Update Spring 2020
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RIA sets out Coronavirus concerns to Transport Select Committee
RIA has published its submission to the Transport Select Committee on the impact of Coronavirus to rail businesses. The submission sets out that: • Whilst there has been positive engagement between rail suppliers and Government, Network Rail and HS2 Ltd, rail suppliers would like to see stronger engagement with clients like Transport for London and also the Train Operating Companies; • Suppliers have welcomed the assurance that rail work should go ahead, where it is safe to do so; • The industry’s main concern is a hiatus or drying up of work; and • Continued effective communication and engagement throughout the railway industry will be essential as the UK moves to the next stage of tackling the virus. Chief Executive Darren Caplan said that "the past few months have been incredibly challenging for many in rail, and it is noticeable and welcome that the railway industry has received such strong support from the Government and clients like Network Rail and HS2 Ltd."
Member Services area makes accessing RIA intel easier RIA has launched a new Member Services area on our website, which will make it easier for members to access the information and intelligence they need. The area appears when logged on as a blue tab on the right hand side of the orange menu bar. From this drop down menu, RIA members can access their account, including their subscriptions to various mailings, see past mail outs and find the online communities with the latest presentations from events.
The new Member Services drop down menu (right)
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Member satisfaction hits record high
An independent survey of RIA members held in April/May revealed 80% are either 'very happy' or 'quite happy with membership, with 47% saying they are 'very happy', a record high in the three years we have conducted this poll. RIA members continued to list 'lobbying' as the most important RIA activity, followed by technical & innovation work, profile raising, networking activities and exports support. Thanks to all RIA members who took part - we are analysing your feedback to ensure we continue to improve our services.
RIA Coronavirus Update RIA reaches 300 Members We are aware that this will be a difficult
time for many RIA members and rail businesses following the outbreak of Coronavirus. RIA's award winning Innovation Conference back, with bookings now In these isextraordinary times RIA is open! Last year the event saw around adapting to continue to support the 300 attendees explore key topics within the membership. We have now delivered rail innovation sphere, with presentations a number of our events ‘virtually’ from HS2working Chief Executive Mark and are to provide the Thurston latest and Network Rail Chief Executive advice as it comes in through ourAndrew Haines. weekly Mails to members, through our regular The Coronavirus updates and on our website. We are also raising any concerns or issues you have with Government and clients, and will continue to do so throughout the outbreak. As ever, please contact us if you have any questions or if there is anything we can do as a trade association to support you and the wider industry - contact details of each function are listed within this Update.
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At RIA's Parliamentary Reception held on 29 January, we announced that membership has hit a record 300 organisations. The 300th member to join was global technology provider IBM who received their membership certificate at the reception in front of 200 politicians and rail players. The company received their membership certificate with Graham Stuart MP, then International Trade, now Exports, Minister.
From L-R: DIT Minister Graham Stuart MP, Julian Burnett, Vice President, IBM, and Darren Caplan, Chief Executive, RIA ria@riagb.org.uk www.riagb.org.uk