Testimonials and case studies

Tony Fuller, Director at Drhino says:

“We appreciate the opportunity to attend DigiRail SME workshops. Through these information and networking exchanges, we are now working successfully in collaboration with Workfromhub, to produce workspaces which will transform railway station platforms in the future.” 

Read the full case study on the use of non-conductive electrical cabinets in railways by Drhino.

Dave Oakes, Managing Director at Powelectrics says: 

"Powelectrics are thrilled with the work DIGI-RAIL have done for us as we continue to develop our wireless sensor solutions. The project outputs are a major step towards self-powered IIoT solutions with energy harvesting capabilities, so that systems can be deployed in circumstances where replacing batteries and getting other power sources is a challenge, further enhancing desirability. Thanks to all at DIGI-RAIL for your hard work.”

Nuno Vasco, Business Development and Industry Railway Lead at Phoenix Contact UK Ltd says: 

“The Stay Connected workshops have been running for over a year now through the Rail Alliance and as members Phoenix Contact, particularly myself have found the series exceptional and very relevant to the professional railway industry.

As an SME based here in the UK, the range of discussions held have been of an impeccable and of very thought provoking interest, especially of having the likes of Unipart Rail and their supply chain team open to discuss potential opportunities.

Discussions on the progress of the DigiRail project which I have found especially motivational, and inspired me to focus on the digitalisation applications that Phoenix Contact’s solutions offer, the ease of conversations whilst being able to be networking prospects via a webinar for Industry and Academia has been very worthwhile.

Martin Little and the Rail Alliance team have really outdone themselves and I look forward to more events for the remainder of the year and beyond”

Ali Taranssari, Director of Strategy at Gadjet says:

"Attending the Get into Rail program, organised by DIGI-RAIL, was extremely helpful for us. Rail has been a very remote industry for us up until now, however we have managed to identify mutual synergies and having completed the program we believe there will be lots that we can do with the Rail industry. The course was very insightful for someone like us, coming from a different sector, at the same time not overwhelming at all. The program opened our vision towards what is happening within Rail and what are the upcoming plans and potentials to help understand where our business can fit in. The program had an excellent delivery by Alec Gillham and Rachel Eade as well as a guest speaker, Martin Little."

Peter Thompson, Rail Director at RSS Infrastructure says:

"RSS Infrastructure were delighted to work with DIGI-RAIL on this project. It was a true collaboration that sparked many additional ideas and improvements on the original concept whilst always keeping in mind the practical aspects such as engineering, production and costs.

The DIGI-RAIL team were fully committed to the development of the smart trolley concept. After my initial presentation, DIGI-RAIL did their research to ensure that there was a genuine business case for this product.

The concept of a retrofitted kit to improve existing rail trolley stock at a reasonable cost shows the DIGI-RAIL team's commercial acumen. They deal in real-world problems and solutions that are both practical and affordable. This project was a true collaboration taking the knowledge and experience of both parties to create something greater than they could individually."

Read the full RSSI Smart Trolley case study.

Richard Fallon, TSC CEO says:

"The Technology Supply Chain is a rapidly expanding, no-cost membership for manufacturing, engineering and technology companies as well as B2B service firms in the West Midlands. Our members benefit from access to the grants, funding, fully funded projects, support and tools which help them to innovate and grow.

There are many well-hidden opportunities for companies in the West Midlands which we highlight to our members.

We are delighted to be working with DIGI-RAIL as it brings the support our members need and the business understanding they want. This exciting project helps manufacturing, engineering and tech firms to tap into the many opportunities the rail sector offers from construction and track through rolling stock and the various needed components to digital and services.

Our members want innovation and growth. With some sectors, such as automotive, in decline, it is the perfect time for companies in these supply chains to pivot and offer their products and services to the growing railing sector. It is also a great time for engineering and technology firms to get involved and tackle 21st century rail challenges.

DIGI-RAIL has helped us to effectively portray the opportunities offered by the rail sector to our members. They have then helped our interested members on a 1:1 basis to develop their ideas and get the introductions into the sector that they need.

DIGI-RAIL is breaking down the barriers into getting into the rail sector which offers so many untapped business opportunities, especially given HS2 and other vital infrastructure projects.”

Jon Wills, Business Development Officer at Worcester Scientific says:

"We were introduced to DIGI-RAIL through the Rail Alliance and were immediately welcomed into the process, starting with an aim of understanding the complex supply chain and devising a route to market for our Air Quality monitoring and sensor products. 

DIGI-RAIL has provided us with the confidence to approach the right level within the supply chain and provided valuable networking opportunities and events so that our contact network could be expanded. 

As a result of becoming involved with the Rail Alliance and DIGI-RAIL, our company was able to explore new markets and develop high quality business contacts within the Rail Sector. We are very optimistic going forward that this will lead to some great outcomes."

Kirsty Davies-Chinnock, Managing Director and Chair of the BSSA says;

“I attended the Get into Rail programme with BCRRE and found it very useful not only with the information provided but also as a way to connect with other SME’s who were looking to develop or increase their presence in this sector. The sessions were informative and engaging and I would recommend them for  SME’s to take part in who wish to grow in the Rail sector."

Amrith Chandran Director of EES Data Solutions Ltd attended the Get into Rail programme* March 2022 and said;

"Overall I had a great experience with the team, the information and support was spot on for an organisation seeking to enter the rail industry. It was great to meet everyone and I would like to take the opportunity to continue our collaboration."

 *Get into Rail is a programme for businesses looking to diversify into rail, to achieve business scale-up and growth, in particular for SME’s engaged with innovation and new products with emphasis on digitalisation. 

Chris West, Director of Go Monitor attended attended the Get into Rail programme* March 2022 and responded to the following;

The experience of attending Get into rail?
"The experience has been slick, well organised, focused, and well balanced."

 The benefits of attending Get into Rail what was learned and information provided?
"Get Into Rail has given me a general overview of the rail sector, some of the industry’s current challenges and aspirations, and started me down the path of planning how we approach this market with a suitable value proposition. Some key elements being the differences between the rail sector and other verticals we operate in."

Future actions following Get into Rail (this could include working with our technical team on a specific product or theme)
"Following the Get Into Rail programme we are looking forward to 121 sessions with the Business Engagement Team, and adapting our existing solutions for the rail market."

 *Get into Rail is a programme for businesses looking to diversify into rail, to achieve business scale-up and growth, in particular for SME’s engaged with innovation and new products with emphasis on digitalisation. 

David Griffiths, Global Product Manager at Oleo International said;

“I received an email about Fast Track 4 Freight via one of my weekly rail newsletters. I was keen to learn more about the plans for Freight product development and found the speakers to be engaging and the topics of discussion were of great interest. I gained general insight and understanding about Freight and received some great information”.  

Sam Hunt, Project Engineer VTG Rail UK Ltd  said;

“I was keen to learn about bridging the gap between good ideas, concepts and the delivery of products to actual freight wagons via the Fast Track 4 Freight. The opportunities and flexibility around the market was of great discussion. I met some good contacts and learned more about the University of Birmingham’s capabilities that I will consider whilst developing our strategy”.

Fran Gonnella, Engineering Product Manager at Encompass Engineering said; 

I was emailed about Fast Track 4 Freight and was keen to learn more. There was a good selection of talks with information on ways to get involved both for rail and non-rail companies. I particularly liked the formats of the presentations and discussions followed by the network, I really like the explain who you are and what you do at the beginning. I made some contacts to get in touch with.  

David Rose, Tooling 200 Ltd said;

The Get into Rail programme was a very good and thorough first step introduction. We are now engaged in the actual process, so the learning for us starts now. This session has allowed us to strategically target the procurement bodies on the front foot. The focus around innovation, sustainability, importance of RISQS and value of RIA membership were of great interest. It was also great to see the new facilities at BCRRE and meet with delegates face to face. 

Sam Chapman, the founder of The Floow said;

Read the full case study on the use of telematics data for safety applications in the rail industry by The Floow.

Read the full case study on the systematic investigation of the Employment of Work from Hub platforms on and around the Railway Network by Notabene Work from Hub.