East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward explores regional rail innovation and emerging talent at Siemens in Derby: East Midlands Mayor Derby visit

25 Nov 2025

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward explores regional rail innovation and emerging talent at Siemens in Derby

  • East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward and Amy Harhoff, Chief Executive of the East Midlands Combined County Authority, tour Siemens Mobility’s Derby office to meet local employees and see cutting-edge rail infrastructure technology
  • The team is at the forefront of integrating Digital Conflict Resolution (DCR), an advanced rail Traffic Management system that predicts and resolves conflicts on the network to reduce disruption to passenger journeys
  • Siemens Mobility employs approx. 150 people in Derby, reinforcing its contribution to local job creation and skills development

Siemens Mobility’s Derby office recently welcomed East Midlands Mayor, Claire Ward and Amy Harhoff, Chief Executive of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). The visit, which aligns with EMCCA's strategic goals to unlock local opportunities, provided great insight into Siemens Mobility's substantial impact in Derby and its vital contribution to national and regional development within the UK rail industry.

Claire Ward, East Midlands Mayor, said:

“I was greatly impressed by my visit to Siemens Mobility’s Derby office. It’s wonderful to see such advanced technology and innovation being developed here in the East Midlands, supporting our national rail network, boosting the local economy, and helping us improve transport, one of my key commitments when I was standing for election.

Siemens Mobility’s long history in the region and its commitment to creating jobs and developing skills - especially through its excellent Entry Level Talent programmes - is truly impressive. Siemens Mobility is an important partner in our region’s growth, and I look forward to continuing to work with the company to improve transport and support prosperity across the East Midlands.”

During the tour, guests were shown a live demo of Digital Conflict Resolution (DCR), a traffic management system that monitors the rail network in real-time, proactively predicting and resolving potential conflicts before they escalate, allowing for a smooth operational timetable that significantly reduces delays, enhances reliability, and improves overall network efficiency for passengers and freight.

Rob Morris, Joint UK&I CEO and Managing Director for Rail Infrastructure and Software, said:

"It was a privilege to welcome Mayor Claire Ward and Amy Harhoff to our Derby facility. Their visit highlights the important role of regional collaboration, innovation, and skilled talent in shaping the future of UK rail. We are very proud of our deep roots in Derby and our strong contribution to transforming rail travel and transport across the East Midlands. Our commitment to investing in technological advancements and fostering local talent through our Entry Level Talent programmes is key to our mission. We look forward to continuing our support to the EMCCA strategic goals.”

Mayor Claire Ward and Amy Harhoff also had the opportunity to hear firsthand from six local apprentices about their current projects and contributions to rail innovation in Derby and the East Midlands, as well as their aspirations for the future.

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