RAILWAY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
Exports Rail is not only a crucial mode of transport, but also a major exporter for the UK.
UK rail suppliers and RIA Members work with partners and clients in the UK and around the world to plan, design, build and operate advanced and sustainable railways. The UK offers first rate expertise, innovation and value at every level in all areas of rail discipline from professional services to manufactured products. RIA’s aims are to assist our Members and the wider industry to help them export their products and services and - by working with DIT - to increase the exporting potential of the sector. RIA organises numerous export events on our own, as well as under our long-established Trade Challenge Partnership (TCP) rail delivery partner status with Department for International Trade (DIT). Events include: • Seminars • Meet the Buyers/1-2-1 meetings • Road shows in the UK • Briefing and Educational Rail Tours • Inward Missions • Outward Missions • UK Pavilions at overseas trade fairs Trade Challenge Partner RIA is the only organisation in the sector fully accredited by DIT as a Trade Challenge Partner, this allows us to deliver events,
research activity and to administer DIT’s Trade Access Programme (TAP) grants for SME’s exhibiting at selected Trade Fairs. The TAP grants that RIA administers for DIT allows UK SME’s to apply for financial support grants to exhibit
at core overseas rail exhibitions. The funding is available to both members and non-members and helps UK business get the most from overseas trade shows.
took part in a panel discussion with 5 other European Trade Associations promoting cooperation and UK expertise Birmingham, RIA organised a ‘Meet the Commercial Office’ over two days with 133 meetings booked by 54 companies for 14 DIT officers • In September, RIA attended • At Railtex at the NEC Trako with 26 UK exhibitors with separate visits and tours from the UK Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris MP, the Polish Secretary of State for Infrastructure Andrzej Bittel, HM Trade Commissioner to Europe Andrew Mitchell and HM Ambassador to Poland Jonathan Knott • In October, RIA organised a trade mission to India and in December, RIA is organising a UK Pavilion at AusRail Plus
Highlights from 2019 • Submitted evidence to
Parliament’s International Trade Select Committee, asking for greater export supportin promoting rail products overseas, greater rail content, more grant funding for SMEs • RIA attended Middle East Rail with 30 companies on the UK Pavilion and a reception organised by RIA & HM Consul-General hosted, with 160+ attendees. • RIA organised a Rail Mission to Australia and New Zealand with 12 companies • RIA organised a mission to Rail
Baltica’s Global Forum where Exports Director Neil Walker
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