Rail Forum Midlands (RFM) is delighted that one of our Rail Supply Group (RSG) Rail Sector Deal SME Growth Through Collaboration Challenges has been recognised at the prestigious Rail Freight Group (RFG) Awards. The specific challenge focussed on Opportunities for Decarbonising Freight and came runner up in the Community and Environmental Responsibility category of the RFG 2021 Awards held on 9thSeptember.
The six clients involved included Freightliner, GB Railfreight, DB Cargo, ERMEWA and VTG working with Tarmac as a key customer and supported by the University of Derby’s Decarbonise team. The challenge was launched in October 2020 when 90 companies listened to an in-depth presentation by the freight operators, giving details of their challenge and providing examples of where the supply chain could help with their goal to reduce carbon emissions. Over 20 potential solutions were then submitted for consideration with 10 being taken forward. Subsequently 4 ideas were successful in securing funding totalling over £1m in the latest First of a Kind (FOAK) InnovateUK funding round.
Anna Ince, RSG Vice Chair said “The Dragon’s Den initiative is such a great example of ‘whole industry collaboration’. Rail businesses large and small, throughout the UK are ready to invest in skills, people and products that will meet global challenges like climate change. This initiative is breaking new ground in our industry’s culture.”
Robert Hodgson, Engagement Manager for RFM said “We are delighted that the hard work of both the clients and our SMEs has been recognised through this award. It demonstrates the value and importance of collaboration, which was specifically acknowledged by the judging panel, and we look forward to continuing to support those ideas being taken forward.”
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For further information regarding the SME Challenge contact:
Elaine Clark – CEO
elaineclark@midlandsrail.co.uk
About Rail Forum Midlands:
Rail Forum Midlands (RFM) is a national industry body with strong regional connections including supporting the nationally and internationally important rail supply chain cluster across the Midlands; RFM has over 290 members providing products and services across all aspects of the industry. RFM actively supports the national rail agenda and strategy, encouraging collaboration, promoting members’ capabilities, leading a number of regional skills initiatives and supporting innovation and export priorities. RFM is owned and governed by its members with a Board drawn from member companies.
www.midlandsrail.co.uk
