Infrarail 2014: Welcome to the show

This will be our tenth Infrarail and since the first biannual event took place 20 years ago it has built a strong reputation as a shop window for companies serving the rail infrastructure markets, and also more widely as a great meeting place for the whole industry.

We believe the key to the show’s success is the opportunity it provides for firms to present new products and concepts – sometimes bringing in thinking from other sectors. With the industry facing great pressure to drive down costs without compromising safety or efficiency, taking advantage of product developments and innovations in technology is vitally important. This doesn’t just apply to bodies like Network Rail or managers and engineers; companies that provide services such as infrastructure maintenance also need to keep abreast of the latest market developments. Infrarail plays an important role in that.

Sharing the hall at Earls Court will be The Civil Infrastructure & Technology Exhibition (CITE) 2014, which has much in common with the show; included in its line-up are 50 companies featuring equipment, products and services required for constructing and maintaining vital infrastructure.

Something for everyone

For the alternate years of Infrarail we host Railtex, the show which covers the broader rail market, including rolling stock and products and services to support train operations. Both exhibitions have evolved, reflecting the developments and changes in the industry. One of our most significant developments has been providing an increasing range of activities during our shows, ensuring everyone attending – exhibitor or visitor – gets good value. This year’s programme should certainly do that.

Insight from the experts

There will be keynote speakers each day setting the scene for the direction of the UK rail industry giving talks that we believe will attract a lot of interest. Speaking at the show will be:

• Baroness Kramer – Minister of State forTransport
• Simon Kirby – Network Rail’s managing director of infrastructure projects, who will soon move to HS2
• Clare Moriarty – director general rail group at the Department for Transport

Industry seminars will run throughout the exhibition and will be presented by senior figures from Amey, Balfour Beatty Rail, Siemens Rail Automation and Transport for London, as well as speakers covering innovations by firms displaying at the show.

Project Updates on major daily infrastructure programmes will be covered by managers from Network Rail, Transport for London and HS2. Visitors will also have opportunities to take part in a feature called The Platform – an interactive discussion forum on topical industry subjects.

All seminars, speeches and updates are open to everyone attending the show, free of charge.

Keynote Speakers

Tuesday 20th May, 11.50am

Baroness Kramer MP, Minister of State for Transport.

 Baroness Kramer MP, Minister of State for Transport, will open Infrarail 2014 and also deliver the keynote address. With the government’s unprecedented levels of investment in Britain’s railway network in recent years, the minister’s presentation will provide valuable insights.

Wednesday 21st May, 10.30am

Simon Kirby, managing director infrastructure projects, Network Rail

Joining Network Rail in 2003, Simon Kirby is currently responsible for the delivery of large enhancement and renewal infrastructure projects and for leading the Infrastructure Projects business within Network Rail.

Thursday 22nd May, 10.30am

Clare Moriarty, director general Rail Group, Department for Transport

Clare Moriarty was appointed director general of the Rail Group at the Department for Transport in 2013. Clare’s main areas of responsibility are:

• the government’s response to Sir Roy McNulty’s proposed recommendations and subsequent proposals for the reform of the rail industry
• delivery of major rail investment projects, involving cross-industry leadership
• ensuring rail passenger franchises deliver customer benefits and that financial and other associated risks are effectively managed
• sponsorship of Directly Operated Rail and the British Transport Police.

Networking opportunities

We are aware of the importance of people in the industry being able to get together informally at events like Infrarail; our networking reception with drinks and canapés – that takes place on the show’s opening day – will provide this opportunity, as will the next evening’s Infrarail & CITE Awards dinner; marking the significant achievements made by exhibiting companies.

Key information

Venue: Earls Court Two, London

Opening hours:

Pre-register for free attendance

Online registration to visit Infrarail free of charge is open until 19 May. Visit www.infrarail.com to complete the registration process. Pre-registering speeds up entry and avoids the £20 charge, payable for non-registered visitors.

The website also contains the latest list of exhibitors and full details of the programme supporting activities.