In the second episode of the Rail Forum Patron Podcast Series, Elaine Clark OBE sits down with Tim Bentley, Group Managing Director and Regional Vice President at Wabtec, to explore the company’s significant new investment programme in the UK — including the development of a £30 million rail technology hub in Barton.   Tim shares how Wabtec’s expanded capabilities will strengthen the UK supply chain through: Enhanced engineering, digital and subsystem expertise Greater domestic capability across wheelsets, bogies, air-con, electronics and more A growing apprenticeship pipeline and long-term investment in skills New data-driven approaches to asset management and performance improvement   The conversation also looks more broadly at the future of the railway: collaboration between suppliers and operators, the role of GBR, and the importance of confidence and stability for long-term investment decisions.   This episode offers an honest, forward-looking discussion about how a stronger UK supply chain can support better performance, lower lifecycle costs, and improved outcomes for passengers and freight customers.