Ambitious firms in the Greater Birmingham and Solihull area are being invited to take part in a new mentoring programme that provides access to senior decision makers in the rail sector.

Rail Mentor is a free initiative developed by industry experts in the Rail Alliance and supported by the Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP.

It aims to introduce SMEs with growth potential to global firms in the rail sector, with expert support available to at least 100 businesses.

Top-tier organisations such as Siemens, Bombardier, Hitachi, Network Rail and HS2 Ltd will advise companies on how to shape their product or service to meet the expectations of the supply chain.

Interested companies do not need to be operating within the rail sector to take part in the programme.

SMEs that are unfamiliar with the sector will be put through a ‘gap closing’ process to introduce them to the sector.

Mike Lyons, GBSLEP board director, said: “HS2 and other connectivity projects in Greater Birmingham and Solihull are already making a significant impact on the local economy, by helping to kick-start re-generation schemes, attract investment and create jobs.

"The Rail Mentor initiative will help local companies in the rail supply chain to unlock their potential, by giving them unique access to senior decision makers from the sector.

“The scheme will enable our SMEs to anticipate and address the needs of potential customers — and win more business as a result.”