure Delivery & Development Programme, Manchester City Council
• Simon Elliott, Head of Rail, Transport for Greater Manchester
• Chris Coleman, Industry Programme Director, Network Rail
  
  

Arup shapes and delivers major rail projects globally and are key players in the North of England's rail investment strategy. Working with major contractors, Network Rail, HS2 and Transport for the North ARUP gives ARUP exclusive access to some of the key projects where demand for suppliers is at its highest. Join the team for a conversation around design, delivery and optimisation and learn how you can become an integral part of their supply chain.

• Andy Belcham, Director, Arup
• Anna Humphries, Head of Sustainability and Social Value, Network Rail
• Sarah Jolliffe, Environmental Sustainability Business Partner, BAM
  

Last opportunity of the day to exchange contact details with key decision-makers so you can continue productive conversations with new customers even after the event is over.

Toufic heads up an exciting, first of its kind and fully funded scheme that will deliver a higher performing and more productive railway, create a catalyst for the wider network in building the capability and learning for a more digital railway. This is huge opportunities for suppliers involved in AI, Tech and Digital Transformation to book your ticket and meet Toufic and his team who are also exhibiting specifically to meet with new suppliers.

• Natasha Hibbert, Civil Engineer- Apprentice, Mott MacDonald
• Niamh Mckeating, Apprentice Project Manager, Alstom
• Talha Ashraf, Degree Apprentice, AtkinsRealis
• Alice Smith, Sustainability Apprentice, Network Rail
  
  

As the Greater Manchester Combined Authority portfolio lead for Transport, the Mayor has prioritised tackling congestion, reforming bus services, investing in world-class cycling and walking infrastructure and working with Transport for the North to improve rail services across the city-region.

Scotty Mills is the highest-ranking black officer in the history of the Royal Marines and led Britain’s Commandos around the world. He shares his lessons of leadership and resilience working as a performance coach in the world of elite sport and business. As an advisor to the FA, he worked closely with Gareth Southgate, Harry Kane, and the England Football Team to help them reach the World Cup semi-final.