Porterbrook welcomed local MP for Stratford-on-Avon Nadhim Zahawi to the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre.

Mr Zahawi, the Secretary of State for Education, was able to see the improvements and enhancements we have made since taking over in June 2021. We have invested £3 million to modernise the site over the last 12 months with one third of this spent with local businesses and partners.

He also had a tour of our hydrogen train HydroFLEX, the world’s first tri-mode battery, electric and hydrogen train, led by Porterbrook CEO Mary Grant and our Director of Innovation and Projects Helen Simpson.

Other local stakeholders joining the visit included Stratford District Council Council Leader Councillor Tony Jefferson, Head of Place and Economy John Careford, Portfolio holder for economy and place at Warwickshire County Council Councillor Kam Kaur and Warwickshire Employability and Skills lead Fay Winterburn.

A good discussion took place about our future investment plans for Long Marston and how this can support skills, jobs and local economic development in Warwickshire.