TOCTalk 2025

Date/Time
Date(s) - May 7 2025
9:30am - 3:30pm

Location
Aston Villa Football Club, Birmingham B6 6HE

TOCTalk returns! 

In its 3rd edition, this event will provide delegates with a clear understanding of what represented Train Operating Companies are looking to include into the Annual Business Planning process (for 2026-2027).  This forward look provides supply chain partners with the opportunity to consider their own role in supporting TOCs to create compelling business case to deliver performance improvements. 

Format and Speakers 

The event will commence with a series of presentations from key industry looking at the ABP vision as well as key updates on the business planning process, procurement requirements and critically understanding the ABP justification process. 

• Will Rogers, Managing Director, East Midlands Railway 
• Jag Maitala, Interim Project Director, Department for Transport 
• Timothy Woodward,  Head of Coordination and Planning, Rail Services Group, Department for Transport  
• Paul Harwood, Director of Passenger & Freight Services, Great British Railways 

In the second session we will welcome each participating TOC to the stage for an update on their aspirations for the APB and what they are seeking from the supply chain to support this. 

Formal proceedings will close with a networking lunch, providing delegates with the opportunity to chat with our TOC guests. 

Finally, the afternoon session will see table discussions around key topics including: 

• Devolution 
• Accessibility 
• Obsolescence 
• Localised content 
• Customer service – when things go wrong 

We will share more on how these discussions will take place in the joining instructions. 

Which Train Operating Companies? 

• Avanti West Coast 
• Cross Country
• East Midlands Railway 
• Greater Anglia 
• Mersey Rail 
• Northern Trains 
• West Midlands Trains 

Event Partners 

We are thrilled to have the following event partners: 

	“Angel Trains recognises the supply chain’s vital role in operator success and I’m looking forward to joining the conversation at Rail Forum’s 2025 TOCTalk.” Matthew Labuda, Head of Customer Service Department North, Marketing & Communications
	“EAO Ltd are excited to be a partner of TOCTalk 2025. We work closely with TOC’s, train builders and ROSCO’s to understand what they want from their suppliers and to help them meet the needs of their passengers.  EAO Ltd is a rail industry specialist, with dedicated staff, experienced in managing and delivering projects for switches used in passenger doors, cabs and WC’s and charging systems for phones and laptops.  We look forward to hearing about the latest developments and future plans of the individual TOC’s so we can align ourselves with their objectives and continue to offer relevant advice and innovative solutions that help meet the needs of the rail industry. Alex Grout , Managing Director
	Encompass Engineering is proud to sponsor TOCTalk 2025, bringing rail suppliers and train operators together to share insights and tackle industry challenges. We specialise in reliable, high-quality engineering solutions that keep the rail network moving. TOCTalk is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and explore new ways to support train operators. We look forward to insightful discussions, building new relationships and contributing to the future of rail. We hope to see you there! Josh Gilsenan, Operations Director
	“We are delighted to be an event partner for TOCTalk and are really excited to hear about some of the innovative initiatives being undertaken by the Train Operating Companies and wider supply chain. We are also looking forward to networking with clients new and old where we would be delighted to discuss some of the exciting things we are up-to at Frazer Nash Consultancy.”  Paul Whitcombe, Senior Business Manager from Frazer Nash Consultancy
	We are absolutely delighted to be an Event Partner at the TOC Talk in May  At Tecforce we thrive on building partnerships, and we are really looking forward to hearing the speakers from these Prominent TOCS.  Developing relationships through engagement with fellow Rail Forum members and businesses is a refreshing, exciting and beneficial way to find them solutions.  We are privileged to work in this Wonderful Industry and will see you all there. Louise Leigh, New Business Manager

Who should attend? 

This event is ideal for any company, particularly supply chain, seeking to understand how the National Rail Contracts work and specifically what TOCs are looking to deliver for their services in 2026-2027. 

Tickets 

Rail Forum members can book up to 2 free places at this event, with an additional charge of £50 for extra places. 

Non-members can book up to 1 place at this event for a fee of £200 plus VAT. 

Bookings will close on 25th April 2025 at 5.00pm or earlier if event full.

Joining instructions will be issued on 30th April 2025