Read: GB Railfreight signs up to Levelling Up Goals

GB Railfreight (GBRf), the best performing rail freight operator in the UK, today announced its partnership with the Purpose Coalition on a Levelling Up Action Plan which will set out its contribution to the levelling up agenda in the UK.

GBRf is one of the fastest growing companies in the railway sector, transporting goods for a wide range of customers across the country. With a workforce totalling more than 1000 staff, GBRf pride themselves on five core principles: communication and visibility, professionalism, trust and empowerment, enjoyment, and support. These underpin its mission to provide a reliable, safe, and sustainable portfolio of rail freight services for customers.The Levelling Up Action Plan will highlight the work GBRf is already undertaking to deliver a positive impact on communities across the country within the architecture of the Purpose Goals, known as the Levelling Up Goals in the UK. Its CEO, John Smith, will join as a Levelling Up Commissioner for Goal 11 Infrastructure for Opportunity and the company will be the industry lead for the transport sector.

The Goals, established this year by former Education Secretary Rt Hon Justine Greening with input from businesses, universities and policymakers, are designed to provide a framework which will help tackle the challenges the country faces post Covid-19. They focus on key life stages - from early years through to adulthood, alongside other barriers such as fair career progression and good health and wellbeing - and highlight the main issues that need to be resolved to create a level playing field for everyone. 

The Goals are the first major piece of work by the Purpose Coalition, which includes some of the UK’s most purpose-led businesses, universities and public sector organisations, such as Amazon, bp, Gateley, Cisco, the BBC, UK Power Networks, Barts Health NHS Trust, the University of Bradford and many others.

John Smith, CEO of GB Railfreight, said:

“At GBRf, we are committed to fostering the next generation of rail freight talent across local and regional communities. By partnering with the Purpose Coalition, we will build towards a brighter future for rail freight and the wider transport industry. 

“Rail freight delivers economic and social benefits valued at £2.5 billion to the UK annually. This continued growth can only be sustained by breaking down the barriers to a career in rail and developing a future workforce with the necessary skills needed to meet this country’s needs.

“Our work to provide people with the essential skills and knowledge for a successful career in rail freight has already started at our new Peterborough headquarters, one of the single largest investments we have made to this date. We look forward to advancing our efforts with a Levelling Up Action Plan to achieve this goal nationwide and create a level playing field for anyone looking for a career in this thriving industry.”

Justine Greening added: “An efficient transport system is key to connecting people and places and maintaining the infrastructure that is vital for opportunity. For those communities which have few opportunities on their doorstep, it is even more important that people can access them easily.

“The rail freight industry has been crucial in keeping food and medical supplies moving during the pandemic and it will continue to have a huge role to play as we work towards the decarbonisation of transport and reaching net zero by 2050. Getting freight off our roads and onto our rail system will pay huge dividends for our emissions targets.

“GB Railfreight has shown its willingness to help shape the industry’s future. Its significant investment in a new state-of-the-art HQ in Peterborough demonstrates its commitment to becoming the industry’s leading training provider, with a particular focus on developing the skills needed for the train drivers and managers of the future. The launch of its new service from the Port of Tyne to Yorkshire and the Midlands will help level up the area it serves while also alleviating the pressure on our supply chains.

“The Purpose Coalition is proud to be working with GB Railfreight on its Levelling Up Action Plan, and with John Smith as a Commissioner, to drive levelling up in the transport industry across the country and close the opportunity gap.”