Northern, the UK’s largest train operator outside London, has reaffirmed its commitment to social mobility and economic growth across the North of England. The company has welcomed a new report from the Purpose Coalition that highlights its community investment and social impact.
The “Breaking Down Barriers to Opportunity Impact Report”, launched in Parliament on 8th September, outlines how Northern is creating jobs, building skills, and improving access to travel for communities.
Key findings from the report show the scale of Northern’s community activity:
- £6.2 million invested in local communities, a 29% increase from the previous year.
- 7,267 colleagues employed, with 55% of procurement spend retained in the North.
- 869 apprentices supported, and over 6,000 hours of volunteer work delivered by colleagues, more than double last year’s total.
The report also highlights specific initiatives, such as Northern’s “Track to the Future” programme, which supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds. More than a third of conductor and driver trainees now come from these areas, with up to 30% joining without formal English or maths qualifications.
Making a Difference
Northern’s Customer and Community Impact Fund has also backed various grassroots initiatives, including the Olympias Music Foundation, which provides free music lessons to children in Manchester, and Work For All, which mentors older adults back into employment.
Tricia Williams, Managing Director at Northern, said: “At Northern, we are proud to serve communities across the North of England. Every day, our trains carry thousands of people, not just to destinations, but to jobs, to schools, to hospitals, and to loved ones. We are proud to work with the Purpose Coalition, aligning our efforts with national goals to tackle inequality and create opportunity. I welcome this report, which is a reflection of Northern’s commitment to supporting our colleagues, investing in local economies and making a difference for all we serve, every single day.”
The full report is available to download from the Northern website. The operator runs 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.
