Recognising the Organisations, Teams and Individuals Transforming Rail Across the North of England
Rail North Awards
Event Sponsors
Headline Sponsor
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See What Makes Spotlight Special
Experience the energy, recognition, and celebration that make the Spotlight Rail Awards a standout event in the industry.
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.
Gain industry recognition
Showcase your innovation
Boost brand credibility
Connect with key stakeholders
Meet the Speakers
Simon Elliott
Transport for Greater Manchester,
Network Director Rail
Network Director 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
TRU,
Programme Director
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.
Julien Dehornoy
Network Rail,
Deputy Regional Managing Director
Deputy Regional Managing Director
With more than 20 years of experience leading large and complex transport operations. Julien joined Network Rail in April 2025 to become the Deputy Regional Managing Director of the North West & Central Region in the lead up to the creation of Great British Railways.
How to Enter
Choose your
categories
Complete the
submission form
Our judges review
& shortlist
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.
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.
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.
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 – 19.25
Richard Watts, Managing Director – Balfour Beatty
19.25 – 19.55
Panel discussion featuring:
- Jo Griffiths, Programme Director – TRU
- Simon Elliott, Network Director Rail – TfGM
- Julien Dehornoy, Deputy Regional Managing Director – Network Rail
19.55 – 21.25
Dinner
21.30 – 22.10
Award ceremony
22.10 – 00.00
Drinks and networking