The Rail Forum Podcast
Welcome to The Rail Forum Podcast — your audio gateway into the UK rail industry. Brought to you by Rail Forum, the national trade association established in 1993 and owned by our members, this podcast explores the people, ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping rail today and tomorrow. From infrastructure and rolling stock to innovation, exports, skills, and strategy, we sit down with industry leaders, clients, government voices, and subject matter experts to connect the dots across a fast-evolving sector. Each episode supports our mission of “Unleashing UK rail excellence, together” — aligning with our core pillars of supporting, connecting, informing, and representing our diverse member base. Whether you’re part of the rail supply chain, a policymaker, or simply passionate about the future of transport, join us for insight, collaboration, and conversation that moves the industry forward.
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Episodes
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
In the second episode of the Rail Forum Patron Podcast Series, Elaine Clark OBE sits down with Tim Bentley, Group Managing Director and Regional Vice President at Wabtec, to explore the company’s significant new investment programme in the UK — including the development of a £30 million rail technology hub in Barton.
Tim shares how Wabtec’s expanded capabilities will strengthen the UK supply chain through:
Enhanced engineering, digital and subsystem expertise
Greater domestic capability across wheelsets, bogies, air-con, electronics and more
A growing apprenticeship pipeline and long-term investment in skills
New data-driven approaches to asset management and performance improvement
The conversation also looks more broadly at the future of the railway: collaboration between suppliers and operators, the role of GBR, and the importance of confidence and stability for long-term investment decisions.
This episode offers an honest, forward-looking discussion about how a stronger UK supply chain can support better performance, lower lifecycle costs, and improved outcomes for passengers and freight customers.
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
In this inaugural episode of the Rail Forum Patron Podcast Series, we explore how 'Initiate' is transforming the way railway possessions are managed in Scotland.
Craig Milne, Planning and Logistics Director at Network Rail Scotland, and Ben Rudkin, Operations Director at Resonate, join the discussion to share how collaboration and innovation have enhanced safety, efficiency, and planning across the network.
Hosted by Jemma Smalls, Communications, Policy and Public Affairs Manager of Rail Forum, this episode shines a light on how partnership between Network Rail and industry suppliers is driving practical, scalable improvements — delivering a safer, smarter, and more connected railway.
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
In the final episode of our Rail Safety Week 2025 series, Elaine Clark OBE (Rail Forum) is joined by Laura Shoaf CBE (Shadow Great British Railways) for a powerful conversation on tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in the rail sector. Together they explore the scale of the issue, the importance of leadership and cultural change, and the practical steps that can help create safer journeys for both passengers and staff across the wider transport network.
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
The conversation centers around mental health, with Richard sharing his personal journey, reflections on recovery, and thoughts on the state of mental health support within the rail industry.
Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
Rail Forum Chair, Will Rogers, speaks with Sir Andrew Haines (Chief Executive of Network Rail) about all things 'Safety in Rail' - an insightful and poignant conversation as Rail Safety Week 2025 (#RSW25) commences.