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New freight entrants and the obstacles they face

Inside a Class 321 Varamis Rail train. Pic: PAUL CLIFTON

The newest entrant to the rail freight market is parcels carrier Varamis. Paul Clifton asks founder Phil Read what he needs from an incoming government for his venture to thrive.

In a nutshell: more freedom,” says a weary Phil Read. He’s been up half the night, sorting a problem with his service between Birmingham and Glasgow.

“If you want me to moan for an hour about the challenges facing a new disrupter to come into the industry, I can do so. Because I have some stories for you!”