Small businessess to get acquainted with major freight companies

Small businesses, some with fewer than ten employees, will have a chance to meet some of the UK’s rail freight giants on April 20 when Rail Forum Midlands runs its fourth ‘SME Challenge’.

Tarmac, DB Cargo, Freightliner and GB Railfreight are among the companies supporting the online Freight Terminals of the Future event.

It is designed to make it easier for companies to better understand the needs of potential clients. It is also being promoted by the University of Derby, Rail Freight Group and the Rail Forum.

The Government has three definitions of an SME: micro-sized (fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover under £2 million); small (under 50 staff, under £10m); and medium (under 250 staff, under £50m).

Rail Forum CEO Elaine Clark said the focus will be on working smarter, not harder, while the Engagement Manager Bob Hodgson said decarbonisation, automation and digitalisation are also important.

The Forum which is owned and run by its 330 industry members, actively supports the national rail agenda and strategy, encouraging collaboration, leading regional skills initiatives, and pushing for exports.