UKTram Board and team strategy session focuses on future direction and member value

UKTram has begun work on the next phase of its strategy, with a renewed focus on strengthening member value and supporting the delivery of new light rail schemes across the UK. Held over two days at UKTram’s offices in Birmingham, the session brought together Board members and the wider team to reflect on the organisation’s role and agree priorities for the years ahead.

While the light rail sector continues to play a critical role in supporting decarbonisation, urban growth and integrated transport, discussions recognised that progress is often constrained by the challenge of turning ambition into funded, deliverable schemes. In response, UKTram is sharpening its focus on how it can best support promoters, government and industry partners to accelerate scheme development and delivery.

A central theme of the session was ensuring that UKTram continues to deliver clear and tangible value to its members. This included:

• Strengthening support for owners and operators through operational best practice and collaboration,

• Improving engagement with senior leaders across the sector, and

• Enhancing the value offered to supply chain members through a more connected and innovative marketplace.

  
  

The session also explored how UKTram can take a more targeted and proactive approach to advocacy, working closely with government and key stakeholders to support investment in light rail and align with national transport priorities.

Alongside this, participants considered opportunities to build on UKTram’s established strengths in knowledge sharing and collaboration, while expanding its role in areas such as scheme development support, industry capability and access to shared insights.

Reflecting on the session, UKTram Managing Director James Hammett said:

“It was a really valuable couple of days and a good opportunity to step back and look carefully at where UKTram and the wider sector are heading, how we continue to develop and and most importantly, how we can continue supporting our members.’ There was a strong focus throughout on collaboration and practical delivery, which is how the organisation and the wider sector work best.”

The outcomes of the strategy session will inform the development of UKTram’s refreshed medium term plan and its long term vision for the sector.