Lydia Cullimore, a partner in Burges Salmon’s Transport sector group, has been appointed to the Board of the Rail Freight Group (RFG). The appointment was confirmed at the Group’s Annual General Meeting held on 13 November at the Port of Middlesbrough, where Lydia was elected alongside three other industry experts including John Bailey, Steve Freeman and Mark Hooper.
RFG is the representative body for rail freight in the UK and works to increase the volume of goods moved by rail. Members include rail freight operators, logistics companies, ports, equipment suppliers, property developers and support services, as well as retailers, construction companies and other customers.
With over 15 years of experience advising clients across the sector, including those operating in the rail freight industry, Lydia specialises in commercial and regulatory law. Her track record includes advising clients on high-value commercial contracts, infrastructure development projects, funding arrangements, access issues and rail regulatory compliance. Her understanding of the relevant regulatory frameworks, practical constraints, and her pragmatic approach allows her to collaborate with clients effectively, enabling the delivery of large-scale projects with a national significance.
Lydia comments: “I am delighted to join the board of the Rail Freight Group alongside Mark, John, and Steve. Modal shift to rail freight is key to decarbonisation and I am looking forward to working collaboratively with the RFG team and its members to support the sustainable growth of rail freight across the UK.”
Maggie Simpson, RFG Director General, adds: “I’d like to welcome each of our new Board members. It is fantastic to have such a diverse group of rail experts from right across the sector supporting our business. Working together, under our re-elected Chair Chris Swan and Vice Chair Geoff Lippitt we will continue to make the case for rail freight growth, and work to ensure we deliver for all of our members through our policy work, events and advocacy.”
Working across the entire Transport sector, including rail, highways, road transport, aviation and marine and ports, Burges Salmon’s strength and depth of expertise covers all aspects of transport law, from funding and operations to construction, development and disputes. The firm has played a leading role in the rail industry for over 20 years and has assembled one of the largest teams of rail specialist lawyers in the UK, advising on the most important cases affecting the industry.