Over 100 representatives and local SME business owners from across the supply chain attended the event. This year, the event and gala dinner focused on how Siemens can go further to support SMEs across the supply chain, working with them to promote innovation, and drive local growth in communities throughout the UK.
The interactive forum gave suppliers a platform to showcase their expertise and discuss their future plans. The day was filled with great discussions and thought provoking presentations about collaboration, innovation, digitalisation, localisation and a request to create a lasting rail legacy, especially for mayor projects like the Deep Tube Upgrade Programme and potentially HS2. At the event guidance was offered from SMEs who have worked with Siemens on how to maximize the partnership opportunities available.
Attendees also gained an insight into how the National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR), which is affiliated to Siemens, can offer support to SMEs through its apprenticeship and training programmes.
William Wilson, Managing Director of Rolling Stock, Siemens Mobility Limited, said:
“Innovation and collaboration are key to the success of the rail industry’s future; we currently spend £1.8 billion with suppliers in the UK, which goes towards supporting over 59,000 UK jobs, including 22,000 in our UK supply chain.” “We’re proud of the work we do to support and grow the rail supply chain and are committed to increasing local supply chain content in the global contracts that are awarded to us. Siemens Mobility announced earlier this year plans to build a new factory in Goole, East Yorkshire, to manufacture and commission trains. This step is only possible by having good relationships with innovative and reliable UK suppliers.”
ENDS
