Virtual Conference

Rail Freight Group Conference

Securing growth in a changing sector: the impacts of rail reform, devolution and decarbonisation.

Wednesday 14 October 2020

Programme

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14th October

08:45

Networking time

09:30

Chair’s welcome and opening remarks

Maggie Simpson

Director General

Rail Freight Group

Part 1: Rail reform and the impact on freight: preparing as a sector for an evolving network

09:40

Message from Rail Minister on Government commitment and support for development of rail and rail freight growth

Proposals and progress with rail reform
Investment in rail

Chris Heaton-Harris MP

Minister of State

09:55

Network Rail update: Plans for the freight network

Providing freight pathways and improving capacity
Progress with improvements in CP6
Further plans to reduce bottlenecks on the network
Recent restructure and how the freight industry can engage with Network Rail

Andy Saunders

Delivery Director

Network Rail

10:20

ORR update: Supporting freight and helping to deliver freight growth

Regulation in rail freight

Declan Collier

Chair

Office of Rail and Road

10:40

Morning networking and break

11:10

Panel discussion: Plans for rail reforms and what these mean for rail freight

What do the proposals mean for freight?
Where are the opportunities and challenges of the reforms?
What does the freight sector need to do to prepare for changes?

John Thomas

Director of Policy

Rail Delivery Group

Kathryn Oldale

Head of Strategy, Policy and Communications

DB Cargo

Peter Graham

Head of Rail Strategy

Freightliner

11:50

Operator update: Priorities, focus and opportunities for 2020 and beyond

Opportunities and markets to explore in 2020 and the future
Growth plans and development
Responding to changes in the rail sector

Liam Day

Commercial Director

GB Railfreight

12:10

Networking lunch

Part 2: Devolution and the opportunities for freight

13:10

Further regional devolution: What are the plans for freight development?

What does further devolution mean for rail freight?
Plans and investment in rail freight schemes
Opportunities for freight development
How rail can help build regional growth

10 minute updates from each speaker followed by panel discussion

Richard Mann

Senior Rail Programme Manager

Midlands Connect

Martin Tugwell

Programme Director; President

England’s Economic Heartland Strategic Alliance; CIHT

13:50

Importance of investing in rail freight at ports

Responding to changing trade routes and patterns
The importance for improved inland routes and connections

Geoff Lippitt

Group Business Development Director

PD Ports

14:10

Afternoon networking and break

14:40

Delivering port growth development and the associated freight benefits

The possible use of free ports
Developing and investing in improving rail connectivity

Richard Ballantyne

Chief Executive

British Ports Association

Part 3: Responding to the 2040 decarbonisation targets – the challenges and opportunities for rail freight

15:00

Delivering the fleet of 2040 and beyond: Progress and innovation needed

Innovations and advancements – what progress is being made and what new technologies are emerging?
Possible fuels and requirements for future rolling stock

15:20

Decarbonisation – the opportunities and challenges for rail freight

The future competition road could offer rail in terms of sustainability and carbon emissions – how can rail remain competitive?
The rise of electric vehicles and what this means for rail freight - timelines and the potential for HGVs
Ensuring rail keeps offering environmental benefits

Andrew Kluth

Lead Carbon Specialist

RSSB

Jonathan Brown

Technical and Innovation Engagement Lead – Rail

Ricardo

16:00

Chair’s closing remarks

16:10

Close of conference and networking time

*All sessions include time for Q & A*

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