<p>Porterbrook is taking an active role in helping the supply chain, in particular UK SMEs, to develop new products for rail through our Innovation Hub project.</p>
<p>To overcome delays in bringing innovative ideas to fruition, Porterbrook has devised a highly innovative solution. We’ve made unit 319454 at Long Marston available to suppliers for the installation of new equipment or technology. This unit is not required for passenger service, so our chosen suppliers enjoy full access for measurements and product development. It provides a blank canvas for interior upgrades and passenger facing improvements – without long delays or high costs. As it will be a static but powered display train, we’ve adopted a simplified approval process that reduces development costs for our suppliers and allows demonstration of earlier prototype versions.</p>