Rail Strategy

HelioSlough, a founder of the Railfreight Interchange Investment Group (RIIG) has been instrumental in promoting rail connected warehousing in the UK. The volume of consumer goods (FMCG) moved in the UK continues to grow as domestic GDP rises. Globalisation means these goods are increasingly sourced from overseas, increasing the distances travelled from port to market. Logistics operators want alternative modes of transport to supplement road haulage.

The rail industry is investing heavily in freight capacity, with new rolling stock and traction as well as freight specific improvements to the rail network. Attention is needed now to better link the rail network with distribution warehousing.

HelioSlough can deliver this missing link with logistics buildings directly connected to the rail network, thereby maximising the economic advantages of rail and avoiding unnecessary road journeys.

HelioSlough know that logistics operators want to reduce their reliance on road by utilising rail as an integral part of their supply chain. Rail is ideal for hauling goods directly to new national and regional distribution centres, where goods can be stored, sorted, assembled and prepared for sale before delivery to the final customer by road. The main reasons for this ‘modal shift’ to increased rail use are:-

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    Growth in imports leading to land side capacity issues at the major ports. Part of the solution is the rapid movement of containers by rail to inland port facilities.
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    Greater loading capacity of rail over road. Rail improves the efficiency of containers.
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    Rising fuel costs. Rail can offer fuel cost savings.
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    Road congestion raising costs and reducing predictability. Rail can offer timetable certainty.
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    Rising cost/lack of long distance lorry drivers. One train driver can move the equivalent of 30 HGV’s.
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    Corporate Social Responsibility targets being set by public facing companies who are seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and distribute goods in a more sustainable way. Rail can be an effective part of a more sustainable transport plan.

HelioSlough’s rail connected portfolio includes Trax Park, adjacent to the Doncaster Railfreight terminal. SIRFT with rail connect warehousing and Radlett, currently subject of a Secretary of State decision following a planning Inquiry in 2007.

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