Rail Forum and Rail Freight Group are pleased to announce the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reinforcing their longstanding partnership and shared commitment to promoting the value of rail freight and the role that the UK rail supply chain has supporting this key sector. This agreement builds on years of successful collaboration to advocate for greater recognition of the critical role that rail freight, supported by its supply chain, has in driving economic growth and sustainability across the UK.
The signing occurred on 14 March at East Midlands Gateway, during a rail freight roundtable hosted by Maritime Transport. Rail Forum and Rail Freight Group were joined by Transport Committee member Catherine Atkinson, MP for Derby North, and Amanda Hack, MP for North West Leicestershire. The roundtable brought together members from both organisations to explore key topics including modal shift, decarbonisation, capacity constraints, planning challenges, and the need for a clear framework of duties and governance within Great British Railways to support rail freight growth. Discussions also addressed the appetite for further private sector investment and other crucial areas of interest. Transport Committee member Baggy Shanker, MP for Derby South, also joined for a tour of Maritime Transport’s rail freight terminal and to gain insights into the opportunities and challenges highlighted during the roundtable.
The previous day, 13 March, Rail Forum and Rail Freight Group held their fifth ‘Focus on Freight’ event at the Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park. Catherine Atkinson MP, industry leaders, policymakers and businesses attended a packed programme of speakers who discussed decarbonisation achievements, technological innovations, freight’s essential role in a sustainable future and some of the key challenges faced by the sector. Delegates also enjoyed a tour of Tarmac’s Mountsorrel Quarry – a key national supplier of minerals vital to the construction industry.
Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General at Rail Freight Group, said: “Growing rail freight is essential to support UK economic prosperity and the environment, and with the right support in place, we can help government deliver on its key missions across the country. Rail freight needs a vibrant and innovative supply chain if it is to succeed, and this renewed MOU will help us make the case for both sectors, working collaboratively with our colleagues at Rail Forum”.
Elaine Clark OBE, Chief Executive at Rail Forum, said: “This renewed MoU underscores our commitment to working collaboratively with Rail Freight Group to amplify the voice of the rail freight and supply chain sectors. Together, we will continue to champion the vital contributions our industries make to the UK’s economy, sustainability goals, and future resilience. Our partnership remains focused on driving progress and ensuring the value of rail freight and the supply chain is fully recognised and supported.”
Under the renewed MoU, both organisations will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that support the growth and resilience of the rail freight industry and its supply chain. This includes joint events, collaborative research, and engagement with stakeholders to highlight the sector’s value and potential.
