Phil Smart

Rail Freight Group (RFG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Smart as its new Assistant Policy Manager.

He will work closely with Director-General Maggie Simpson and play a key role in RFG’s engagement with both regional and national government. He will also help support the group’s members in disseminating complex transport strategy amid a changing and dynamic sector that is increasingly focused on decarbonisation.

Phil has a local government background, having worked in the education field with Essex County Council. He also serves on Ipswich Borough Council, where he has accumulated a wealth of environment and transport policy experience over many years. He is also the author of several policy papers for the campaign group Railfuture.

On his appointment, he said: “I am delighted to be joining the RFG team at an exciting time for the sector. With the growing emphasis on decarbonisation, there is an increasing role for rail freight in the UK supply chains and a greater need for local and national policies to support this objective.”

Maggie Simpson OBE, Director-General, RFG, added: “I am delighted to be welcoming Phil to our team. The RFG’s position as the leading member-based organisation in the sector has never been more important and I know Phil will add a huge level of experience and drive to the position. Rail freight is increasingly attractive to the supply chain sector and it is growing in its importance to the environmental lobby. If the government is going to meet its green targets rail freight will need to be at the top of the transport agenda. Our policy work will be key in ensuring decision-makers make the right decisions and support the growth of rail freight.”