Local MPs and Councillors visit the new rail industry technology hub at Unipart Rail’s Doncaster headquarters

Dame Rosie Winterton MP was among visitors to the UK Rail and Research Innovation Network (UKRRIN) at Unipart Rail's Doncaster headquarters.

The new Technology and Innovation hub, launched in September, is a partnership between academia and industry.

The visit for local dignitaries included Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones, a selection of guests from UKRRIN, Doncaster Council, Doncaster and Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and University partners, and MP for Doncaster Central Rosie Winterton.

Led by Unipart Rail, the new Hub will support the sector in translating academic research and innovation to solve strategic industry challenges and to enable and develop the next generation of products and services. The Hub has been supported by leading universities including Huddersfield, Southampton and Birmingham and organisations including Unipart Rail, Network Rail, RSSB, and the Railway Industry Association.

Dame Rosie Winterton, Labour MP for Doncaster Central, said: "There is some very inspirational work being done here in Doncaster into innovation and digital transformation and this new Hub is an excellent example of this. I am so pleased this is happening in our town.”

Neil McNicholas, Managing Director at Unipart Rail, said: "This event was an excellent opportunity for us to welcome our local MPs, councillors, and our partners to the new UKRRIN Technology and Innovation Hub, here at our headquarters in Doncaster.  It is an exciting time for the region at the moment. It has entered the race to become the home of a new national body for the country's railways and Doncaster has also bid for the opportunity to achieve City Status. Unipart Rail is proud to play a leading role in this by supporting local businesses and SMEs to introduce new technologies into the rail sector and to drive innovation and growth into the region."

To further support the Sheffield City Region and drive economic and business growth, Unipart Rail is a partner of the DIGI-RAIL project, an initiative designed to seek out and fast-track new technologies and innovations that are being developed by SMEs in the region. As part of the support for SMEs, Unipart Rail is providing 12 hours of free innovation support, free product research and development, as well as access to academics and supply chain expertise to accelerate sector digitisation.

Visits to the UKRRIN hub from the rail industry are welcomed, as well as hosting for cross-industry meetings and conferences. For more information please email innovation@unipartrail.com

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