Rail Forum has appointed former Department for Business & Trade rail lead Mike Noakes as its new Head of Policy and Strategic Engagement, strengthening its policy capability as the rail supply chain prepares for further industry reform and greater transport devolution.
Noakes will take up the role on 1 October, bringing 25 years of government experience and more than a decade working closely with the rail supply chain.
Most recently Head of Rail at the Department for Business & Trade (DBT), he has been involved in a number of initiatives aimed at supporting UK rail businesses domestically and internationally.
His appointment will see that experience applied to Rail Forum’s engagement with government, transport authorities and the wider industry on behalf of its supply chain membership.
Supply chain experience
During his time in government, Noakes helped lead DBT’s engagement with the rail sector and contributed to initiatives intended to strengthen the UK’s rail supply chain and its export potential.
His work included development of the Rail Sector Deal in 2018 and support for funding for the Global Centre of Rail Excellence.
He also played a role in cross-departmental initiatives including the Rail Supply Group, bringing together government and industry around the development and competitiveness of the UK rail supply chain.
That experience is particularly relevant to Rail Forum’s membership as businesses navigate changes in the way rail investment is planned, commissioned and delivered.
Elaine Clark, CEO of Rail Forum, said: “I am thrilled that Mike has joined the team in advance of the creation of Great British Railways, his insights and experience will prove invaluable as we strengthen our engagement with transport authorities across the devolved nations and regions.
“Mike will be well known to many of our members and the wider industry as a highly effective advocate for the UK based rail supply chain.
“With a wealth of government, industry and inward-investment experience he will significantly contribute to the Rail Forum team as we develop the strategic support we provide to our members.”
Greater focus on regions and devolution
Alongside wider rail reform, Noakes’ role will include supporting Rail Forum’s engagement with transport authorities across devolved nations and regions.
For the supply chain, greater devolution of transport funding and decision-making has the potential to change where opportunities emerge and which organisations suppliers need to engage with when developing their pipelines.
That could encompass both heavy and light rail, increasing the importance of relationships beyond the industry’s traditional national clients and decision-makers.
Mike Noakes said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Rail Forum’s expert team.
“I want to use my experience to contribute to the support Elaine and her colleagues provide for the rail supply chain during these challenging times, as the opportunities offered by GBR and the new Government become apparent.
“These are interesting times for the railway with devolution of transport budgets and decision making having the potential to create additional heavy and light rail opportunities for the UK supply chain.”
Noakes’ move from government into Rail Forum gives the organisation additional experience of how industrial policy, investment, exports and rail supply-chain priorities interact.
With the industry undergoing structural change and transport decision-making increasingly involving regional bodies, his appointment will strengthen Rail Forum’s ability to represent suppliers in those discussions and help members understand how changes in policy could translate into future opportunities.
