Hendy review: Terence Watson
Managing Director Alstom UK and Chairman of the Rail Supply Group
I am writing as chairman of the Rail Supply Group (RSG), the Sector Council established in 2014 to drive collaboration and growth in the rail supply chain.
Sir Peter’s interview was read with interest by our Council, given the significance of NR’s plans to our future. Knowing Sir Peter, it will come as no surprise that he had sought us out earlier to counsel our opinions, and we therefore noted and particularly welcomed his comments on the future of planning in the railway, a point of massive importance to his suppliers. I think it was also important to us all that he made it clear early on that his customers are both the passengers and the operators of the UK train fleet, de-fugging this over-discussed intellectual point.
It’s worth pointing out that NR has been an active member of our Council from the start, and the policies it is forming under Sir Peter’s and Mark Carne’s leadership are perhaps starting to be more aligned to industry needs and aspirations. So, yes, we support Sir Peter’s thoughts on long-term planning. Planning is crucial for the railway, helping operators manage beyond a franchise term and giving suppliers confidence to invest in new designs, new plant, and recruit skilled teams across the UK far further ahead than is currently the case.
Sir Peter’s suggestion that a 30-year plan for rail should be developed on the model of London’s transport strategy is something many in the industry will certainly support and RSG would like to be involved in. That is why, in our rail strategy, launched on February 1, we set out plans to reform rail supply that will have a sustained impact for the next ten to 15 years and beyond, including increasing engagement in skills and innovation.
Long-term planning will build on the good work of industry-led initiatives, such as the about-to-be released long-term Rolling Stock Strategy. The Government’s National Infrastructure Commission will also be essential in shaping and supporting long-term strategy for the whole economy.
Nicola Shaw is about to release her formative report into the future shape and funding of Network Rail. Its timely and comprehensive examination of the structure of the body is welcome. I’m confident that the right people are involved and have approached the review in an open way.
Read the original interview: Hendy means business at Network Rail.
