The Rail Forum Midlands (RFEM) has elected Paul Francis as its new chairman. Paul is managing director of Derby based Porterbrook Leasing; he also sits on the executive of the Rail Supply Group which brings government and industry together to promote and develop the UK rail supply chain. Paul replaces former RFM chairman Colin Walton who held the post for over 10 years.
In recognition of Colin Walton’s commitment to, and support for, the East Midlands’ rail industry members of RFM unanimously elected Colin to the new role of Rail Forum President. Colin will provide advice and support to the new Chairman as well as represent the Rail Forum in the many industry forums in which he participates.
Paul Francis Chairman of the Rail Forum Midlands said “I would like to congratulate Colin on his election as Rail Forum President and I am very pleased that he has agreed to continue working with our members to promote the East Midland’s rail industry.
“Transport Secretary Chris Grayling MP recently called our region ‘Britain’s transport engine room’. And so it is. As chair of the Rail Forum I am determined that we will build on this reputation by helping to grow skills; stimulate innovation and increase exports; so that the East Midlands rail industry can lead the way in delivering post Brexit prosperity.”
Paul and Colin were elected at the RFM Annual General Meeting which took place on Wednesday 31st August and was hosted by UK train manufacturer Bombardier Transportation.
The AGM also saw the RFM board strengthened to better represent the diversity of organizations and skills to be found in the East Midlands Rail cluster. The following organizations are represented on the RFM Board:
– Bombardier
– C S Walton Consulting Ltd
– Collis Engineering
– Datum Composites
– Derby City Council
– Derbyshire County Council
– DeltaRail
– Department for International Trade
– D2N2 LEP
– East Midlands Councils
– East Midlands Trains
– Geldards
– Inside Out Group
– Network Rail
– Qualitrain
– Porterbrook
– Rail Positive Relations
– Unite the Union
The AGM also heard that new Rail Minister Paul Maynard MP has agreed to speak at the RFM Annual Conference which is being held at the iPro Stadium in Derby on the 16th September 2016.
For further information on the Rail Forum Midlands please contact Rupert Brennan Brown: Rupert@railpr.com
