CIRO is proud to host the George Bradshaw Address for the first time, bringing together more than 200 of the most senior decision makers from across the UK rail industry for an evening of insight, discussion and collaboration.
Previously hosted by Rail Partners, the Address has become a long-standing and respected fixture in the rail industry calendar, convening senior leaders, policymakers and partners to explore the strategic and operational issues shaping the future of Britain’s railway. CIRO is delighted to build on this legacy by facilitating the event for the first time.
We are privileged to welcome Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Transport, as keynote speaker. The Address will be opened by Mark Hopwood CBE, Managing Director of Great Western Railway and Chair of the CIRO Board, with closing reflections delivered by Phil Sherratt, Chief Executive of CIRO.
The evening will also feature a senior industry panel discussion and audience Q&A chaired by Katy Austin, Transport Correspondent at BBC News. Joining the panel will be Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General of the Rail Freight Group; Alex Hynes, Chief Executive of DfT Operator; and Jeremy Westlake, Chief Executive of Network Rail, who will explore the opportunities and challenges facing rail as the sector continues to evolve.
As the professional body for railway operators, CIRO is proud to convene such a senior audience at a pivotal time for the industry — supporting dialogue that shapes strategic direction and, ultimately, the day-to-day experiences of frontline colleagues and rail customers.
Katy Austin is Transport Correspondent at BBC News, covering major developments across the UK transport sector, including rail, aviation and infrastructure. She reports across television, radio and digital platforms, providing in-depth analysis on industry reform, operational performance and passenger experience, and regularly chairs and contributes to high-level transport industry discussions.
The George Bradshaw Address has been a mainstay of the rail industry calendar since the inaugural address from the then Network Rail Chair, Rick Haythornthwaite, in 2011. It brings together senior industry leaders to discuss the future of the railway, the challenges it faces and how, together, the sector can sustain and grow the network.
The Address is named after George Bradshaw (1800–1853), the cartographer and printer responsible for Bradshaw’s Railway Guides. First published in 1839, the guides made the railways more accessible to the public and revolutionised train travel. They were the first comprehensive timetables, including fares, connections, distances and even tourist information about towns and cities along the routes.
The George Bradshaw Address has previously been delivered by:
(Where speeches are available you can view them by clicking on the link)
