Continuing confidence in the strength of the UK’s rail market is underlined by the high level of industry support already shown for Railtex 2017, which takes place at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham from 9 to 11 May next year

By mid-August nearly 160 companies had reserved their stands at the country’s premier exhibition of railway technology, products and services. Among leading firms which have guaranteed their presence by signing stand contracts or reserving space are Alstom Transport, Hitachi Rail Europe, Knorr Bremse Rail UK, Siemens and Wabtec.

Exhibition Manager Kirsten Whitehouse says: “This strong early demand for stands confirms the supply industry’s confidence in the market. Every sector is represented, with around 10 per cent of exhibitors new to Railtex. One-sixth of the companies taking part are foreign, so they clearly still see good business opportunities following the Brexit vote in June. The outcome of that should help UK firms targeting export markets, and Railtex has a good track record in attracting overseas visitors – at our last show in 2015 nearly 10 per cent of visitors were from abroad.”

“There has also been a lot of interest in our First Class Exhibitors promotion,” she adds. “This offers a very attractive package of enhanced benefits to companies that contract their stand presence before 30 September.”

Evidence of the fact that it is very much ‘business as usual’ for UK rail market suppliers is the recent announcement by the Department for Transport that Abellio is to retain the East Anglia passenger franchise. This will result in a £1 billion contract for 660 new EMU cars to be built in Britain. Following the Cabinet changes that took place after the EU referendum, the Government has also confirmed its continuing commitment to its biggest rail investment, the HS2 high-speed project.

With other ongoing national network projects, fleet enhancements and major developments in London, the recent record levels of investment in rail transport in the UK look set to continue. For companies wishing to showcase how they can contribute to the industry’s continuing success, Railtex provides a great marketing opportunity.   

For further information on Railtex 2017, please contact the Railtex team today – we will be happy to help!