Recognising the Organisations, Teams and Individuals Transforming Rail Across the North of England


Manchester Deansgate Hotel
October 2026

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Rail North Awards

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30 June 2026

Entry Deadline
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August 2026

Shortlist Announced
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22 October 2026

Awards Ceremony
Spotlight Rail Awards winners holding trophies

What are the Rail North
Spotlight Awards?

The Rail North Spotlight Awards celebrate excellence across the North of England’s rail industry, recognising the organisations, teams and individuals helping to drive progress across the network.

They shine a light on the work improving services, strengthening infrastructure, and supporting better outcomes for passengers and communities across the region.

Event Sponsors

Headline Sponsor

Corporate Partner

See What Makes Spotlight Special

Experience the energy, recognition, and celebration that make the Spotlight Rail Awards a standout event in the industry.

Spotlight Rail Awards video preview

Why Enter the Awards?

Entering the Rail North Spotlight Awards is an opportunity to showcase your achievements, share your impact, and gain recognition from across the rail industry. It’s open to organisations of all sizes, whether you’re delivering day-to-day operational improvements, leading major projects, or introducing new ideas that are shaping the future of rail in the North.

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Gain industry recognition

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Showcase your innovation

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Boost brand credibility

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Connect with key stakeholders

Meet the Speakers

Simon Elliott

Simon Elliott

Transport for Greater Manchester,
Director for Rail

Simon will join industry leaders to share insights on rail integration across the region. He brings extensive experience in station development and infrastructure delivery, with a focus on improving accessibility, passenger experience and supporting sustainable growth across the North.

Jo Griffiths

Jo Griffiths

TRU,
Programme Director

Jo will join industry leaders to share insights on the Transpennine Route Upgrade and its role in transforming rail across the North. With extensive experience in major rail programmes, she focuses on delivery, integration and long-term regional impact.

How to Enter

How to Enter North Awards 1

Choose your
categories

How to Enter North Awards 2

Complete the
submission form

How to Enter North Awards 3

Our judges review
& shortlist

How to Enter North Awards 4

Book your
attendance

Interested in Other Awards?

Spotlight Rail Awards also take place across national and regional programmes, celebrating excellence at every level of the rail industry.

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Rail National Awards

Recognising the people, teams, and projects driving innovation and excellence across the UK rail network.

Enter the Awards

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Rail CYMRU Awards

Celebrating outstanding projects, teams, and innovation across the
Welsh rail sector.

Enter the Awards

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Rail Scotland Awards

Recognising excellence and innovation in
Scotland’s rail industry, bringing together key stakeholders and leaders.

Enter the Awards

2026 winners medals

2025 Winners & Highlights

A reflection on the key moments from the 2025 North Spotlight Awards, recognising the organisations, teams, and individuals who made a significant contribution to North of England’s rail sector. Highlighting the ideas, progress, and partnerships that helped drive meaningful change across the network.

View Highlights

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Enter the Awards

Celebrate your achievements in Northern rail.
Entry is free and takes just minutes.

Enter Now

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Book Your Table

Join industry leaders from across the North
for an unforgettable evening of recognition.

Secure Your Table

Submit your Entry

Celebrate excellence in UK Rail.
Submit your project, team, or innovation for
recognition at the Spotlight Rail Awards.
Entry is free, and takes just a few minutes.

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Register your Interest

Whether you’re looking to book a table or simply want to know more about the event, we’re here to help.

 

Submit your details below and a member of our team will get back to you shortly.


Event Schedule

18.00 – 19.00
Pre-event drinks reception
19.00 – 19.15
Chair welcome
19.15 – 19.45
Panel discussion
19:45 – 21.15
Dinner served
21:30 – 22:15
Award ceremony
22.15 – 00.00
Networking and drinks