28.11.18
Blog: 5 minutes with Anna-Jane Hunter, Director for the North of England Rail at Network Rail
Ahead of next year’s EvoNorth, taking place on 27-28 February 2019, we caught up with Anna-Jane Hunter, Director of North of England Rail at Network Rail. She will be joining us on our exclusive Transport and Connectivity panel discussion to shed light on future plans across the region.
In this interview, Anna-Jane reveals what the Northern Powerhouse means to her and why now more than ever it is important for leaders to unite and attend at events like EvoNorth.
What does your role as director of North of England rail involve?
My role as director of North of England Rail primarily involves managing Network Rail’s relationship with Transport for the North (TfN). I work closely with colleagues from TfN and some of the key stakeholders such as mayors and council leaders.
What are key issues are you addressing, and how will this drive forward the devolution agenda?
Right now I’m focused on working with TfN and its franchise operators (TransPennine and Northern) to deliver improvements in operational performance alongside the transformation agenda in the region. Both TOCs have committed to huge levels of investment and the Great North Rail Project is delivering unprecedented levels of infrastructure improvement in the region. With the TransPennine Route Upgrade also on the horizon, devolution offers an opportunity now more than ever for the north to be author of its own destiny.
What does the Northern Powerhouse mean to you?
The Northern Powerhouse is about connecting the fantastic towns and cities of this great region in a way that has previously not been a focus of investment and development. As a proud northerner, redressing the north/south divide is something I feel extremely passionate about. This means focusing on all the great things the region has to offer in terms of destinations (it’s not all about Manchester), people (including skills and development), investment (attracting this away from the south), and connectivity to deliver it all.
Why have you got involved with EvoNorth?
I’ve got involved in EvoNorth as I’m always keen to be part of positivity in the north. There is so much going on right now; it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with people from right across the industry, and the whole supply chain, to ensure we are sharing what’s going on and encourage further good work.
Why do you think it’s important for leaders across the region to come together to create a plan for future generations, especially at events like EvoNorth?
As leaders in the north, we have an important part to play in creating a plan for future generations. As chair of the north west region of Women in Rail, I’m also particularly passionate about ensuring we have all the best-talented people in our industry and in the region.
To be a part of EvoNorth, click here to attend, exhibit or sponsor.
