On Track for Innovation: Learning and Collaborating at Ticket to Innovate 2025

Rebecca and I had the opportunity to attend Speedy’s Ticket to Innovate 2025 at the Nene Valley Railway in Wansford – an event that truly lived up to its name. Set against the backdrop of a fully operational heritage railway, it brought together contractors, suppliers, and clients to showcase new ideas, products, and technologies that are shaping the future of our industry.

 

What set this event apart was how hands-on it was. From live tunnel tours and on-track demonstrations to ESG and sustainability clinics, it was a chance to experience innovation in a real-world environment. It was great to see so many familiar faces from across our client base, all gathered to discuss how we can work smarter, safer, and more sustainably across rail and infrastructure projects.

 

  

 

One initiative that particularly stood out was the charity project led by Amey and Speedy, refurbishing a railway carriage to hold a hybrid power generation system for a train at the Nene Valley Railway. Several key clients and suppliers are already involved, and it’s exactly the kind of initiative that aligns with McGinley’s values, fostering Improvement, Endeavour, and Safety, among others. It not only supports innovation in sustainable transport but also offers a meaningful opportunity for collaboration and giving back to the community. We’re exploring how McGinley can contribute, whether through hands-on support or fundraising, and I’m keen to get more details from the organisers in the coming days.

 

 

 

It’s worth noting that Wansford Station, where the event was held, has its own piece of rail history, it featured as “Karl Marx Station” in the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy. That same spirit of creativity and ambition felt fitting for a day centred on pushing boundaries and finding new ways to deliver excellence.

 

A special thanks to Daryl Doherty and the rest of the Speedy team for hosting such a fantastic day. The presentations and demonstrations showcased genuine innovation, particularly in lighting solutions that are helping to illuminate and enhance the safety of our rail infrastructure.

 

For me, attending events like this is about more than just seeing new products. It’s about representing McGinley in conversations that drive progress across our industry,  listening, contributing, and learning from others who share the same commitment to continuous improvement and safety. It’s how we continue to evolve as a business and play our part in shaping the future of rail.

 

Head of Rail, MSSI