Rail Forum Board

Will is currently Managing Director of East Midlands Railway; he was appointed as Chair of the Rail Forum in July 2022. Will’s 20+ year rail career includes several roles in train operating companies together with a significant amount of experience in the supply chain with Interfleet (now SNC Lavalin). Will brings a wealth and depth of knowledge spanning the whole industry at a time of significant change as we navigate the implementation of the rail reform agenda that underpins the Williams Shapps Plan for Rail.

In her ‘day job’ Michelle is a Partner at Shoosmiths. Previously, she joined Geldards from Nelsons following several years contracting experience with Alstom Transport covering projects across the whole of the UK. Michelle has experience across all aspects of rail having been involved with supporting the manufacturing, renovation, service and parts supply functions, together with West Coast Mainline, Northern & Jubilee Line and Light Rail Projects.

Simon is Business Development Director at Story Contracting Ltd, a civil engineering company that operates in the rail and construction sectors. Having cut his teeth in the rail industry at Babcock, he was CEO of Derby-based ISS Labour and Market Engagement Director at Amey Consulting & Rail. Prior to joining the rail industry, Simon served in the Royal Engineers for 30 years and deployed worldwide on numerous operations. Drawing on his military and rail experience, Simon brings his strategic and leadership skills to the Board and a passion for lifelong learning and addressing the industry’s skills gap.

Patrick McLoughlin was the Member of Parliament for Derbyshire Dales 1986 – 2019.

He has considerable experience in local and national politics.  Before becoming an MP, Patrick was a member of Cannock Chase District Council between 1980 and 1987 and of Staffordshire County Council from 1981 to 1987.

Positions held include Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Transport (1989 – 1992), Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Employment (1992 – 1993), Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Trade and Industry (1993 – 1994), Government Chief Whip (2010-2012), Secretary of State for Transport (2012 – 2016), Chairman of the Conservative Party and Chancellor to the Duchy of Lancaster (2016 – 2018), amongst many other roles.

Enroute, formerly Sustainable Transport Midlands, is a transport research group working to encourage improvement to public and active transport networks across Great Britain. We produce professional and eye-opening research into the case for transport improvement, such as higher-quality buses, trams, and trains, taking cars off the road. We also maintain a vision for the Great British sustainable transport network, including tangible and intangible targets for decision-makers.