Guillaume Pepy, president of SNCF, offers some great insights into the state of the modern rail industry. Speaking at the museum in York during the Annual Dinner, May 2013.
(UK) Network Rail
Investment in growing railway delivers £3.2bn boost to businesses across Britain.
Investment in a bigger, better rail network generated more than £3.2bn of work for businesses across Britain over the last year, according to new figures released today by Network Rail.
More than a third – around £1.2bn – of the money spent in 2012/13 went to small and medium-sized businesses, helping support economic growth and jobs across a range of industries from telecoms suppliers and glazers to solar energy engineers and security providers.
This investment has sustained over 90,000 full-time jobs nationwide in addition to the 34,000 people directly employed by Network Rail, generating significant financial returns to central government through tax revenue and savings on benefits as well as boosting local economies.
The enhancement schemes carried out by Network Rail’s major projects division included the redevelopments of King’s Cross, Reading and Birmingham New Street stations, Crossrail, the Thameslink Programme upgrade plus dozens of other schemes to improve stations, lengthen platforms and build new railway.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, said: “Investing in infrastructure has a direct effect on the economy, creating jobs, and giving Britain the infrastructure we need to build a stronger economy and fairer society.
“This report is excellent in highlighting the opportunities for small and medium sized businesses that come with infrastructure investment. That is why we have set out £100bn of investment in infrastructure over the next Parliament, including supporting the largest programme of investment in rail since the Victorian era. I’m very glad to see that Network Rail are doing their bit to drive sustainable and balanced economic growth across the UK.”
Simon Kirby, managing director of Network Rail Infrastructure Projects, said: “The rail industry is increasingly recognised as a key contributor to our national, economic and social well-being. Across Britain, investment in a bigger, better railway has provided a massive boost to hundreds of businesses of all shapes and sizes, supporting sustainable economic growth and jobs.”
The rail industry’s supply chain is both extended and varied, ranging from professional services to the construction industry. Rail investment is therefore an important driver of growth across many of the UK’s industrial sectors.
In the last four years, Network Rail has generated £17.3bn of work for its supply chain, of which £6.2bn has been with small and medium-sized businesses – a 22% increase on the previous four years. Planned enhancements and renewals expenditure between 2014 and 2019 is approximately £25bn, with 99% of this work to be undertaken by UK-based companies.
Capital investment in rail also pays back over the longer term through wider socio-economic benefits. A good example of this is the Northern Hub project, designed to boost the economic growth of the north of England through value for money improvements to rail services. The project delivers wider economic benefits valued at over £4 for every £1 invested, and it has been estimated that this project alone will deliver an annual contribution to the northern economy of £2bn.
Simon Kirby continued: “Every day, more than three million rail journeys are made in Britain and the railway transports millions of tonnes of goods between ports and shops. But railways don’t just move people and freight. Railways connect homes and workplaces, businesses with markets, create jobs, stimulate trade and support the growth of a balanced economy.
“Network Rail will have a pivotal role to play in driving sustainable economic growth over the next five years, with plans to add 700 more trains each day between the key cities of the north, increase London’s rail capacity by 20%, build new lines to increase capacity in Scotland and electrify hundreds of miles of railway so cleaner, faster trains can run. By continuing to invest in rail, we are investing in the future of Britain.”
Mayor of London marks 50-day countdown to the opening of London's newest public space (+ video)
This investment has sustained over 90,000 full-time jobs nationwide in addition to the 34,000 people directly employed by Network Rail, generating significant financial returns to central government through tax revenue and savings on benefits as well as boosting local economies.
The enhancement schemes carried out by Network Rail’s major projects division included the redevelopments of King’s Cross, Reading and Birmingham New Street stations, Crossrail, the Thameslink Programme upgrade plus dozens of other schemes to improve stations, lengthen platforms and build new railway.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, said: “Investing in infrastructure has a direct effect on the economy, creating jobs, and giving Britain the infrastructure we need to build a stronger economy and fairer society.
“This report is excellent in highlighting the opportunities for small and medium sized businesses that come with infrastructure investment. That is why we have set out £100bn of investment in infrastructure over the next Parliament, including supporting the largest programme of investment in rail since the Victorian era. I’m very glad to see that Network Rail are doing their bit to drive sustainable and balanced economic growth across the UK.”
Simon Kirby, managing director of Network Rail Infrastructure Projects, said: “The rail industry is increasingly recognised as a key contributor to our national, economic and social well-being. Across Britain, investment in a bigger, better railway has provided a massive boost to hundreds of businesses of all shapes and sizes, supporting sustainable economic growth and jobs.”
The rail industry’s supply chain is both extended and varied, ranging from professional services to the construction industry. Rail investment is therefore an important driver of growth across many of the UK’s industrial sectors.
In the last four years, Network Rail has generated £17.3bn of work for its supply chain, of which £6.2bn has been with small and medium-sized businesses – a 22% increase on the previous four years. Planned enhancements and renewals expenditure between 2014 and 2019 is approximately £25bn, with 99% of this work to be undertaken by UK-based companies.
Capital investment in rail also pays back over the longer term through wider socio-economic benefits. A good example of this is the Northern Hub project, designed to boost the economic growth of the north of England through value for money improvements to rail services. The project delivers wider economic benefits valued at over £4 for every £1 invested, and it has been estimated that this project alone will deliver an annual contribution to the northern economy of £2bn.
Simon Kirby continued: “Every day, more than three million rail journeys are made in Britain and the railway transports millions of tonnes of goods between ports and shops. But railways don’t just move people and freight. Railways connect homes and workplaces, businesses with markets, create jobs, stimulate trade and support the growth of a balanced economy.
“Network Rail will have a pivotal role to play in driving sustainable economic growth over the next five years, with plans to add 700 more trains each day between the key cities of the north, increase London’s rail capacity by 20%, build new lines to increase capacity in Scotland and electrify hundreds of miles of railway so cleaner, faster trains can run. By continuing to invest in rail, we are investing in the future of Britain.”
Notes:
Case studies - small and medium-sized businesses:
Coleman & CompanyDemolition specialists Coleman & Company are employed by Network Rail’s delivery partner Mace to carry out much of the demolition work on the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street station, removing thousands of tonnes of concrete to create space for a stunning new atrium. Based in Great Barr in Birmingham, the company employs 150 people and last year celebrated 50 years of trading.
http://www.coleman-co.com/index.php
Sonic Rail ServicesBased in Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex, Sonic Rail Services have undertaken a number of contracts on the £6bn Thameslink Programme relating to the surveying, design and installation of electrical equipment. Following a move from subcontractor to principal contractor working directly with Network Rail in 2009, SRS has increased its permanent workforce from 40 to 70 and more than doubled its turnover.
http://www.sonicrail.co.uk/
Hawthorn CommunicationsBased in York, Hawthorn Communications is current employed by the Colas Rail Morgan Sindall joint venture on the Swindon to Kemble Redoubling Project. They are currently subcontracted to provide railway telecoms installation and testing resource.
http://hawthorne-communications.com/
Solar CenturySolar Century is a world leader in the development, design and installation of solar power systems, employing around 130 people from its base in Islington in north London. Via main contractor Balfour Beatty, Solar Century worked with Network Rail on the construction and installation of the largest photovoltaic roof in Europe on the newly expanded Blackfriars station, which spans the Thames in central London.
http://www.solarcentury.com/uk/
SelectaglazeFounded in 1966, St Albans based Selectaglaze been appointed as a supplier of noise insulation to people living alongside the railway under Crossrail Act. They will be undertaking surveying works of the eligible properties and supplying secondary glazing to properties neighbouring the Great Western Main Line in west London and the Thames Valley.
http://www.selectaglaze.co.uk/
Alun Griffiths ContractorsA long established, medium-sized civil engineering contractor based in Abergavenny, AGC employ a large number of local workers and procure most of their services locally. Following Network Rail sponsorship to achieve a principal contractor license, AGC have been successful in securing a number of rail schemes in south, mid and north Wales.
http://www.alungriffiths.co.uk/
About Network Rail Infrastructure Projects:
Coleman & CompanyDemolition specialists Coleman & Company are employed by Network Rail’s delivery partner Mace to carry out much of the demolition work on the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street station, removing thousands of tonnes of concrete to create space for a stunning new atrium. Based in Great Barr in Birmingham, the company employs 150 people and last year celebrated 50 years of trading.
http://www.coleman-co.com/index.php
Sonic Rail ServicesBased in Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex, Sonic Rail Services have undertaken a number of contracts on the £6bn Thameslink Programme relating to the surveying, design and installation of electrical equipment. Following a move from subcontractor to principal contractor working directly with Network Rail in 2009, SRS has increased its permanent workforce from 40 to 70 and more than doubled its turnover.
http://www.sonicrail.co.uk/
Hawthorn CommunicationsBased in York, Hawthorn Communications is current employed by the Colas Rail Morgan Sindall joint venture on the Swindon to Kemble Redoubling Project. They are currently subcontracted to provide railway telecoms installation and testing resource.
http://hawthorne-communications.com/
Solar CenturySolar Century is a world leader in the development, design and installation of solar power systems, employing around 130 people from its base in Islington in north London. Via main contractor Balfour Beatty, Solar Century worked with Network Rail on the construction and installation of the largest photovoltaic roof in Europe on the newly expanded Blackfriars station, which spans the Thames in central London.
http://www.solarcentury.com/uk/
SelectaglazeFounded in 1966, St Albans based Selectaglaze been appointed as a supplier of noise insulation to people living alongside the railway under Crossrail Act. They will be undertaking surveying works of the eligible properties and supplying secondary glazing to properties neighbouring the Great Western Main Line in west London and the Thames Valley.
http://www.selectaglaze.co.uk/
Alun Griffiths ContractorsA long established, medium-sized civil engineering contractor based in Abergavenny, AGC employ a large number of local workers and procure most of their services locally. Following Network Rail sponsorship to achieve a principal contractor license, AGC have been successful in securing a number of rail schemes in south, mid and north Wales.
http://www.alungriffiths.co.uk/
About Network Rail Infrastructure Projects:
- Network Rail Infrastructure Projects is the projects delivery arm of Network Rail and one of the biggest projects delivery businesses in the country.
- Between 2014 and 2019 more than £4bn will be invested per year to replace and improve the railway. Projects such as Crossrail, Thameslink, the Northern Hub, Electrification and the new Borders railway in Scotland will help increase capacity on the network.
- This will build on improvement that have already been delivered, such as the transformation of King’s Cross and Newport stations, massive improvements in Liverpool, and the Airdrie to Bathgate line in Scotland.
Mayor of London marks 50-day countdown to the opening of London's newest public space (+ video)
- The new 75,000 sq ft King’s Cross square is the final part of the £550m redevelopment of King’s Cross station
- Redevelopment has led to £2.2bn of private investment in this part of the capital with businesses such as Google and Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design moving into the area
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, and David Higgins, Network Rail’s chief executive, today (August 7) marked the 50-day countdown to the opening of London's newest public space. The mayor laid one of the final paving stones on the new King’s Cross Square, which will open to the public on September 26th.
The new space – which at 75,000 square feet square is big enough to accommodate Big Ben laid down lengthways or more than 300 of the Mayor’s New Buses for London – will give passengers and people in the area improved entrances to the London Underground, an area dedicated to public art, a stunning lighting scheme and double the number of trees.
The square, designed by architects Stanton Williams, is the final part of the £550m King’s Cross station redevelopment, which saw a brand new concourse open last year offering rail passengers three-and-a-half times more space than the 1970s concourse that it replaced. Since the new concourse opened, passenger satisfaction at the station has increased by 33%. The demolition of the old concourse and the creation of King’s Cross Square will reveal the station’s original façade for the first time in 150 years.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “The incredible regeneration of King’s Cross continues apace. Network Rail are renovating this historic location with ingenuity and flair and this wonderful new square will be the perfect gateway to almost 70 acres of new public spaces, businesses and homes for Londoners, setting a new standard that we should aspire to for all future station redevelopment."
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “The incredible regeneration of King’s Cross continues apace. Network Rail are renovating this historic location with ingenuity and flair and this wonderful new square will be the perfect gateway to almost 70 acres of new public spaces, businesses and homes for Londoners, setting a new standard that we should aspire to for all future station redevelopment."
David Higgins, Network Rail chief executive, said: “The new square will be a stunning entrance to the King's Cross area. It is the last piece in the jigsaw which has led to more than £2.2bn of private investment transforming the area into an exciting centre for business, knowledge and the arts of which the capital can be proud. If ever proof were needed that investment in rail provides a catalyst for wider economic growth, this is it.“
David Partridge, chair of the King's Cross Business Partnership, said: “King's Cross is undergoing an incredible transformation and this is being driven in part by investment in transport infrastructure, including the stunning Western Concourse and very soon, the new King's Cross Square. It is testament to the enormity of the transformation that this will actually be the second major square to open in the area in as many years.
"The King’s Cross Business Partnership welcomes the new square, we have already seen at Granary Square how large scale public spaces can provide a meeting point, an area for people to congregate and pause for a moment, as well as a focus for events, cultural and commercial activity. This is good for the public, good for local businesses and good for King's Cross."
The redevelopment of the station area has been a catalyst for one of the largest regeneration schemes in Europe, with 67 acres of brown field land being redeveloped to create eight million sq ft of offices, retail and housing. In 2011, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design moved into renovated railway buildings to the north of the station. Every day 150,000 people – 28 million a year – go through the railway station.
Notes:
London’s newest public space – King’s Cross SquareKing’s Cross Square will open in only 50 days time on September 26th. Work started in September 22012. Details of the opening will be released in due course.Key features of the square include:
- 25,000 square feet
- Two improved entrances to London Underground
- Two new retail units
- An area dedicated to public art – details of a high profile installation to be announced soon
- 19 new trees
- Solid granite benches
- A stunning lighting scheme
Restoring the station
The Grade 1 listed building, designed by Lewis Cubitt in 1852, has been restored in partnership with English Heritage: the facade will be revealed for the first time in 150 years and original features have been retained to safeguard the architectural integrity of the station.
King’s Cross station redevelopment
Since work started in 2007, Network Rail has built a new platform (Platform 0), built the new concourse, restored the Eastern and Western Range offices, which run the length of the station, and replaced the historic Handyside bridge with an accessible footbridge. To date, not a single train has been cancelled due to the work. The new concourse has provided improved facilities including better lighting, larger destination boards, clearer station announcements and more shops and restaurants.
An engine for economic growth - transforming the local environment
The redevelopment has been a catalyst for one of the largest regeneration schemes in Europe, with 67 acres of brown-field land being redeveloped to home 50 new buildings, 2,000 new homes, 20 new streets, 10 new public squares, 67 acres, and 45,000 people who live, work and study in the area. Tenants include Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design moved into renovated railway buildings to the north of the station in 2011, and BNP Paribus, Camden Council and Google are coming soon. For more information please visit http://www.kingscross.co.uk/the-development
A green station
Solar panels have been added to the renovated train sheds at the apex of the lanterns to minimise visual impact. They will cover 2,500m² and generate 10% of the station’s energy requirements.
About The King’s Cross Business PartnershipThe King’s Cross Business Partnership Ltd (KXBP) was formed in 2011 by local organisations with a view to influencing and coordinating change within the King’s Cross and St Pancras area. The KXBP currently works towards five key strategic aims:
- To promote the King’s Cross & St Pancras area
- To improve the local environment for residents, employees, customers and visitors
- To support the wider community through a Corporate Social Responsibility programme
- To act as one voice to influence local and London-wide policies, and;
- To develop the area as a business location
The KXBP membership includes a cross-section of businesses, all of which are based within the King’s Cross and St Pancras area, for example King’s Cross Central Ltd Partnership, Eurostar, HS1, The Guardian, EC Harris, Grant Thornton, King’s Place, Green & Fortune and Macmillan.
KXBP members give their time and expertise, share resources and are committed to demonstrating that, as a collective voice for business, they can achieve a positive change in the area through working in partnership with key community organisations and public service providers. Further information can be found at www.kingscrossandstpancras.com
CER - The Voice of European Railways
Public services and railways:
How can competition benefit passengers?
How can competition benefit passengers?
Tuesday, 3 September 2013 - 11:00-13:00
Co-organised with the European Economic and Social Committee
Rue van Maerlant 2 - 1040 Brussels
VMA building, room VM3
Keynote speech by MEP Isabelle Durant (Greens/EFA, BE)
The Fourth Railway Package is the last legislative proposal aiming at opening up the domestic rail passenger market. It is composed of three pillars addressing the remaining shortcomings of the Single European Railway Area.
This event will focus on the Public Service Obligation (PSO) Regulation reform. Indeed, more than 80% of all EU rail passenger services, addressing the majority of passengers' needs, fall under a PSO.
This debate will bring together three of the main rapporteurs on this dossier: André MORDANT (European Economic and Social Committee, BE), Pascal MANGIN (Committee of the Regions, EPP, FR) and MEP Mathieu GROSCH (EPP, BE), rapporteur for the proposal to amend Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007. Views from all stakeholders will be discussed, from citizens to the business sector, and from the authorities putting the PSO in place to the member states.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Foxx Announces Important Milestone on Grant for
Rochester, N.Y., Train Station.
New Station Improves Access to Amtrak Service, Passenger
Amenities
International Railway Journal
TATA Steel has been awarded a contract to supply 60,000 tonnes of rail for the 444km Haramain high-speed line between Mecca, Jeddah, and Medina, which is currently under construction.
UTAH Transit Authority (UTA) has announced it will launch commercial services on the new Draper Trax extension on August 18, adding 6.1km to Salt Lake City's light rail network.
HORDALAND County Council and Bergen Bybanen have signed a NKr 532m ($US 90.2m) contract with Skanska Norway for the construction of two sections of the third phase extension of Bergen's light rail line from Lagunen..
BRITISH train operator South West Trains (SWT) has published a contract notice in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) for an order for between 135 and 250 emu cars, which will be used to increase capacity on suburban routes south of London.
www.progressiverailroading.com US News
www.railway-technology.com Updates...
Nomad Digital installs onboard Wi-Fi on VIA Rail's Ocean trains
Wireless communications provider Nomad Digital has completed Wi-Fi installation onboard VIA Rail's long-haul Ocean trains in Canada.
Siemens secures Gurgaon metro line extension contract in India
Siemens has secured a €70m order from IL&FS Rail (Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services) to build a 7km extension to the metro line in the Gurgaon Cyber City business district in India's National Capital Region.
Amtrak and Virginia sign regional rail cost-sharing agreement
The US state of Virginia has signed a new operating and capital cost-sharing agreement with Amtrak to help provide better services for passengers in the state.
Siemens to deploy station management system for Hong Kong's East-West Line
Siemens has received a €30m contract from Hong Kong's metro operator MTR for the delivery of IT and communication technology for the East-West Line.
Shedmaster Railway News
Why Don't More U.S. Airports Connect to Amtrak? - Eric Jaffe - The Atlantic Cities
When Millennials rule, will trains roll? - San Francisco Chronicle
World Heritage & Railway News
GWR - Gloucestershire's mainline heritage railway - Lucky July passenger feedback form prize draw winner announced
Hidden Treasures Tour at the NRM - Plan a visit - National Railway Museum
BBC News - London Underground: Brompton tube station up for sale
Railway Engineering News
Numedalsbanen reactivated for logging traffic - Railway Gazette
Tata Steel lands contract for rail link between Saudi Arabia's holy cities of Mecca and Medina
Maryland Purple Line to be a PPP project - Railway Gazette
Why Don't More U.S. Airports Connect to Amtrak? - Eric Jaffe - The Atlantic Cities
When Millennials rule, will trains roll? - San Francisco Chronicle
World Heritage & Railway News
GWR - Gloucestershire's mainline heritage railway - Lucky July passenger feedback form prize draw winner announced
Hidden Treasures Tour at the NRM - Plan a visit - National Railway Museum
BBC News - London Underground: Brompton tube station up for sale
Railway Engineering News
Numedalsbanen reactivated for logging traffic - Railway Gazette
Tata Steel lands contract for rail link between Saudi Arabia's holy cities of Mecca and Medina
Maryland Purple Line to be a PPP project - Railway Gazette
GREAT DORSET STEAM FAIR
The National Heritage Show
E-Newsletter
August 2013
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GREAT DORSET STEAM FAIR 2013
WEDNESDAY 28TH AUGUST - SUNDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER
CELEBRATING OUR 45TH ANNIVERSARY!
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UPDATE FROM THE SHOW OFFICE
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We are busier than ever here in the Great Dorset Steam Fair show office, working hard towards another fantastic show, celebrating it's 45th anniversary this year. 2013 is shaping up to be a very exciting year with some great new exhibits attending the show; the Roller Special Display, a live Guinness World Record attempt, Bolddog Lings Freestyle Motocross display team, new white knuckle rides plus much, much more!
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NEW FOR GDSF 2013 - CAROUSEL BAR
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PITCHES STILL AVAILABLE TO BOOK
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We are still taking bookings for camping and tickets so make sure you book yours before 
For those of you who attended the show last year, no doubt you will remember the mud! According to the long range weather forecast, we have reason to hope for the sun to shine on the beautiful fields of Dorset at this year's show.
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