The 2024 National Rail Awards (NRAs) are now open for entries.
The NRAs are Britain’s biggest and most-respected rail awards which recognise and reward the people, companies and initiatives that demonstrate innovation and excellence in the UK's rail industry.
The NRAs celebrate achievements and excellence across every aspect of the railway, from senior management to individuals on the front line, as well as safety triumphs, major engineering successes, and environmental sustainability.
This year’s ceremony takes place on September 12 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.
Network Rail chairman, Lord Hendy said: “The National Rail Awards is a brilliant event - a high point of the rail industry’s annual calendar which recognises all our achievements.
“My favourite part is the acknowledgement of the personal achievements of ordinary workers who have done extraordinary things. But there is something for every part of the railway, and I’d encourage everyone in the rail sector to consider entering the 2024 awards.”
"The NRAs are for everybody, not just the main line operators. We want to see entries from the underground, metro, light rail and tram sectors – you have as much right to be celebrated at the NRAs as anyone else." Sir Michael Holden, managing director at Coledale Consulting and an NRA judge
Judging panel
This year’s awards welcome three new judges to the panel, which will run under the guidance of Clive Nicholls, judge chair.
Bonnie Price, who was appointed chair of the Young Rail Professionals (YRP) in April 2023 after serving as vice-chair and national treasurer, is judging the Passenger Operator of the Year and Great Place to Work categories.
She is also a consultant for global consulting, construction, engineering and operating company, Egis Group.
Simon Kendler, regional freight manager at Network Rail, will be judging the Freight and Logistics Achievement of the Year and Fleet Achievement of the Year categories.
He became vice-chair at YRP in April last year and has been involved in the organisation for more than four years.
The third debutant on the judging panel is Ian Prosser, director of Railway Safety and HM chief inspector of railways, Office of Rail and Road.
He will join the Innovation of the Year panel.
Angel Trains, one of Britain’s leading rolling stock companies, has been Platinum Sponsor of the National Rail Awards since 2000 and is again supporting the event for 2024.
“Winning the National Rail Award for Innovation of the Year is a fantastic achievement, especially as we are receiving such high recognition from our colleagues in the railway industry.
This award will help us to get the support and interest to see the Flow bridge become an everyday sight on the railway and encourage others to bring innovation to the railway.”
Owen Thomas, R&D project manager, and Andy Cross, programme manager, Network Rail - winner of Innovation of the Year.
For every sector
This year, RAIL is encouraging more entries from the light rail, underground and tram sectors, which have been under-represented over the past few awards ceremonies.
Sir Michael Holden, managing director at Coledale Consulting and an NRA judge, said: “The NRAs are for everybody, not just the main line operators.
"We want to see entries from the underground, metro, light rail and tram sectors – you have as much right to be celebrated at the NRAs as anyone else. We are ready to receive your entries.”
NRA judges are also keen to stress that the awards are not just for the largest suppliers; SMEs who can evidence their excellent and innovation will compete on an even footing with entries from bigger organisations.
Seven reasons to enter the NRAs:
- Credibility and recognition of business excellence
- Personal recognition; career-enhancing
- Benchmarking versus competitors
- Employee engagement, morale, and motivation
- Invaluable marketing from positive press coverage
- Increased customer awareness
- Attract talent to the business
Timeline:
- January: Entries now open. Go to the awards website
- March 28: Entry deadline for all categories
- May 13: Initial judges’ meeting to review entries
- June: Judging takes place (due diligence shortlist presentations)
- July 8: Second judging session to confirm finalists and decide winners
- Mid-July: Shortlist revealed
- September 12: Winners revealed at the National Rail Awards black-tie ceremony, Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London
2024 categories:
- Station of the Year – Small
- Station of the Year – Medium
- Station of the Year – Large
- Station of the Year – Major
- Safety Achievement of the Year
- Freight and Logistics Achievement of the Year
- Customer Service Excellence
- Major Project of the Year
- Infrastructure Achievement of the Year
- Fleet Achievement of the Year
- Outstanding Teamwork Award
- Passenger Operator of the Year
- Environmental Excellence
- Outstanding Personal Contribution – frontline
- Outstanding Personal Contribution – management
- Outstanding Personal Contribution - senior management
- Outstanding Contribution to Society
- Innovation of the Year
- Great Place to Work
- NRA special award
- Lifesaver Awards
Entries for this year’s National Rail Awards will close on March 28, 2024.
For more information on how to enter, full criteria and judging information, or to enquire about booking tables, visit the National Rail Awards website.
Enter the 2024 National Rail Awards now
Pictures from the 2023 National Rail Awards
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