RIA and RFM are working together to help grow a better rail supply sector

The Railway Industry Association (RIA) and Rail Forum Midlands (RFM) have announced a new joint membership offer that will allow SMEs and entry level rail companies in the Midlands with a rail turnover of less than £2.2 million to join both organisations for a 30 per cent discount.

The offer means companies in the rail industry can benefit from membership of both RIA and RFM for £945 per year with a rail turnover of less than £1 million and £1,558 per year for turnover between £1 million to £2.2 million.

Normally, a joint first-year membership would be £1,350 and £2,225 respectively.

The joint RIA/RFM membership will provide an attractive package of activities and events, including substantially preferential rates and complimentary tickets to leading RIA and RFM industry events, including dinners, conferences, roundtable meetings and Parliamentary receptions; the latest sectoral intelligence and insights from both organisations on industry developments across the UK and the Midlands; and opportunities to get involved in RIA and RFM’s lobbying, policy, technical and innovation, exports and market networking activity.

Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the RIA, said: “This offer for SMEs and entry level rail companies in the Midlands is an exciting step forward in the strengthened relationship being developed between the RIA and the RFM in recent years. New joint members can secure a significant membership discount for both organisations and see for themselves how the wide range of activities and services we provide benefit not just individual new joiners, but also the rail supply family more widely. This is crucial as RIA and RFM seek to help grow a bigger and better rail supply sector in what are clearly uncertain times.”

Elaine Clark, Chief Executive Officer of RFM, said: “Rail Forum Midland’s joint offer with the RIA will provide tremendous benefits for organisations joining our two associations. Our various activities complement each other perfectly providing plenty for everyone from across the whole rail supply chain. It also means that joint members will have even more visibility of issues, developments and opportunities, both in the Midlands and the UK more widely.”