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Our year-end episode brings the team together for a quick look back and a clear look ahead. We reflect on how the Skills Beyond Scale work shaped 2025, and we revisit highlights including the Heathrow Express Supplier Challenge and a growing, engaged community. We outline plans for 2026: a milestone year marking the Rail Innovation Group’s tenth anniversary! Featuring the Rail Innovation Group leaders: Liam Henderson, Deb Carson and Johannah Randall

Liam is joined by friend of the pod, OpenTransport Initiative's Hayden Sutherland, to unpack three fast-moving themes from Rail Live in Madrid. They compare what was promised on stage with what is actually being built, digging into where agentic AI is useful, where it struggles with complex, high-stakes choices, and why good visual UX still beats long conversational lists. The pair link this to the hard graft behind the scenes, from data quality and APIs to cross-sector standards and interoperability, with a wry metro mishap reminding us that a capable human still matters. For startups, the takeaway is clear. Do fewer shiny demos and invest in richer, trustworthy data and integration so your product scales beyond an MVP. railinnovationgroup.com opentransport.co.uk terrapinn.com/conference/rail-live/index.stm  

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Jones from Heathrow Express—the team behind the 15-minute airport express—to hear how they’re throwing open the doors to new suppliers. Heathrow Express is inviting startups and SMEs to help solve three real-world challenges: easing the pain of staff travel through airport security, showcasing and strengthening the premium passenger experience, and cracking the “last mile” connection beyond Paddington. These aren’t theoretical ideas. They’re live problems waiting for practical, scalable solutions. It all leads to the Heathrow Express Supplier Challenge on 9 December—a one-day, Dragons’ Den-style event where innovators will pitch directly to Heathrow Express and Heathrow Airport decision-makers. Expect a hands-on day: a ride out from Paddington, live pitches at Heathrow, and evening networking with the people who can actually make things happen. If you build digital tools, passenger tech, or data-driven services and have ever thought “we could make rail run better,” this is your moment. 🎟️ Find out more and register here: Heathrow Express Supplier Challenge on Eventbrite Tune in, get inspired, and get ready to step onto the platform.

In our latest episode, Johannah and Liam are joined by Rail Innovation Group member Pipcall's Johan Gericke and end user Miles Allcock. We dig into the upcoming requirement for trackside verbal communications to be recorded across the supply chain, not just by Network Rail control rooms. Johan explains what the rule means in practice for contractors and suppliers, and how mobile call recording can close the gaps when personal or site mobiles are used on track. Miles shares how access to recordings can protect everyone involved in safety critical work. This episode covers the tech that makes this solution workable in the field: cellular call recording rather than VoIP for clearer, more reliable audio, and the “phone-within-a-phone” set-up. Show link Pipcall guide: Call recording for safety-critical communications in rail: https://www.pipcall.com/resource/call-recording-for-safety-critical-communications-in-rail

In this episode, we speak with Tara Walsh, Project Manager for the Innovation Acceleration Forum within Network Rail’s Capital Delivery team. Tara shares how the Forum helps streamline the path from promising idea to practical adoption: supporting innovators with open conversations, clear feedback, and guidance through trials, product acceptance, and procurement. We explore how technical and non-technical voices work together to assess whether a product solves a real problem, saves time or money, and is truly scalable and sustainable. Tara offers insight into the challenges of rolling out innovations across a large, complex organisation—and why success isn’t just about flashy tech, but about doing the basics well and understanding the business need. Plus, we unpack the cultural shift underway in rail, where teams are beginning to ask: What else can we do? and How can we do things differently? Tara’s top tip for innovators? Keep it sharp, relevant, and focused—don’t bring a like-for-like solution and expect to impress.

In this episode, Johannah and Liam speak with Philip Pozzo di Borgo-Oliver, Managing Partner at Eureka!Europe, a consultancy that helps organisations build the internal capability to innovate—whether they're early-stage start-ups or established corporates. We explore the journey from idea to implementation: how to embed innovation culture across a business, how to overcome or manage projects through the business cycles that stall progress, and whether your organisation is innovating to create something new or simply to remove internal barriers. Philip brings sharp insights into Innovation Engineering, and shares his observations on the UK rail sector—highlighting how political uncertainty can undermine morale and momentum for change. If you've ever wondered how to turn a "Eureka!" moment into a real-world result, or how to nurture innovation in systems not built to move fast, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we speak with Antonio Ribeiro, CEO and Founder of Yurtle, a care-tech startup born from his personal journey as a caregiver. Antonio shares the story behind Yurtle’s creation: a platform designed to support employees when their usual care arrangements with a registered provider, such as a nursery or domiciliary care agency, unexpectedly fall through.   Yurtle helps people stay in work, avoid unplanned absences, and navigate the challenges of the “sandwich generation” caring for both children and elderly relatives.   We explore how this solution is addressing critical gaps in the social care system by providing financial support during care breakdowns. This empowers employees to respond quickly and practically in moments of crisis.   Antonio also highlights how Yurtle’s model not only reduces absence rates, particularly in shift-based sectors like rail, but also supports a more diverse and multigenerational workforce. By enabling carers, often women, to stay in work and maintain career progression, Yurtle promotes a more inclusive and empathetic workplace culture.   This conversation reveals the hidden cost of broken care systems on employment and how smart, empathetic tech can make industries like rail more inclusive, resilient, and people focused.

What Moves Us – Episode 5: Mind the Gap – Where Rail Needs to Innovate In this episode, we explore the innovation gap in rail and ask: will technology meet changing passenger expectations? As behaviours shift, so do the demands on service delivery - but who has the oversight, authority, and appetite to invest in transformative tech? With the rail industry edging toward greater centralisation, could nationalisation actually make it easier to innovate, thanks to better collaboration and less duplication across the network? We unpack the opportunities and complexities of procurement in a nationalised industry, and what this means for start-ups trying to gain traction in rail. We also tackle one of the industry's biggest challenges: how to attract the next generation of engineers, developers, and digital talent. What will it take to make rail an attractive career destination? This episode links to our upcoming event, Becoming the Employer of Choice, and continues the conversation on how the rail sector can position itself to recruit, retain and inspire the talent needed to drive innovation forward. For more details head to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-rail-innovation-group-12086193246

In this fourth instalment of our How to be a Start-Up in Rail series, we dive into the critical material that start-ups need to navigate the rail sector: the challenges, the opportunities, and why there’s never been a more exciting time to get involved. We ask the big question: Is now the moment for start-ups to supply into rail? With a growing recognition from government of the barriers small tech companies face, and the need to embrace technology to drive efficiency, is there finally a plan to improve access and make the most of what start-ups have to offer? We highlight how small companies—agile and tech-driven—are often best placed to bring cutting-edge solutions to market quickly. The GB rail ecosystem is brimming with the talent, ideas, and energy needed to drive digitisation, boost sustainability, and improve passenger experience. But what’s the best route in? Should start-ups look to collaborate with larger, established suppliers to fast-track their journey—especially ahead of the formation of Great British Railways? We also unpack different start-up mindsets: those aiming for scale and exit, and those in it for the long haul. Finally, we offer practical guidance on accessing funding, especially R&D grants—ideal for early-stage support—and share top tips for writing a strong application: start early, be clear, and prepare well.   Find out more about the Rail Innovation Group at: railinnovationgroup.com

In this episode, Deb, Johannah, and Liam discuss the Rail Innovation Group's latest research report, Skills Beyond Scale, which explores the skills landscape within our vibrant community of startups and small digital companies. They highlight the crucial role our members play in driving innovation and shaping the future of rail through cutting-edge technology. Join the conversation as they discuss how the community is harnessing AI, data analytics, and other advanced technologies to: Develop groundbreaking digital solutions Transform customer experiences Enhance operational efficiency The team also examines the emerging skills our members need to stay ahead and the challenges they face in upskilling for the future. This report launch marks the start of a series of events throughout 2025, so stay tuned for more discussions on this critical topic. Download the report: railinnovationgroup.com/thoughtpieces

In this episode - the second part of our discussion on the Great British Railways (GBR) foundation consultation, A Railway Fit for Britain's Future) - Liam and Johannah explore their response, breaking down key implications for start ups and innovators in the rail sector. We delve into how innovation and commercial incentives could be prioritised and measured in GBR’s new structure and discuss the need for a framework that fosters continuous improvement, grassroots creativity, and new products that enhance passenger experience. We also make the case for stronger collaboration between government, start ups, and small digital companies ensuring that rapid, innovative solutions can meet both immediate and long-term transport needs. Who is best placed to deliver these solutions; and how can we make sure start ups have a seat at the table? Finally, we share practical advice on how to respond to consultations effectively with a focus on solution-driven contributions. Make your voice heard! Join the Rail Innovation Group to amplify your impact and help shape the future of rail. Get in touch with your thoughts—we want to hear from you!   https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-railway-fit-for-britains-future

With the launch of the consultation on the foundation of Great British Railways (A Railway Fit for Britain's Future), we kick off a special series exploring a key question: how to be a start up in rail? Or perhaps more importantly - would you even want to be one? In this episode, Johannah and Liam break down the themes of the consultation document, examining how different structural models and outcome priorities could shape the industry's willingness to engage with small suppliers. We also share initial thoughts on whether the proposed framework will allow for flexibility - particularly in adapting to evolving Government priorities - and what it could mean for private operators. Finally, we outline key topics for future episodes in this series. Join us as we unpack what this transformation could mean for startups looking to make their mark in rail.   See the consultation: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-railway-fit-for-britains-future  

In this episode, Deb Carson and Liam Henderson speak with James Whitelock, Managing Director of ThinkinCircles, about the power of employer branding and how companies can better attract and retain the right talent. As we prepare for our upcoming Skills Beyond Scale report, this conversation is perfectly timed. We explore the perception of rail - does the industry's image need improving before individual companies can stand out? James shares expert insights on differentiating your employer value proposition, shouting about the exciting opportunities within the sector, and using innovative strategies to attract talent in ways you haven’t considered before. From environmental policies to EDI initiatives, we discuss how great workplace culture isn’t just about remuneration - it’s about positioning your company as an attractive, forward-thinking employer. But beyond that, how does securing top talent make your business a more attractive supplier, aligning with client priorities and industry expectations? We also dive into branding a 200-year-old rail industry as a place of innovation, the international opportunities available in rail supply, and why giving the rail community a voice is crucial for future growth. Plus, James shares invaluable advice for founders and small business owners navigating employer branding and talent retention. Listen now to uncover fresh perspectives on employer branding in rail! Want to hear more? Join James and the ThinkinCircles team at our Meet Up on 13th May - head to our website for event details. Links: Meet Up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meet-up-becoming-an-employer-of-choice-tickets-1207299558479 ThinkinCircles: https://thinkincircles.com/employer-branding-service/ Blogs: https://thinkincircles.com/?s=employer+branding&et_pb_searchform_submit=et_search_proccess&et_pb_include_posts=yes James Whitelock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameswhitelock/ James' Pod: https://www.themarketingrules.com/  

In our first episode of 2025, hosts Liam and Johannah kick off the year with an exciting conversation about innovation, challenges, and growth. Joining them are Jeremy Bormann, CEO, and Raymon Ceasar, Head of R&D at Legal Pythia, a cutting-edge startup leveraging AI to detect fraud in documents and datasets. This insightful discussion dives into: The diverse, international team behind Legal Pythia and how their unique mix of cultures fosters innovative problem-solving. Navigating compliance challenges and preparing for the EU's upcoming AI regulations. The journey of pivoting as a startup to meet customer needs and refining the value proposition. Communicating effectively with customers to demonstrate the impact of their solution. Insights on securing government grant funding and the critical role of product testing and user interface design. Overcoming the talent challenge: how startups can attract top-tier talent while competing with established tech giants. Plus, we hear the team's advice for new start ups and close with a warming message about the friends you meet along the journey!

In this episode, Jesper Westerberg, Chief Product Officer at Predge, shares insights into the role of predictive maintenance in the rail industry. We discuss how data-driven solutions are transforming maintenance strategies, reducing costs, and improving reliability. Jesper highlights real-world applications, including innovative algorithms for predicting wheel damages and transforming maintenance planning. We also explore the challenges of adopting new technologies in a traditional sector and the importance of partnerships and modular solutions. Whether you're a rail professional or curious about innovation in transport, this episode offers a practical look at the potential of predictive maintenance and how smaller suppliers can drive change.