The session will highlight the need to spread these benefits beyond Birmingham, recognising the significant opportunities that exist across the Midlands’ other core cities. Better connectivity can help unlock growth, support new housing and create high-value employment across the region.

Building on the foundations laid by HS2, the keynote will explore two priority schemes—the Midlands Rail Hub and the Coventry–Leicester–Nottingham corridor—as right-sized, high-impact interventions that can deliver tangible economic and social benefits. It will conclude by looking to the longer term, considering how extending HS2 northwards could strengthen links between the Midlands and the North, creating a more connected, productive and prosperous economy.

This panel discussion will explore how the Midlands Rail Hub is moving from vision to delivery and what it means for the future of rail connectivity across the region. With a preferred industry alliance now in place, the £1.75bn programme will unlock vital capacity, creating space for up to 300 additional train services a day and 20 million extra passenger seats each year.

The discussion will examine the infrastructure at the heart of the scheme, including the Bordesley Chords, and how it will tackle long-standing constraints around Birmingham while improving connections across the Midlands and beyond. Panellists will also consider how the Hub will integrate with HS2 at Curzon Street to maximise the benefits of high-speed rail for regional communities and businesses.

Beyond the railway itself, the session will explore the project’s role in supporting new homes, jobs and economic growth, while discussing delivery challenges, timelines and the next generation of rail investments needed to sustain the Midlands’ growth ambitions.

This panel discussion will explore how the Midlands can strengthen its position as the UK’s logistics and distribution powerhouse while supporting a more resilient, efficient and sustainable freight network. As the home of the Logistics Golden Triangle, the region plays a pivotal role in connecting businesses, ports and consumers across the country.

The session will examine how targeted rail investments—including the Midlands Rail Hub and Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges (SRFIs)—can help overcome capacity constraints, reduce road congestion and support national freight growth ambitions. Panellists will discuss the importance of addressing key network pinch points, expanding rail-connected logistics hubs, and improving connections between major ports, airports and industrial centres.

The discussion will also consider the role of innovation in transforming freight, from alternative traction technologies and decarbonisation initiatives to the use of real-time data and digital systems. Ultimately, the panel will focus on how strategic investment in Midlands freight infrastructure can drive economic growth, create jobs, support international trade and accelerate the transition to a lower-carbon transport network.

This panel discussion will explore how digital technology is transforming the railway across the Midlands, enabling operators to run more trains, more safely and more efficiently. As the industry accelerates the shift from traditional lineside signalling to digital, in-cab systems, the session will examine the role of technologies such as ETCS, Traffic Management Systems and advanced data platforms in creating a more reliable and higher-capacity network.

Bringing together infrastructure, operations and technology perspectives, the discussion will consider how digital innovation can support major programmes such as the Midlands Rail Hub while improving the passenger experience. Panellists will explore the use of real-time information, AI and enhanced connectivity to provide more personalised journey planning, better disruption management and simpler ticketing solutions.

The session will also examine the importance of data sharing and collaboration across the rail industry, including opportunities for technology providers and SMEs to contribute new solutions. Ultimately, the panel will focus on how digital transformation can unlock capacity, improve performance, reduce costs and create a smarter railway for passengers and freight users alike.