SMEs TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT RVE

SMALL AND medium enterprise (SME) growth through collaboration is set to be the key theme at Modern Railways RVE 2019. The theme aligns with the Midlands pilot of the Rail Supply Group sector deal. This workstream is being led by Modern Railways RVE partner organisation Rail Forum Midlands, which organises the RVE Meet The Buyer event.

The fortunes of SMEs in the supply chain have always been at the heart of Modern Railways RVE’s ethos. As well as the RVE Meet The Buyer event, the range of exhibitors has showcased suppliers of a host of key components. This year’s conference at Modern Railways RVE will pick up on the theme of collaboration within the supply chain, with further details to follow.

Collaboration among small and medium enterprises also forms a theme for Porterbrook’s Innovation Hub, the company’s repurposed Class 319 on which suppliers can display their products. Modern Railways RVE Platinum Sponsor Porterbrook launched the call to the supply industry to make submissions for the Innovation Hub at the 2018 show. The concept was a great success, with 25 suppliers demonstrating 30 new products and innovations on the train this year. Modern Railways RVE 2019 will see the company launch a further call for ideas, but this time with a more focused theme of collaboration for growth.

Companies interested in being part of the Innovation Hub should e-mail think@porterbrook.co.uk or visit the company’s stand at Modern Railways RVE. For more information about the work led by Rail Forum Midlands around the sector deal visit www.midlandsrail.co.uk