Welcome

Rail Forum East Midlands

Rail Forum East Midlands, formerly known as the Derby and Derbyshire Rail Forum (DDRF), represents over 150 businesses across the East Midlands, employing over 25,000 people and contributing £2.6bn to the local economy.

Formed in 1993 the DDRF was originally created to promote the area as a world class centre of rail excellence. Our members include infrastructure and rolling stock designers and consultancies, installers, manufacturers, OEMs and a wide range of service providers to the industry. Today we work strategically with both UK and regional governments, the Rail Supply Group (RSG) and our local LEPs as well as continuing to support our members through specific events.

The Rail Forum brings together Midlands' rail businesses with national and regional government: Together we grow exports, encourage innovation and create skilled employees.

Paul Francis - Chair, Rail Forum East Midlands

ABOUT RFEM

How we support our members:

  • Involvement in inward and outward trade missions
  • Providing unrivalled networking opportunities
  • Exhibiting at trade exhibitions
  • Facilitating topical workshops and seminars
  • Providing a collective voice for the area in promoting the area’s rail industry to a global market

RFEM has dedicated local support from our City and County Councils, the Local Enterprise Partnership (D2N2), UK Trade & Investment and other industry groups.

This support helps our members locate and access new markets and promote international expansion. It also helps bring new organisations to the region, to continue the growth and reputation of the region’s rail industry.

Membership to RFEM is not restricted to technology and manufacturing companies. Finance, legal and other support organisations are also members.

RFEM has a number of strategic priorities and activities which are aligned with the Rail Supply Group and demonstrate the rail industry’s commitment to creating the Midlands Engine for Growth.

ABOUT US…

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Rail Forum East Midlands

Date/Time Event
Oct 5, 2017
10:00am - 10:45am

 RVE 2017 RFEM Workshop 1: Developing a Rail Innovation Centre That Works for the Rail Supply Chain: Opportunity to Have Your Say
Derby Arena, Derby

Oct 5, 2017
11:00am - 11:30am

 RVE 2017 RFEM Workshop 2: Oiling the Midlands Engine: Maximising Your R&D Tax Claim – Hints and Tips plus Accessing the Right Grants for Product Development
Derby Arena, Derby

External events

Date/Time Event
Aug 30, 2017 - Sep 27, 2017
3:00pm - 1:00pm

 Future of East Midlands Rail Franchise Consultation Events

Oct 5, 2017
9:30am - 4:30pm

 RVE 2017
Derby Arena, Derby

MORE EVENTS…
See our member directory

Our Members

RFEM represents the largest cluster of rail companies in the world. Our region has an international reputation for excellence in rail engineering, design, manufacture and consultancy.

Member Directory