What Moves Us

What Moves Us – Episode 5: Mind the Gap – Where Rail Needs to Innovate In this episode, we explore the innovation gap in rail and ask: will technology meet changing passenger expectations? As behaviours shift, so do the demands on service delivery - but who has the oversight, authority, and appetite to invest in transformative tech? With the rail industry edging toward greater centralisation, could nationalisation actually make it easier to innovate, thanks to better collaboration and less duplication across the network? We unpack the opportunities and complexities of procurement in a nationalised industry, and what this means for start-ups trying to gain traction in rail. We also tackle one of the industry's biggest challenges: how to attract the next generation of engineers, developers, and digital talent. What will it take to make rail an attractive career destination? This episode links to our upcoming event, Becoming the Employer of Choice, and continues the conversation on how the rail sector can position itself to recruit, retain and inspire the talent needed to drive innovation forward. For more details head to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-rail-innovation-group-12086193246

In this fourth instalment of our How to be a Start-Up in Rail series, we dive into the critical material that start-ups need to navigate the rail sector: the challenges, the opportunities, and why there's never been a more exciting time to get involved. We ask the big question: Is now the moment for start-ups to supply into rail? With a growing recognition from government of the barriers small tech companies face, and the need to embrace technology to drive efficiency, is there finally a plan to improve access and make the most of what start-ups have to offer? We highlight how small companies—agile and tech-driven—are often best placed to bring cutting-edge solutions to market quickly. The GB rail ecosystem is brimming with the talent, ideas, and energy needed to drive digitisation, boost sustainability, and improve passenger experience. But what's the best route in? Should start-ups look to collaborate with larger, established suppliers to fast-track their journey—especially ahead of the formation of Great British Railways? We also unpack different start-up mindsets: those aiming for scale and exit, and those in it for the long haul. Finally, we offer practical guidance on accessing funding, especially R&D grants—ideal for early-stage support—and share top tips for writing a strong application: start early, be clear, and prepare well.   Find out more about the Rail Innovation Group at: railinnovationgroup.com

In this episode, Deb, Johannah, and Liam discuss the Rail Innovation Group's latest research report, Skills Beyond Scale, which explores the skills landscape within our vibrant community of startups and small digital companies. They highlight the crucial role our members play in driving innovation and shaping the future of rail through cutting-edge technology. Join the conversation as they discuss how the community is harnessing AI, data analytics, and other advanced technologies to: Develop groundbreaking digital solutions Transform customer experiences Enhance operational efficiency The team also examines the emerging skills our members need to stay ahead and the challenges they face in upskilling for the future. This report launch marks the start of a series of events throughout 2025, so stay tuned for more discussions on this critical topic. Download the report: railinnovationgroup.com/thoughtpieces

In this episode - the second part of our discussion on the Great British Railways (GBR) foundation consultation, A Railway Fit for Britain's Future) - Liam and Johannah explore their response, breaking down key implications for start ups and innovators in the rail sector. We delve into how innovation and commercial incentives could be prioritised and measured in GBR's new structure and discuss the need for a framework that fosters continuous improvement, grassroots creativity, and new products that enhance passenger experience. We also make the case for stronger collaboration between government, start ups, and small digital companies ensuring that rapid, innovative solutions can meet both immediate and long-term transport needs. Who is best placed to deliver these solutions; and how can we make sure start ups have a seat at the table? Finally, we share practical advice on how to respond to consultations effectively with a focus on solution-driven contributions. Make your voice heard! Join the Rail Innovation Group to amplify your impact and help shape the future of rail. Get in touch with your thoughts—we want to hear from you!   https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-railway-fit-for-britains-future

With the launch of the consultation on the foundation of Great British Railways (A Railway Fit for Britain's Future), we kick off a special series exploring a key question: how to be a start up in rail? Or perhaps more importantly - would you even want to be one? In this episode, Johannah and Liam break down the themes of the consultation document, examining how different structural models and outcome priorities could shape the industry's willingness to engage with small suppliers. We also share initial thoughts on whether the proposed framework will allow for flexibility - particularly in adapting to evolving Government priorities - and what it could mean for private operators. Finally, we outline key topics for future episodes in this series. Join us as we unpack what this transformation could mean for startups looking to make their mark in rail.   See the consultation: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-railway-fit-for-britains-future  

In this episode, Deb Carson and Liam Henderson speak with James Whitelock, Managing Director of ThinkinCircles, about the power of employer branding and how companies can better attract and retain the right talent. As we prepare for our upcoming Skills Beyond Scale report, this conversation is perfectly timed. We explore the perception of rail - does the industry's image need improving before individual companies can stand out? James shares expert insights on differentiating your employer value proposition, shouting about the exciting opportunities within the sector, and using innovative strategies to attract talent in ways you haven't considered before. From environmental policies to EDI initiatives, we discuss how great workplace culture isn't just about remuneration - it's about positioning your company as an attractive, forward-thinking employer. But beyond that, how does securing top talent make your business a more attractive supplier, aligning with client priorities and industry expectations? We also dive into branding a 200-year-old rail industry as a place of innovation, the international opportunities available in rail supply, and why giving the rail community a voice is crucial for future growth. Plus, James shares invaluable advice for founders and small business owners navigating employer branding and talent retention. Listen now to uncover fresh perspectives on employer branding in rail! Want to hear more? Join James and the ThinkinCircles team at our Meet Up on 13th May - head to our website for event details. Links: Meet Up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meet-up-becoming-an-employer-of-choice-tickets-1207299558479 ThinkinCircles: https://thinkincircles.com/employer-branding-service/ Blogs: https://thinkincircles.com/?s=employer+branding&et_pb_searchform_submit=et_search_proccess&et_pb_include_posts=yes James Whitelock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameswhitelock/ James' Pod: https://www.themarketingrules.com/  

In our first episode of 2025, hosts Liam and Johannah kick off the year with an exciting conversation about innovation, challenges, and growth. Joining them are Jeremy Bormann, CEO, and Raymon Ceasar, Head of R&D at Legal Pythia, a cutting-edge startup leveraging AI to detect fraud in documents and datasets. This insightful discussion dives into: The diverse, international team behind Legal Pythia and how their unique mix of cultures fosters innovative problem-solving. Navigating compliance challenges and preparing for the EU's upcoming AI regulations. The journey of pivoting as a startup to meet customer needs and refining the value proposition. Communicating effectively with customers to demonstrate the impact of their solution. Insights on securing government grant funding and the critical role of product testing and user interface design. Overcoming the talent challenge: how startups can attract top-tier talent while competing with established tech giants. Plus, we hear the team's advice for new start ups and close with a warming message about the friends you meet along the journey!

In this episode, Jesper Westerberg, Chief Product Officer at Predge, shares insights into the role of predictive maintenance in the rail industry. We discuss how data-driven solutions are transforming maintenance strategies, reducing costs, and improving reliability. Jesper highlights real-world applications, including innovative algorithms for predicting wheel damages and transforming maintenance planning. We also explore the challenges of adopting new technologies in a traditional sector and the importance of partnerships and modular solutions. Whether you're a rail professional or curious about innovation in transport, this episode offers a practical look at the potential of predictive maintenance and how smaller suppliers can drive change.

Deb, Johannah & Liam reflect on their experience at InnoTrans 2024, where the world of rail meet in Berlin for networking, demonstrations, conversations and more. We were pleased to see many members of the Rail Innovation Group present to promote how small companies can supply great solutions to support the industry's future.

In this episode Johannah & Liam are joined by Guy Barkley, CEO and Founder of Atmo Technology - our newest member!  To celebrate this new partnership, Guy joined the pod to discuss Atmo's environmental capabilities and the impact they aim to achieve in the rail industry. This podcast delves into the innovative solutions Atmo offers and their contribution to a sustainable future for rail transport. We take the time to explore how a company develops from a 'spin off' to a fully fledged SME in the supply chain, and the challenges along the way. With great advice for new start ups the team covers aspects including responding to industry challenges, procurement routes, grant funding and trade shows, all while maintaining a healthy work environment. Links: https://www.atmotech.co.uk/

In this episode, Johannah, Deb and Liam discuss the first steps taken by the new UK Government to improve and integrate the transport system. With reference to the bills proposed in July 2024's King's Speech. We cover our hopes and anxieties of the new, more comprehensive public transport investment and operational model. We also discuss our most recent thoughtpiece, released in June 2024, Small Voices Expanding Horizons - Reflecting UK Start Ups International Growth: which looks at the successes and challenges faced by our members as they venture into international markets. The report draws on research and firsthand accounts to highlight the strategic approaches, partnerships, and innovations that have enabled our members to overcome barriers and succeed internationally. Download the report at www.railinnovationgroup.com

It's been five years since Johannah and Liam began the podcast. In this episode, they reflect back on some of the milestones from the period, including diverging transport policy in the nations of Britain; the developing - and redeveloping - policy environment; and the impact of all this change  on small companies. All alongside our aspirations for the next five years. They anchor the discussion on the original question: what's the point of transport?

In today's episode Johannah, Deb and Liam discuss the UK Labour party's proposed rail policy (sounding a little familiar) as well as Johannah's recent trip to the Transport Research Arena conference in Dublin. We also cover whether AI will fool us with its simulated feelings and whether data is helpful in achieving diversity. With questions over who we count as 'the rail industry' and what diversity actually means, and the benefit of transferable skills. Here's the article Johannah referenced: Do many women want to be train drivers: https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/do-many-women-want-to-be-train-drivers/ Here's the conference Johannah attended: Transport Research Arena: https://traconference.eu/

Johannah is flying solo in this episode and had the incredible opportunity to attend the Railway Industry Association's Innovation Conference in Wales, where it was a whirlwind of excitement!  From keynote speeches to tech talks, exhibitor spotlights, and more, there was never a dull moment. In this episode, she'll be chatting with some of old friends and brilliant innovators who are shaping the future of rail. But first, let's talk about the unexpected surprise that kicked off the conference. Our host, Milda Manomaityte, strutted in with her new best friend - the robodog! Now, that definitely caught everyone's attention, sparking a debate about the future of rail innovation and maybe even a hint of extra-terrestrial excitement! We heard from industry leaders who shared insights into resetting rail and the start of CP7. The vision for the future is clear: innovation is key to addressing challenges and driving efficiency gains. Johannah had the chance to catch up with some conference delegates, including One Big Circle's Emily Kent, Doopee Doo's Philippe Mele, and Arcadis' Meirion Thomas. We discussed key conference themes such as sustainability, collaboration, and yes, those divisive robots! Day two continued with the launch of RIA's thought leadership report, 'Destination: Revenue Growth.' This report looks at the gaps in rail ticketing and offers recommendations to enhance the customer experience and boost revenue. Now, here's the big question: are these recommendations truly addressing passenger needs? We'll explore this further in our next episode, so stay tuned!

In this episode, Johannah gives her thoughts on last week's Rail Scotland Conference. Listening in, Liam is joined by friend of the podcast Deb Carson to hear about the conference's themes of climate resilience, passenger experience on an integrated railway and decarbonisation of the rolling stock - all within a cost efficient model. Plenty of opportunities for our most dynamic suppliers!

Liam Henderson & Johannah Randall speak with PassageWay's Chris Johns (10:30) to hear about their realtime digital signs placed in communities to help users understand, interpret and act on multi-modal transport information, displayed in a human-centred way. With references to Nudge Theory, overcoming digital exclusion, and the provision of FREE digital signs funded by TfL. Chris give some insight for new companies on how to communicate their offer, where to find connections and implores founders to take advantage of those networking opportunities! Plus our take on the Interchange conference that happened in Manchester last week: What did we learn from the sub-national transport bodies about the balance between local and regional focus, and policy versus delivery. Plus, plus our experience with the Social Value Tool used in public procurement exercises: how does a tech start up commit to 'becoming' carbon zero, what happens if they already are? Links referenced: PassageWay: Smart Digital Signs - passage-way.com Free PassageWay TfL Service Status Digital Sign - passage-way.com/londontransportstatus Left Behind Londoners - londontravelwatch.org.uk/campaigns/digital-exclusion

There's an international flavour to the discussion between the Rail Innovation Group's Deb, Johannah and Liam today covering key themes of 2024, and what we've been asked to provide insight on: notably, using data to inform climate resilience and mitigation measures - are our current investment decisions making use of the existing evidence base?   Link to the report Johannah mentions: https://transportforthenorth.com/wp-content/uploads/Transport-related-social-exclusion-in-the-North-of-England.pdf

For our 1st episode of 2024, Johannah, Deb & Liam discuss potential key themes of the year ahead (politics, politics & politics). Plus, Liam spoke with Jude Hough, an Innovation Growth Specialist at Innovate UK Edge to hear about the support available for startups through the organisation. They discuss working directly with SMEs to provide coaching and help to realise the potential of a promising innovation and get it to market, both in the UK and internationally. As someone who herself has experienced the start up journey, Jude is able to empathise with founders on funding and resource challenges, and is keen to hear from those with high growth ambitions, particularly around the themes of decarbonisation or improving the experience for the transport user. It all starts with a chat! Contact Jude via the links below: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jude-hough-41930725/ or use the National Enquiry Gateway: https://www.innovateukedge.ukri.org/contact-us Link to high speed rail report: https://www.ineco.com/ineco/en/insights/visible-futures/efficiency-spanish-sector-development-high-speed-railways  

Liam & Johannah speak with Natasha Marsay, Network Rail's Accessibility and Inclusion Policy Lead, to hear about the good work being undertaken to enable autonomy for customers: including a chat about how inclusivity means more than just providing level access; trying to balance all the needs of various passenger groups; the challenge of providing consistency of experience across the station estate; and the value of the purple pound. We end with Natasha's advice for young people considering entering the rail industry: join!

In this episode Liam spoke with friend of the Rail Innovation Group, John Lawrence. With a history of bringing innovation into rail from both within and without rail, we talked about his experience with signalling, corporate constraints, mentorship and even the waves of (innovation) change.   Plus John gives his insight on large organisations' appetite for risk as well as his advice for new recruits on how best to make a difference to peoples' lives - hint... work out what skills you have to offer!

Liam & Johannah discuss the current uncertainty on national rail's future, including asking who benefits from Scotland's off-peak all day trial. Plus Liam speaks with Ben Jones, Business Development Manager at S&B (09:45), to ask him of his experience working within a larger supplier - what are their challenges with the innovation space; and does the company want to innovate, or does it have to innovate?  Ben gives an open welcome to collaboration with smaller suppliers, reflecting the infectious enthusiasm of start ups' passion and knowledge of their solutions.   His advice for new entrants to the market: be patient and be pushy!

We spoke with Window Seater's Marcus Allender on the origin of the journey guide app, from the French countryside to helping Gail the Goose find her hat!   We hear how the developers have sought to respond to an industry need to improve journey experience, bringing diversity of voices into the stories selected, as well the various commercial routes to roll out.

Liam & Johannah catch up after the summer to discuss the Rail Innovation Group's plans for autumn, plus Liam speaks with GCRE's Director of Strategy and Skills, Rob Forde, (at 17:20) to hear about the exciting plans for the massive Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE), including opportunities for local communities, local institutions, as well as SME's nationwide - it's not just a test site! We hear Rob's top advice to new entrants to the rail sector - take advantage of every opportunity and persist on through!

We speak with Eurostar's Jon Witt to discuss how the diversity of cultures​ in the organisation help Eurostar to build a virtuous circle of attracting great staff to deliver great services. We discuss the merging of Eurostar and Thalys cultures, hearing how people across both organisations are already working​ collaboratively together.​  We discuss lessons that can be brought to the future development of Great British Railways - diversity is the name of the game! Plus, we hear Jon's advice for young people considering a career in rail - grab those opportunities!

In this episode Liam speaks with CrossTech's Haydon Bartlett-Tasker, discussing all things algorythms, analytics, gardens and collaboration, as well as the challenge of being an SME in the rail industry: iteration is the name of the game! Don't worry, we do end with positive message on the future.

Remarkably, the Rail Innovation Group's Deb, Johannah & Liam are all in the same room, in the same city so we had to take the opportunity to have a discussion on the latest news from the world of GB rail, as well as to have a deep dive into our recently published paper, Improving the Innovation Funding Ecosystem (download or read on our website, railinnovationgroup.com)

In this episode Liam Henderson & Deb Carson spoke with Daisy Chapman-Chamberlain of East West Rail to discuss the role of innovation in the wider railway project, as well as the opportunities created by this unique project to deliver services across a range of communities. Daisy shares her insight of the rail innovation landscape & lends her support to start ups and SMEs keen to engage with the project.

Liam speaks to Ben Saunders of Signapse about the use of information in sign language using AI at some National Rail stations. We discuss how the photo-realistic avatars convey key details of audible announcements, how to sign unusual stations, how passengers have interacted with the technology, whether they can truly replicate audible announcements, & what's next! signapse.ai

Johannah & Liam chat on whether future mobility has made it into rural areas, plus we introduce our new thought piece on funding innovation which looks at the different measures of success between the public & private approach to innovation project funding - is there an opportunity to change the approach, why wait for structural changes? Download the report at railinnovationgroup.com  

In this episode Liam speaks with Neil Barnfather MBE, Chief Commercial Officer of GoodMaps. They discuss the application of the wayfinding technology in the GB rail context, realising the benefits of enabling self-led journeys through railway station and other interior environments using only their mobile devices.   Links: https://www.goodmaps.com/ Network Rail project vids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9Z0dtgIC1A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ouRJhF9OHk  

This bonus episode provides the extract of the interview we recently had with Nomad Digital's Mike Butler to discuss how they are working to innovate through building on existing platforms, and their advice for smaller companies - don't be afraid to collaborate!  nomad-digital.com

In this episode Liam, Johannah & Deb get together to discuss the new, new government. What do we hope for in upcoming policy announcements and how do we hope the true value of investment will help to spread opportunities around the country. Plus, we have an interview with our member Nomad Digital's Mike Butler do hear how they are working to innovate through building on existing platforms, and their advice for smaller companies - don't be afraid to collaborate!

Johannah & Liam discuss the topic of the most recent Rail Innovation Group Meet Up held to discuss the Network Rail R&D Benefits Framework. They cover the implication of the decision to delay the transition to Great British Railways (GBR) and how the continued uncertainty is affecting small suppliers.

In this episode Johannah, Deb & Liam discuss this year's InnoTrans in Berlin. At this biannual trade fair bringing the global rail industry together we look back at our impressions of how a general mood of uncertainty was influencing companies' and governments' investment plans, as well as their journey towards Net Zero.   We had a lot of useful conversations with our members as well as the wider community, making new friends along the way. Our top requests for next time: more diversity, more innovation, & more drinking water!

In this podcast Liam, Johannah & Deb get together to discuss our plans for a study into innovation funding, how apprentices can support diversity within larger companies, as well as an exciting update on our Parcels as Passengers workstream! 

In this episode Johannah & Liam were joined by Faizan Patankar of (relatively) new rail industry entrant, Amygda, to hear about how the company has found their entry into the rail sector, having previously worked in aviation. We discussed the how the company had to 'learn the language of rail' to engage with partners and a challenger to the way rail goes about maintenance planning!

In this episode Johannah, Liam & Deb Carson review the implications of the multiple infrastructure announcements made during 2021. Discussing the knock-on effects to the image of rail in the eyes of new suppliers, they consider whether rail will be an attractive market to SMEs who are now more remote from the proposed HS2 network & not part of the Union Connectivity links. Plus, will the decisions of 2021 help deliver our climate change commitments?

Edited podcast featuring Johannah Randall & Liam Henderson's interview with Johan Berhin of Swedish company Green Furniture Concept. They discussed doing international business over the pandemic period. We hear how the company's mission to use natural design to improve place-making is enhance public spaces & how people treat those spaces, and we discuss their vision to be a completely sustainable company.    

In this episode Johannah Randall & Liam Henderson were joined by Johan Berhin of Swedish company Green Furniture Concept to discuss doing international business over the pandemic period. We hear how the company's mission to use natural design to improve place-making is enhance public spaces & how people treat those spaces, and we discuss their vision to be a completely sustainable company.

Liam Henderson travelled to Sheffield to meet up with the team at 3Squared to see how they'd got on over the last tumultuous year. We covered how the company had recruited, up-skilled, & kept a sense of teamwork throughout the remote period.

The new vision for rail? Johannah & Liam discuss their first thoughts on Great British Railways: The Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail published on 20th May 2021. They look over the plan in terms of the offer for passengers & the outlook for small suppliers.

The Rail Innovation Group's Liam Henderson travelled to Sheffield to meet up with the team at 3Squared to see how they'd got on over the last tumultuous year. We covered how the company had recruited, upskilled, & kept a sense of teamwork throughout the remote period. 

We're joined by our friend & regular guest Deb Carson, where we discuss how even the ticket buying process can support the decarbonisation agenda by making a consumer-centred service.Plus we introduce the Rail Innovation Group's latest workstream to explore the opportunities for rail & cargo bikes to provide an end-to-end solution for small cargo - what infrastructure would we need & what are the barriers to expanding the concept?

With demand for transport reduced during the Covid-19 disruptions, is now the time to make public transport free? Our guests, Revenue Analytics' Gareth Hawkins & Open Transport's Hayden Sutherland, join us to discuss this topical topic. 

Recorded in November 2020, on the eve of England's new social restrictions, Johannah & Liam discuss how rail operators are responding to this temporary change & how it further embeds a new model of movement.

Johannah & Liam were joined by Ben Craze, CEO, Infinitive Group & one of the Founding Members of the Rail Innovation Group, to discuss how the company was using this unusual period to build a base for future growth - as well as some insight & advice for new entrants... partner, collaborate & don't be too protective!

It's been ages since Johannah & I caught up for a podcast. Here we discussed our recent experiences getting back on the rails in the summer of 2020. We look forward to the Rail Innovation Group's series of Micro Meets & our appearances at next week's SmartTransit event. https://www.smarttransitusa.com/ 

On this podcast we're joined by fellow Rail Innovation Grouper Deb Carson, to speak with Lucy Prior & James Fox of 3Squared to discuss all things Sheffield, skills & digital. 3Squared were due to be our partners to deliver our postponed Start Up Rail event in Sheffield so we discuss what we would have covered at the event & our plans to create an event better event when we can! https://3squared.com/ https://www.railinnovationgroup.com/start-up-rail/

Johannah & I spoke to Simon Brown of Opal Rail about his experience growing a new business during a pandemic. Simon discusses the launch of his eBook with insight & tips for companies hoping to raise capital & engage potential funding partners.

Johannah & Liam discuss the launch of an industry study looking at whether the Covid 19 changes to mobility patterns have created an opportunity to further the progression of the future mobility transformation. They're joined by high speed rail leader, Deb Carson to hear her insight on how rail demand will change in future & a call for ticketing to respond to future travel patterns.

A short time ago we were joined by Barrie Cottam, Head of Business Development, from Hitachi Rail who discussed with us about how the unprecedented time are impacting rolling stock construction & maintenance. As a larger organisation, we asked what new methods the company was using to keep in touch with colleagues & customers.