The UK government is calling on UK SMEs working in everything from construction to sustainable infrastructure to take advantage of Turkey’s investment to make its rail network greener and more sustainable.
Over the past 18 years, Turkey has significantly invested in its railway infrastructure, and approximately £6.7 billion will be allocated this year to improving the rail network (Railway Supply, TRY 309.6bn). The total rail network in Turkey spans 13,919 km, including 2,251km of high-speed lines (Turkiye Today, 2024) with significant portions already signalled and electrified. Future projects, collaborating with UK SMEs will further enhance this network.
Plans for 3,776 km of railway construction are currently underway, whilst plans for an additional 5,785 km of railway construction are being formulated (Turkey Today, 2024), creating opportunities for component manufacturers and technology providers.
The Department for Business and Trade is now calling on UK SMEs in relevant sectors to realise the huge opportunity this presents to start, or expand, their international business. To drive this forward, the Department is hosting an event today, ‘Unlocking the Turkish Rail Market’ where businesses can hear directly from in-market experts and ask questions.
UK SMEs can play a crucial role in Turkey’s rail sector transformation because of:
Expertise and innovation: UK SMEs bring advanced technologies and innovative solutions in areas such as signalisation, communication, predictive maintenance and sustainable infrastructure.
Proven track record: the UK has a long history of cooperation with Turkey in the rail sector, backed by substantial financial support from UK Export finance for major projects.
Sustainability focus: more UK SMEs specialise in sustainable and green technologies. Their involvement can help Turkey achieve its goals of decarbonising its rail network, providing clean, sustainable and environmentally friendly rail solutions.
The Turkish rail sector is looking for businesses with proven track records and expertise in the following sectors:
- Rail (general)
- Signalisation & Communication
- Rolling stock components
- Predictive maintenance technologies
- Construction machinery
- Hydrogen applications
- Sustainable infrastructure
- Innovative rail infrastructure solutions
- Infrastructure / built environment design and architecture
Ben Aldred, Deputy Trade Commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said “The UK invented modern railways, and we continue to have world-leading expertise: global rail giants have key lines of business led from the UK, drawing on decades of experience and innovation. We have one of the most intensively used rail networks in the world, and many countries look at our railway industry with admiration. UK SMEs have played a vital role in this success, driving innovation and providing essential services that keep our railways at the forefront of global standards. That’s why their products, skills and expertise will be in high demand as Turkey looks ahead to this significant transformation.”
UK businesses such as Rowe Hankins Ltd. and Mima are already seeing success as part of this growth agenda.
Mima is a Human Factors consultancy, with experience applying human factors to both light and heavy rail across the UK, Europe and Australia – improve efficiency and reducing human error by optimising work environments. As investment in railway technology develops and the system becomes more complex, the Turkish administration wants to ensure the risk assessment capability is of a highest standard.
Dr. Eylem Thron, Mima said “This project has been an excellent opportunity to work in Turkey, bringing Mima and the Human Factors discipline to the attention of a wider audience, and helped to increase our international presence. The Department for Business and Trade offered invaluable support – financial support for an extended training course, and support in navigating language barriers. We can proudly say Mima has provided Human Factors and Risk Analysis training to Turkish railways two years in a row now, and we are currently working on follow up proposals for further work in the space.”
Rowe Hankins specialises in safety-critical solutions for rolling stock and rail infrastructure for markets worldwide. After partnering with a local firm to secure the necessary market insight and network, it has secured contracts with the government-owned rolling stock manufacturer, TÜRASAŞ.
Businesses that are interested in learning more can sign up for the webinar today here: https://www.great.gov.uk/export-academy/events/unlocking-the-turkish-rail-market-insights-for-uk-businesses-06-march-2025/
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