Packed programme of speakers for summit

Excitement is building across the light rail sector ahead of a major event in Birmingham next month.

Organised by UKTram, the annual Light Rail Summit attracts leaders from across the sector for a day of topical debate and top-level networking, with a line-up of high-profile speakers leading discussions.

Safety and security will be a key theme of this year’s summit, which takes place on September 19, with Stewart Satchell, a Counter Terrorism Security Advisor (CTSA) from British Transport Police, among the guest speakers.

James Walker, Head of Digital Safety, at the Office of Rail and Road will also be talking about cyber security and, in a separate presentation, Louise Barry, Head of Customer and Growth at KeolisAmey Metrolink, will demonstrate how virtual reality is helping them, tackle anti-social behaviour on the UK’s largest tram network.

On the day there will also be updates on the work of the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board, while Sarah Booth, Senior Manager at Baines Simmons, will deliver a presentation on fatigue risk management.

Other key speakers include Simon Burke, Head of Rail Partnerships, and Jake Rudham, from the Department for Business and Trade who will be talking about the support available for rail exporters, and Kevin Canavan, Driver Integration Manager at Transport for Wales.

The support men can provide to female colleagues in the workplace will also be covered by Mark Freed, the Managing Director of Men in Inclusion, and Amber Hart, Head of New Business at SSG Insight, will offer an insight into sustainability within the sector.

As in previous years, the summit will also provide the opportunity to catch up on the work of UKTram and its Centre of Excellence as well as the chance to take part in the ever-popular tram quiz!

Although the free event is now fully booked, a waiting list has been established should any further places become available, and anyone interested in attending should email lorraineGeorge@uktram.co.uk. A full agenda for the day is available to download on the UKTram website.