ABOUT RFM
RFM is far more than just a trade or networking organisation and 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 the busy world in which we live. This isn’t just about contract opportunities it’s also about the understanding the future 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 more social or ‘topic themed’ events. We regularly host VIP visits to the Midlands and we also provide opportunities for members to come together collaboratively to share space at major rail exhibitions. We have close links with other like-minded organisations both within and beyond rail.
4. Supporting Development and Delivery of a Rail Sector Deal
Over the last few years we have worked closely with the Rail Supply Group and others putting in place regional actions to address the rail industry’s strategic priorities including skills development and growing exports. More recently we have been closely involved in the development work for a rail sector deal – with a clear view on how this might benefit our members. A Rail Sector Deal was launched in December 2018 and we are active partners in its delivery.
