Conference by A Conference by Railway Industry Association is FREE TO ATTEND. Register at www.rsnevents.co.uk One registration provides access to the Conference and Expo
Hosted by Railway Industry Association, attendees will hear from leading industry speakers from companies including Siemens Mobility, Freightliner, Rail Innovations, Angel Trains, Grand Central, Chrome Angel, Railnova, Network Rail, Alstom and the Railway Industry Association (RIA)
Railway Industry Association’ conference at RSN 2025
The Railway Industry Association is providing its inaugural conference at Rolling Stock Networking, bringing their considerable market knowledge, insight and experience to the show . The conference will consider the future outlook for UK rolling stock in the short, medium and long term, focussing on new technology and providing case studies, and industry perspective regarding project experiences and the role of the supply chain.
Hosted by RIA, attendees will hear from leading industry speakers from companies including Siemens Mobility, Freightliner, Rail Innovations, Angel Trains, Grand Central, Chrome Angel, Railnova, Network Rail, Alstom and the Railway Industry Association (RIA). This year, the conference will address seven important themes :-
• The opportunities and risks of rail reform from a rolling stock manufacturers perspective.
• Empowering Rail Operators with IOT and Rolling Stock Data to Improve Fleet Performance.
• The Future of the Railway - A supply chain perspective
• The application of machine learning to RCM data.
• A new generation of lineside remote condition monitoring system.
• The De-carbonisation of Rail Freight
• Network Rail Test Tracks - Strategy for the Future
Following opening remarks by Richard Carr the RIA Technical & Innovation Director, Paul Baines, Director of Major Programmes for Siemens Mobility will explore the opportunities and risks of rail reform from a rolling stock manufacturers perspective. Paul will elaborate to highlight the work that Siemens are undertaking to widen their UK supply chain footprint.
Providing key experience in transforming fleet performance, Francis Vander Ghinst, Sales Director at Railnova will explain how Rail Operators can take advantage of technology, by harnessing the IOT and rolling stock data to improve the constant challenges affecting fleet performance.
Looking at the future of the railway from the perspective of the supply chain is a topic that Andrea Green, UK&I Business Development Director of Alstom will present upon. Alstom have always been highly engaged with the RSN show and her perspective is expected to be highly informative.
The event is free to attend for all delegates to RSN 2025. Visit www.rsnevents.co.uk to register.
Rounding off the morning session there will be a panel session where delegates can ask specific questions or seek clarifications on the first session of presentations.
Resuming promptly at 13.15 a joint presentaton by Jordan Langfield, Fleet Engineer, Angel Trains with Steven Armstrong, Fleet Engineer, Grand Central and Anisa Mamaniyat, Director, Chrome Angel Solutions are expected to share project experience on the challenges of applying machine learning models to railway condition data.
Paul Long, Head of Engineering for Freightliner Group will follow in the next presentation. Paul will be speaking on the de-carbonisation of Rail Freight. He will be followed by Greg Howell who will will describe his experiences in the introduction of Lineside Thermo-Optical RCM system onto the mainline, aimed at improving reliability safety whilst facilitating planned preventative maintenance.
Network Rail’s test tracks are transitioning into being Great British Railways’ test facility of choice - not just for new trains, but for better stations, staff training, quicker construction and the technologies of the future. Leading the development of that strategy is Gareth Dennis, who joins us to outline the plans, detail the changes and explain how you can have your say on the future of these invaluable facilities.
The ability to test trains and any changes to them in the real environment is always of benefit to project development particularly in the proving of a safety case. Gareth Dennis Strategy Lead, Test Tracks - Network Rail will lead on this key topic which will be of particular interest to entrepreneurial companies with newer technologies to offer.
During the panel sessions, audience participation will be encouraged. There will be opportunities for attendees to put their questions to the speakers and to take part in the debate on the conference’s topical discussion points.
Featuring Panel Sessions and encouraging delegate participation the conference will certainly be a lively event
Providing delegates with a unique opportunity to hear from industry leaders and to be involved at the RIA Conference at RSN 2025....the only real question is can you afford not to be there?
Railway Industry Association’ conference at RSN 2025
Join us at a Railway Industry Association conference which will run between 10am and 3pm at the Annual Rolling Stock Networking Event.
The conference features ten leading industry professionals who will share their knowledge and experience during a series of presentations and audience participation sessions. With sessions throughout the day and speakers drawn from all sectors of the rail industry, the topics will be varied and will undoubtedly have much to interest all delegates.
Find us to the left of the entrance on the raised area within the main hall at Derby Arena.
Meet the compère, speakers and participants
Richard Carr
RIA Technical & Innovation Director
As Technical & Innovation Director at the Railway Industry Association (RIA), Richard’s role focuses on representing members interests in the important areas of technical strategy, innovation, research, safety and technical standards. He is also responsible for the coordination of RIA’s Nations & Regions network.
Richard has over 20 years of railway industry experience, as a consultant and rail business owner. Richard’s career has been focused in technical engineering businesses where design and innovation have played a leading role.
Paul Baines has worked for more than 15 years in the Rail Industry in project, sales and executive management roles. For the past 7 years he’s been the Sales Director for Siemens Mobility’s Rolling Stock and Customer Services business units in the UK and Ireland region.
Paul Long Head of Engineering
Greg Howell
Director Paul Baines Director of Major Programmes
From the 1st of May Paul took on a new role as Director of Major Programmes, and will assume responsibility for all of Siemens UK Rolling Stock programmes.
Paul started his career as a graduate engineer at Network Rail and stayed there for 14 years in a variety of engineering and project roles. He then moved to ZF to work as their Business Manager for the rail business in the UK & Ireland and also lead their global reengineering team. Paul then became the Technical Director of Loram UK; leading a team of engineering, operations and projects staff to deliver third-party works. He was also the technical lead for EMEA for new On Track Machines products. Paul now works as the Head of Engineering for Freightliner Group who are the UKs largest rail freight operator. He is responsible for the technical assurance for the fleet of over 2,000 vehicles, including locos and wagon, and also supports the development and delivery of Net Zero projects. Paul is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Greg Howell is a Chartered Engineer and has been working in the railway industry for over 15 years. Initially, Greg was Managing Director of LPA Connection Systems designing and manufacturing inter-car electrical jumpers and connection systems.
Greg has set up Rail Innovations to bring innovative technologies into the railway sector and he has been working with Network Rail since 2021 to introduce its Lineside Thermo-Optical RCM system onto the mainline. The system utilises thermal and optical sensors mounted trackside to monitor all passing trains, broadcast a real-time train status report to Network Rail and the train operator, plus allow operators to access the data via a Cloud-based portal. The reports improve service reliability and safety, plus offer early data to rolling stock maintenance teams that enable targeted planned preventative maintenance.
Railway Industry Association’ conference at RSN 2025
Jordan Langfield
Fleet Engineer (Class 175 & 180)
Jordan is a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. He has over 10 years of experience in the Rail Industry, starting his career at Wabtec Rail as a Graduate Engineer before progressing into Project Engineering roles at Wabtec Rail and later at the consultancy T&RS Engineering. Jordan is now working at Angel Trains where, as asset owners, he manages the engineering activities on the Coradia Fleets (Class 175 & Class 180), working in collaboration with the Train Operators, Train Maintainers, and technical service providers to take actions and devise strategies targeted at improving reliability and asset condition whilst protecting the safety of the railway.
Steven Armstrong
Fleet Engineer
Anisa Mamaniyat Director
Steven is an experienced Rail Engineer with a dual-trade background in electrical and mechanical systems. He has worked in the rail industry since 2016, beginning his career at Tyne and Wear Metro as an advanced apprentice before progressing through roles as Mechanical Technician, Electrical Technician, and Fleet Duty Supervisor. He then joined Arriva as a Technical Riding Inspector before stepping into his current role as Fleet Engineer at Grand Central (Arriva Traincare), the safety case holder and open access operator for the Class 180/221 fleet. Over the past six months, Steven has taken on additional responsibilities, effectively leading the engineering team and overseeing fleet maintenance, engineering change control, and safety-critical investigations, in the absence of the permanent Head of Engineering. Steven holds a BEng (Hons) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering and is due to complete his MSc in Engineering Management in 2025, while working toward Chartered Engineer status.
Anisa Mamaniyat is a Director of Chrome Angel Solutions, a company that has been delivering responsible innovation and social value in the transport sector since 2006. Since joining the industry over 21 years ago as a graduate engineer with a Master’s degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering, Anisa has built up extensive experience of successfully introducing and implementing innovative new technologies that focus on maintenance optimisation, decarbonisation and data driven decision support. She now leads Chrome Angel’s Data business delivering remote telematics, data science and AI solutions.
Francis Vander Ghinst Sales Director
Access and parking
Francis Vander Ghinst is a seasoned professional, currently serving as Sales Director at Railnova. Although he recently joined the railway industry, he brings a strong background in engineering and business development and has been instrumental in driving sales strategies and fostering client relationships. His expertise spans telematics, predictive maintenance, and IoT applications. With 16 years of proven experience in sales and product marketing management, Francis has gained valuable insights into IoT for manufacturers and machine builders, further deepening his understanding of digital transformation across industries.
The Derby Arena is easy to find – it’s the rounded gold-coloured building standing on Pride Park next to the Derby County football stadium. Just a short walk from Derby Station those travelling by road can just enter DE24 8JB or search for Derby Arena. Parking is FREE to Attendees.
Railway Industry Association’ conference at RSN 2025
Gareth Dennis Head of Strategy Test Tracks
Andrea Green
Business Development Director
Gareth Dennis is an award-winning railway engineer and writer. He’s currently leading on the development of a strategy for Network Rail’s test tracks, working across industry to make maximum use of these incredible facilities. They offer unique testing capabilities including 140mph running, acoustic testing, plant and machine validation – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. He also hosts the weekly #Railnatter show and is a regular on podcasts, radio, television and in print making the case for railways at the heart of a sustainable future. He is the author of the bestselling book How The Railways Will Fix The Future and is a co-founder of the Campaign for Level Boarding.
A civil engineer by training Andrea has nearly 30 years experience across engineering infrastructure leading teams to address many of the UK’s most pressing challenges in transport safety and customer experience and now leads business development for Alstom’s 6,000 strong team.
Andrea is a positive and energetic business development leader with a strong track record in developing engineering solutions that deliver sustainable, pioneering and optimised solutions that make a real difference, respond to market needs and drive business growth.
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Railway Industry Association’ conference at RSN 2025 - Programme
09.30 - Show opens - networking on the conference mezzanine level.
10:30 - Richard Carr - RIA Technical & Innovation Director - opening remarks.
10:35 - Paul Baines, Director of Major Programmes, Siemens Mobility – Paul will be speaking on the opportunities and risks of rail reform from a rolling stock manufacturers perspective. Paul will also highlight the work Siemens are undertaking to widen their UK supply chain footprint, and how businesses can benefit from this.
11:00 - Francis Vander Ghinst, Sales Director at Railnova - Francis will cover the topic of empowering Rail Operators with IOT and Rolling Stock Data to Improve Fleet Performance.
11:20 – Andrea Green, UK&I Business Development Director, Alstom – The Future of the RailwayA supply chain perspective.
11:45 – Panel Discussion.
12:15 – 13:15 – Lunch (invited guests only).
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13:15 - Jordan Langfield, Fleet Engineer, Angel Trains with Steven Armstrong, Fleet Engineer, Grand Central and Anisa Mamaniyat, Director, Chrome Angel Solutions. Applying machine learning models to railway condition data.
13:45 - Paul Long, Head of Engineering for Freightliner Group – Paul will be speaking on the Decarbonisation of Rail Freight.
14:05 – Greg Howell, Director, Rail Innovations with Mark Bridel Senior Regional Freight Manager (Eastern) Network Rail. Rail Innovations has been working with Network Rail for 4 years to develop a new generation of lineside remote condition monitoring system that will provide real-time and actionable reports using Artificial Intelligence that will improve safety, service reliability and improve rolling stock maintenance.
14:20 - Gareth Dennis - Strategy Lead, Test Tracks - Network Rail - Network Rail Test TracksStrategy for the Future.
14:35 - Panel Discussion.
15:00 - Closing Remarks.
About the Railway Industry Association
The Railway Industry Association (RIA) champions a dynamic UK rail supply sector. Rail contributes £41 billion in economic value and £14 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as supporting over 640,000 jobs throughout the UK. For every job in rail, a further four jobs are supported elsewhere in the UK economy, and every job in the rail supply chain is 29% more productive than the UK average. RIA’s 400+ members, including 60% SMEs, provide a diverse range of rail products and services. RIA advocates for rail’s critical role in economic development, sustainability, and high-performance transport. Learn more at www.riagb.org.uk
