The screen you see behind is being used by train operators after they met with us at TransCityRail.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TRANSCITYRAIL MIDLANDS
MIDLANDS 2026.
Villa Park, Birmingham
09/07/2026
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
learn more about SCOTLAND 2026
Driving Connectivity. Delivering the Midlands Rail Vision.
The Midlands stands at the heart of the UK’s rail network, playing a pivotal role in connecting cities, driving economic growth, and supporting national mobility. As Great British Railways begins to redefine how the railway is structured and delivered, and with regional leaders championing a more connected and resilient transport system, TransCityRail Midlands arrives at a critical point for the region.
This year’s event will spark vital discussions around enhancing capacity, improving reliability, and unlocking the full potential of east–west and north–south connectivity. It will examine how the Midlands can capitalise on infrastructure investment, strengthen regional partnerships, and deliver a railway that supports both passengers and long-term economic ambitions.
Delegates will gain valuable insight into how GBR’s regional approach will support Midlands priorities, how collaboration between operators and infrastructure can be strengthened, and how upcoming policy and funding decisions will shape the future of rail delivery across the region.
learn more about THE DAY
transcityrail midlands AGENDA.
08:00 – 09:15 Registration / Breakfast / Networking / Exhibition
Grab your name badge, breakfast and start your networking early.
09:25 – 09:27 Welcome Address
Welcome to the event. We'll be kicking off shortly.
09:27 – 09:37 Adam Checkley, Infrastructure Director, Central Route, Network Rail
CP7 so far has been about maintaining infrastructure however given the Midlands Rail Hub programme which brings new lines and stations, renewals and new technology, Adam will talk about the opportunities that will deliver Midlands rail.
09:37 – 10:02 Midlands Rail Hub and Beyond
The Midlands Rail Hub is a significant programme bringing a wealth of opportunities as well as social and economic growth to the region. Post delivery of MRH, where does the region go next
10:04 – 10:19 Kate Little, Development Lead for Midlands Rail Alliance & Andrew Pritchard, Implementation Lead for Midlands Rail Alliance
This presentation will outline the alliance’s formation, scope, and delivery programme, alongside key challenges, our innovation approach, and immediate priorities, including site surveys and TWAO consultation progress.
10:21 – 10:31 Ben Brooks, Portfolio Delivery Director, East Routes Capital Programmes, Network Rail
Ben will bring us insight into the opportunities that exist on the east routes. As he is responsible for capital programmes, the knowledge he will share is extremely valuable.
10:33 – 11:48 Refreshments / Networking / Exhibition
Grab a coffee, mid morning snack and a fist full of business cards during the first networking opportunity of the day.
11:50 – 12:00 John Bettles, Midlands Stations Director, HS2
As Birmingham is the end of the line for HS2, does this mean all works end in Birmingham. John will be opening the doors on where HS2 opportunities lie and how to be a part of the journey
12:02 – 12:27 Freight and Logistics: Using the Midlands as the Engine Room of National Freight Flows
The Midlands is essentially the centre of the UK where road and rail freight currently passes. The £1bn West Midlands Interchange will aid the region in sustainability and growth but, where and what are the challenges, and what does future growth for the Midlands look like.
12:29 – 12:44 Strategic Partner
Speaker and content details coming soon.
12:46 – 12:56 Richard Mann, Rail Strategy Lead, Midlands Connect
Richard will share the long-term rail strategy and investment frameworks driving connectivity across the Midlands.
12:58 – 14:13 Lunch / Networking / Exhibition
Grab your lunch, talk to the speakers about how you can help with their challenges and network with new customers.
14:15 – 14:25 Mal Drury-Rose, Executive Director (WMRE) and Director of Rail (TfWM)
How is strategic integration and regional rail policy transforming transport networks across the West Midlands and where are the opportunities for investment
14:27 – 14:52 Digital and Data-Driven Railway: Signalling, Traffic Management, and Real-Time Passenger Information
Technology will evolve and so will the applications in rail. How do we capture technology and implement now before being outdated. This panel offer insights to enable innovation, communication and partnership
14:54 - 15:04 Mark Goodall, Major Programmes Director in Central route, Network Rail
Major capital programmes and asset renewals, Marks insider knowledge will examine upcoming projects and pipelines as well as valuable supply chain opportunities
15:06 - 15:16 Chris Skivington, Principal Development Manager, Platform4 (Invited)
15:18 - 15:43 Where are the gaps that need SMEs to fill right now?
Everyone knows the rail industry needs the speed and innovation of SMEs to deliver on its current promises. The real challenge? Knowing exactly where to look for the openings. We are skipping the guesswork and cutting straight to the opportunities.
15:45 - 16:30 Post Conference Drinks Reception
Join us for post-conference drinks — a great opportunity to connect with speakers and fellow delegates.
18:30 – 19:30 Networking Drinks Reception
Continue the conversation over drinks at the evening networking reception.
19:30 – 00:15 Dinner, After Party & Networking
Round off the day with dinner, the after party, and more networking into the evening.
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Some kind words from atteNdees of past events.
It’s a great event and there’s loads of people here to interact with and we want to grow our network with SMEs.
It’s a superb event with fantastic outcomes.
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Exhibit Your Products, Services & Capabilities, turn interest into pipeline. High-footfall stand, live demos, qualified leads, and meetings youcan forecast.
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