The Railway Industry Association (RIA) celebrated its 150th anniversary on the 10th July 2025, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of rail in the UK. To honour these historic milestones, Will Baxter and 600 all met up to commemorated RIA’s past, at a networking reception and after party in Vauxhall, London, UK.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and other members of the dynamic rail supply chain in a relaxed setting. This occasion provided a lively celebration of the vibrant past of rail as well as its promising future. RIA recognised the strong partnership between the history of rail and their association, where their innovative members have been the driving force for change and transformation for a century and a half.
Will Baxter with old friend, Andy Norris, Partner, CPC Project Services
Darren Caplan, Chief Exec, RIA, was our host for the evening.
As well as 450 current members being invited along, the evening was also a night for former RIA staff to meet up once again. Here is former RIA Chairman, David Tonkin, and former RIA Communications Director, Graham Coombs.
Andy Lord, Commissioner of Transport for London, spoke about their success since Covid, and numerous projects that we have been involved in, including the Bank Station Capacity Upgrade, the Central Line Improvement Programme, and the introduction of the new 24-stock for the Piccadilly Line.
Angie Doll, Chief Exec, Govia Thameslink Railway, gave a witty and impassioned speech about the importance of rail in today’s society. It really was a love letter to the railway.
The event was a great opportunity to meet up with members of another legendary rail industry association, that of Young Rail Professionals. Will served as their Marketing Manager from 2013-15, and worked with Olivia White, now Director of Communications at Cavendish, and Paul Cooper, now UK Director, Integrated Planning & Business Intelligence at Hitachi Rail.
Networking regulars were out in force once again, with (left to right), Milda Manomaityte, COO at RIA, Liam Henderson, Founder of The Rail Innovation Group, and Emily Kent with Cate Lough, from One Big Circle – who we have recently completed a project with. On the far right
Lots of new faces in the crowd too.
Never a dull moment, lots of games all around to keep everyone entertained.
Member companies have grown in recent years, from less than 300 to the latest, number 450, under Darren Caplan’s tenure, since 2019. One of which, is of course, Will Baxter Visual Communications!
Good to see some interactive art. Attendees were invited to paint a section of the image in any way they wanted.
As per all of RIA key events, the photography was covered by the talented Rob Finney and videotography by Michael Dangerfield of Wight Productions. Both are freelancers, at reasonable rates, so if you need an event captured to help build your brand, contact them directly.
