The Railway Industry Association (RIA) has revealed the shortlist for the highly anticipated Railway Industry Supplier Excellence (RISE) Awards 2025, celebrating outstanding achievements across the UK rail supply community. Winners across 13 categories will be announced at a prestigious ceremony on June 26 at The Landmark in London.
“Congratulations to all of the suppliers and individuals shortlisted for the RIA RISE Awards 2025!” said Grace Smithen, RIA Marketing & Events Director. “We’d like to thank the judging panel of industry experts for reviewing the nominations, as well as those who took the time to submit entries showcasing their achievements.”
The RISE Awards recognize excellence across the rail supply sector, which plays a vital economic role, generating over £41 billion in economic value annually and supporting more than 640,000 jobs throughout the UK. For every pound invested in rail transport, the wider economy benefits by more than £2.50.
This year’s distinguished judging panel brings together leaders from across the industry, including:
- Bonnie Price, CEO of Young Rail Professionals, who is making history as the first woman to serve two elected terms at the helm of YRP
- Mary Grant, CEO of Porterbrook since 2017, who brings 30 years of transport sector experience
- Robert Ampomah, Chief Technology Officer at Network Rail, with 27 years of industry expertise
- Toufic Machnouk, Managing Director of GBRX, recognized for pioneering innovative approaches to industry challenges
- Sam Rattigan, International Rail Manager at the Department for Business and Trade
- Gareth Evans, Head of Rail Technology at Network Rail
- Dr. Joanna White, Director of Research, Development and Innovation at National Highways
Other panel members include Justin Moss (Rail Director at Gleeds), Raye Fullard (Chair of the Women in Rail/RIA EDI Charter Working Group), Max Sugarman (Chief Executive of Intelligent Transport), Natalia Pickett (Head of Procurement at KeolisAmey Docklands), James Wiltshire (Data Strategy Lead at the Department for Transport), and Liam Henderson (Founder & Chair of The Rail Innovation Group).
The awards ceremony, part of the RIA Dinner & RISE Awards 2025, will feature arrival prosecco, a three-course dinner, and live entertainment. Standard attendees will receive half a bottle of house wine per person, while premium table bookings include additional benefits such as company logo placement in the program and premium seating closer to the stage.
“The awards showcase the very best our industry has to offer, and we look forward to celebrating with those shortlisted and the winners,” added Smithen. “The evening dinner provides unrivalled networking opportunities with live entertainment.”
The event is open to all rail industry stakeholders, though RIA advises securing tickets early due to anticipated high demand. The deadline for guest details submission is June 12, 2025.
RIA represents over 400 companies across the railway supply sector, covering a diverse range of products and services from both multinational corporations and SMEs, which make up 60% of its membership.
For more information about the shortlisted nominees or to purchase tickets for the RIA Dinner & RISE Awards, interested parties can contact RISE@riagb.org.uk. The event will take place from 6:30 PM on June 26 to 1:00 AM on June 27, 2025, at The Landmark, 222 Marylebone Road, London.
