ABOUT RFM
RFM is more than just a trade or networking organisation – we have four key strategic objectives through which we serve our members.
1. Sharing Information About Key Issues and Opportunities
Keeping members up-to-date on key industry developments is really important in such a busy environment. We are interested in sharing information about contract opportunities, the direction of the industry, client expectations and issues such as corporate social responsibility, safety and workforce diversity.
2. Providing a Collective Voice
UK rail is a highly political industry with a significant amount of central and regional government involvement: from setting policy and infrastructure priorities to managing the franchise process and developing the rail supply chain.
RFM maintains close relationships with key government departments, on behalf of members, meeting regularly with officials and politicians to ensure they understand the environment in which our businesses are operating and competing.
3. Showcasing the Capability of Members
A key reason why many companies join RFM is to access our rail community to network, and meet potential clients and collaborative partners. We facilitate this through a variety of events from our high-profile conferences and receptions to smaller social or topical events.
We regularly host VIP visits to the Midlands and also provide opportunities for members to meet buyers and collaborate to share space at major rail exhibitions. We have close links with other like-minded organisations both within and without rail.
4. Supporting Delivery of a Rail Sector Deal
Over the last few years we have been working closely with the Rail Supply Group and other organisations to establish regional actions that address the rail sector’s strategic priorities including skills development and growing exports.
We are closely involved in developing the rail sector deal with a clear view about how this should benefit our members. A Rail Sector Deal was launched in December 2018 and we are very active in its delivery of growing SMEs and developing skills.
