Mayor ‘greatly impressed’ by regional rail innovation at East Midlands firm

Rail innovation and employment were the themes when the Mayor of the East Midlands visited a Derby company.

Mayor Claire Ward and East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Chief Executive Amy Harhoff met local employees and saw cutting-edge rail infrastructure technology when they visited Siemens Mobility‘s office in Derby.

The visit, which aligns with EMCCA’s growth strategy to unlock local opportunities, provided insight into Siemens Mobility’s impact in Derby and its contribution to national and regional development within the UK rail industry. Siemens Mobility employs about 150 people in Derby, reinforcing its contribution to local job creation and skills development.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “I was greatly impressed by my visit to Siemens Mobility’s Derby office. It’s wonderful to see such advanced technology and innovation being developed here in the East Midlands, supporting our national rail network, boosting the local economy, and helping us improve transport, one of my key commitments when I was standing for election.

“Siemens Mobility’s long history in the region and its commitment to creating jobs and developing skills – especially through its excellent entry-level talent programmes – is truly impressive.

“Siemens Mobility is an important partner in our region’s growth, and I look forward to continuing to work with the company to improve transport and support prosperity across the East Midlands.”

Rail innovation

During the tour, guests were shown a live demonstration of Digital Conflict Resolution (DCR). The  traffic management system monitors the rail network in real-time, proactively predicting and resolving potential conflicts before they escalate, allowing for a smooth operational timetable which significantly reduces delays, enhances reliability and improves overall network efficiency for passengers and freight.

Rob Morris, Siemens joint UK&I chief executive officer and managing director for rail infrastructure and software, said:  “It was a privilege to welcome Mayor Claire and Amy to our Derby facility. Their visit highlights the important role of regional collaboration, innovation, and skilled talent in shaping the future of UK rail. We are very proud of our deep roots in Derby and our strong contribution to transforming rail travel and transport across the East Midlands.

“Our commitment to investing in technological advancements and fostering local talent through our entry-level talent programmes is key to our mission. We look forward to continuing our support to the EMCCA strategic goals.”

Mayor Claire and Amy also had the opportunity to hear first-hand from six local apprentices about their current projects and contributions to rail innovation in Derby and the East Midlands, as well as their aspirations for the future.