Northern and Incremental care for Unwell Passengers with new app

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Northern is trialling a new innovative app that will help customers get speedier care if they become ill on board any of the rail operators’ trains.  

Unwell Passengers App

The Unwell Passenger app, developed by York-based rail technology specialists, Incremental Solutions, gives step-by-step instructions to support staff on trains to help passengers who become ill or are injured.  

Currently in the first phase of testing, the app uses mobile technology (GSM) for communication, satellite technology for position accuracy and a digital interface which allows colleagues, control teams and operational staff to simultaneously liaise with each other and if required, the emergency services. 

Tricia Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Northern, said: “When a customer is unwell on one of our trains, the on-board member of staff currently has to remember, in a stressful situation, all the policies and procedures that relate to helping the customer, as well as coordinate with colleagues in control and emergency services.  

“The app will mean improved management of incidents on board trains as customers who become unwell can be transported more quickly to a suitable location to receive the best care.  

“Other customers also benefit from issues being resolved more quickly, meaning journeys will be back on track in less time.” 

Daniel Lee-Bursnall, Co-Founder and Commercial Director at Incremental Solutions, added: “Technology gives us so many opportunities to improve the customer experience on our rail networks, and in this instance, can really help people with immediate and unexpected needs. By digitising the alert and subsequent care process for unwell passengers, we can become much more effective and proactive too. 

The trial was funded by Innovate UK and will be developed further to provide even more benefits for Northern customers 

A second phase will look at automating the app further – including tracking which train the user is on, as well as the exact location of the train on Northern’s network which will make it easier for emergency services to attend to a passenger. Additionally, it will be integrated with the train’s communications – meaning the customer information system can updated with delays or other messages.  

To see how we transform communications to benefit the customer experience, see our MApps solution here.

Visit us at the Rail Innovation Exhibition, 2021

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Come and find us, in a virtual sense, at this year’s Rail Innovation Exhibition. which runs from 9th-12th February.

This event will be a showcase of the best in rail innovation brought to you by Innovate UK, KTN, the Department for Transport (DfT), and the Railway Industry Association (RIA), in partnership with UKRRIN and Network Rail. It’s bringing together a fantastic line-up to showcase some of the most exciting innovations and projects the rail sector has to offer.  Including, of course, Incremental Solutions.

Our ‘stand’ will be looked after by different members of the Incremental team who’ll be talking about what we do, how it benefits the rail user and with some particular focusses on some of our products, such as overhead line Equipment monitoring solution OLErt .

Register for the event on the organiser’s website here.

Top Tech Awards rate Incremental ‘Highly Commended’

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The Top Tech report, produced by UK law firm Mills & Reeve, celebrate and recognise the innovative and pioneering work that is happening in Yorkshire and the North West. Technology business across both regions are developing products and services that establish themselves as leaders in their field and boost the vibrant economy in the North. 

Mills & Reeve developed the Top Tech series bringing together like-minded businesses from across the regions to celebrate the ground-breaking technology being developed on your doorstep and give it the recognition it deserves.

In the latest report, Incremental were ‘Highly Commended’, after being reviewed under categories such as ‘Technical Innovation’, ‘Outstanding Client Service’ and ‘Culture and Workforce’.

For more information on the Top Tech report, visit the Mills & Reeve website here.

Incremental’s growth continues with senior level hires.

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Gareth Biggins and Aurelie Butin

Incremental Solutions, the York-based smart transport technology provider, has announced two new senior-level appointments in the roles of Head of Product and Innovation Business Development Manager.

Both recruits come from within the rail industry and the appointments reflect Incremental’s growing list of rail sector clients across the UK and a continued growth trajectory of the organisation.

Aurelie Butin previously held roles at Rail Europe, Loco2, SNCF and Keolis and brings with her over a decade of industry knowledge and takes the newly formed role of Head of Product. The role will essentially help define Incremental’s product-USP and bridge the company’s offering between customers, business teams and delivery teams.

Gareth Biggins held roles with Arriva UK Trains, London Overground Rail Operations Ltd and MTR . He takes a new role of Innovation Business Development Manager. Gareth’s role at Incremental is to work with internal teams, clients, and partners to identify and secure new business opportunities for innovation, whether enhancements to existing products or the development of new solutions that address a specific customer need.

Commenting on her appointment, Aurelie says;

“It’s a truly exciting role which I’m relishing. I’m convinced that a product driven strategy associated with an agile delivery is the key to creating product differentiation, customer satisfaction and ultimately drive success. The Incremental product is disrupting the rail industry and that will have tremendous impacts of the everyday life of thousands of passengers.”  

Gareth adds;

“Innovation will be a key factor in modernising the rail industry, and it’s agile organisations like Incremental which I believe will lead the charge. I’m looking forward to helping shape new ideas and opportunities so that they deliver tangible benefits to customers and transport users.”

The two appointments come during notably challenging times for the rail industry due to the Covid-19 pandemic, however Incremental are optimistic that the public and the business sector will soon return to this transport method.

Daniel Lee-Bursnall, Commercial Director and co-Founder, concludes;

“We firmly believe that rail is the most sus­tainable mode of transport for travelling on short to medium distances and the outcome of what we do is a rail network which is managed in a much more effective and data-informed way leading to improvements in safety, timetable manage­ment, incident response time and ultimately – greater passenger satisfaction.

The appointment of Aurelie and Gareth, as well as other new team members, brings core industry experience to Incremental and helps us to continue to grow and add to these positive outcomes.”

Incremental are “one to watch”.

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Although we work across the breadth of the UK, it’s always great to get acknowledgement from our local business sector.

The York Press business awards annually recognise and celebrate the city’s business sector’s ingenuity and successes. Released during York’s annual Business Week, the awards are published by The Press in conjunction with Make It York and York St. John University.

In the most recent awards, Incremental Solutions have been recognised in the “Ones to watch” category, with mentions of our successes within the rail industry.

It’s a pleasure to be there, alongside organisations such as Netsells and Biovale.

Have a read about us, and what else is going on in York’s business sector: here.

Incremental bolsters senior management team

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Incremental Solutions have strengthened their senior management team with the appointment of Will Day as Finance Director.

Incremental have enjoyed great success and growth over recent years, winning many industry awards for their rail monitoring products, becoming a Northern Powerhouse member and also receiving the Queen’s Award for Enterprise – Innovation.

Will, who brings vast experience in funding strategies and over 15 years in the rail industry, has worked for organisations such as Deloitte, Arriva and Porterbrook. His role at Incremental is to focus on the processes and systems of the business to support the growth potential and maximise on progress and success so far.

Daniel Lee-Bursnall, founder and Commercial Director at Incremental Solutions said;
“We’re pleased to be adding Will’s experience and insight to our growing team as we look to build on an incredible 2019. The industry is changing, and technology is playing an ever-increasing role in monitoring all aspects of its performance.”

Will Day, Finance Director;
“There’s incredible opportunity at Incremental Solutions and I’m thrilled to be part of the team. I’m relishing working for such an agile and innovative organisation and looking forward to seeing how we can grow and strengthen our position in this industry”.

Putting Passengers First Award with Network Rail

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At the end of November, Network Rail held their 3rd annual Rail Engineering & Asset Management National Conference, with the theme of “Delivering a Better Railway for our Customers”.

We’re really pleased that our OLErt solution was awarded the ‘Putting Passengers First’ award – beating off some incredible competition. It’s additionally important to us as this was judged by Network Rail’s senior technical community from across the UK.

The caps of a great year of recognition for OLErt which has won industry awards from RIA in November and the Rail Partnership awards earlier in June. Additionally, the innovative solution featured in our ‘Rail Matters’ programme and a feature in August’s edition of Rail Engineer.

We must also give thanks to all the businesses and organisations who are part of this innovation – Network Rail, LNW, GWR, Oxford University, Icomera – as well as Innovate UK and DfT innovation funds too.

Network Rail CEO Andrew Haines alongside Jon Shaw, Chief Engineer, presented the awards in the Great Hall at Birmingham University.

Royal representative presents Incremental with Queen’s Award

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Her Majesty the Queen’s representative, The Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Jo Ropner, attended a special ceremony in November to present Incremental Solutions with their Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

Daniel Lee-Bursnall (l), The Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Jo Ropner, and Lewis Gill (r).

Announced in April of this year, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise was awarded to 200 organisations in the UK, with Incremental Solutions being recognised for their innovative work in the rail sector, where their technology is deployed across the UK rail network helping to prevent incidents and make the network operate more efficiently.

As The Queen’s formal representative, Mrs Ropner was joined by representatives from business-growth bodies InnovateUK and Make it York, the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Janet Looker – as well as many of Incremental Solutions’ partners and clients – such as Network Rail and GWR.

Sean Bullick, Managing Director of Make It York, said:

“I’d like to congratulate Incremental Solutions on becoming a recipient of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Their innovative work in transport safety and vision for an efficient transport network fit for the 21st century is of great importance to both the industry, and the City of York. It’s great to see them receiving recognition for their achievements in this field.”

Daniel Lee-Bursnall, founder and Commercial Director at Incremental Solutions added;

“The amount of people we’ve invited to this award ceremony is representative of not only how many people have played their part in enabling our systems to benefit the rail network, but also to the importance of the future development and safety of our rail infrastructure. We’re so proud and feel it’s a fantastic achievement and honor to be representing not only the North, but also all innovators who are improving the things we often take for granted.”

The event took place in York where Incremental Solutions are based – and is also a city of rich rail-related heritage. Even more fittingly, the ceremony celebrating the future of the rail network was held at the National Railway Museum, which of course celebrates it’s past.

Unlocking Innovation at RIA’s ‘RISE’ awards

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Incremental have gained further industry recognition by being awards with the ‘Unlocking Innovation’ award at last night’s Railway Industry Association’s (RIA) annual conference. (7th November).

Representing Incremental on the night were (l-r) Lewis Gill, David Campbell, Kate Naylor and Daniel Lee-Bursnall.

The awards, which ‘celebrate Railway Industry Supplier Excellence’, recognise and acknowledge the businesses and individuals who are making notable and positive changes to the multi-£billion industry.

Incremental’s award was for their OLErt system which provides real-time monitoring and analysis of overhead line equiptment, and recognises signs of deterioration or misalignment. Such predictive analysis is helping to prevent costly and delay-causing incidents which can effect the entire rail network.

Daniel Lee-Bursnall, Founder and Commercial Director, commented:
“We’re really pleased with this industry recognition and would like in turn to thank our partners who have helped, not just with the OLErt project, but with our growth and development in general – such as Innovate UK, Department for Transport, GWR, Network Rail, Icomera, LEP and many others.”

About The Railway Industry Association
RIA works to promote the importance of the rail system to UK plc, to help export UK expertise around the globe and to share best practice and innovation across the industry.The Railway Industry Association is the voice of the UK rail supply community. We help to grow a sustainable, high-performing, railway supply industry, and to export UK rail expertise and products. We promote and represent our members’ interests to policy makers, clients and other stakeholders in the UK and overseas. RIA has 250+ companies in membership in a sector that contributes £36 billion in economic growth and £11 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as employing 600,000 people. RIA’s membership is active across the whole of railway supply, covering a diverse range of products and services and including both multi-national companies and SMEs (60% by number).
www.riagb.org.uk

Incremental feature in a new industry programme, ‘Rail Matters’

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Incremental feature in a new industry programme, Rail Matters, which was launched at the Railway Industry Association’s (RIA) annual conference.

The current affairs-style programme, introduced by national newsreader Natasha Kaplinski, features key industry interviews and news-style reports along with sponsored editorial profiles. The programme explores the growth and economic importance of the UK rail industry by looking at key areas such as improvements and innovation – as well as looking to what the future rail network may look like.

‘Rail Matters’ has been produced by ITN productions for RIA, and features key industry interviews and news-style reports along with sponsored editorial profiles from companies such as Icomera, Wessex Capacity Alliance – as well as Incremental Solutions.

The programme will be promoted nationally give recognition to people and processes as the network looks to the future.

https://itnproductions.wistia.com/medias/y1f15w35w1
Rail Matters

The Railway Industry Association is the voice of the UK rail supply community. We help to grow a sustainable, highperforming, railway supply industry, and to export UK rail expertise and products. We promote and represent our members’ interests to policy makers, clients and other stakeholders in the UK and overseas. RIA has 250+ companies in membership in a sector that contributes £36 billion in economic growth and £11 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as employing 600,000 people. RIA’s membership is active across the whole of railway supply, covering a diverse range of products and services and including both multi-national companies and SMEs (60% by number).
RIA works to promote the importance of the rail system to UK plc, to help export UK expertise around the globe and to share best practice and innovation across the industry.
www.riagb.org.uk

ITN Productions produces bespoke creative and commercial content for broadcasters, businesses, brands, rights holders and digital channels. Industry News forms part of this offering and is a communications tool for leading industry bodies and national associations produced in a broadcast news-style programme format, including interviews, news items and sponsored editorial profiles.
www.itnproductions.co.uk