Women in Rail Yorkshire & NE are thrilled to announce our flagship annual event, our theme links GBR and integration of the track and train to the WiR and the wider diversity agenda  and ask’s how we can work together towards a more inclusive and integrated Industry.We are delighted to be featuring a host of inspirational men and women, so join us at the Milner York (right next to the York station) on Thursday 1^st October to hear how the GBR and WiR are working towards a more integrated and inclusive future.

We have some truly inspirational speakers this year

Tricia Williams – MD Northern

Tricia took on the role of managing director in May 2024 bringing a wealth of experience and expertise from her career in both transport and utility services.

With extensive management experience Tricia was, for three and a half years, chief operating officer at Northern where she successfully led the day-to-day operation of Northern’s trains, stations, engineering and control. Prior to joining the rail industry she held executive roles at Manchester Airports Group and United Utilities where she spent 20 years in leadership and strategic transformation roles.

Tricia has always worked for companies with a strong purpose and is proud to lead an organisation that puts customers and communities at its heart. Driving forward change and transformation will be one of her key priority areas underpinned by a strong focus on train service performance.

Tricia has a passion for people – both customers and colleagues – and is an advocate for equality and diversity, believing that Northern, as a major UK employer, has an important role to play in creating jobs that are accessible to as many people as possible and creating an environment where people feel included at work.

A proud Northerner, Tricia lives in North Liverpool with her husband and three sons.

James Richardson- MD TRU

James is managing director of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, the largest investment in the conventional railway, delivering faster and more reliable journeys for more people between York and Manchester and across the North. He brings many years of experience working in the rail, road and energy industries on programmes including HS1, M25DBFO, Crossrail, Northern Hub, Wessex Capacity Alliance and Thameslink. James was previously MD of the Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture delivering the HS2 London tunnels.

Suz Mathieson – Interim Head of Rail, Mott MacDonald

Suzanne is Interim Divisional General Manager for Mott MacDonald’s rail business in the UK and Europe, with more than 30 years of experience in the rail industry.

A passionate rail advocate, role model and mother, she is known for her strategic leadership, collaborative approach and commitment to improving lives through transport.

Having worked on some of the UK’s most complex rail projects, including West Coast Route Modernisation, Stafford Alliance and Crewe Hub. She has a breadth of knowledge across all aspects of Rail development and delivery, starting at the heart with timetable planning, where she became the first female long-term planner on the West Coast Main Line. Suzanne has established herself as a leading voice in the UK rail sector.

Suzanne also serves on the Liverpool-Manchester Railway Partnership Board, helping to shape the future of rail connectivity and regional growth. Known for her energy, authenticity and ability to bring people together, she brings a balanced perspective to leadership and governance, combining commercial awareness, industry expertise and a genuine passion for delivering positive outcomes for people and communities

Lucy Prior MBE MSc, Business Development Lead – Rail, Octavius Infrastructure.

Lucy has a strong track record of building strategic relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and helping organisations navigate complex infrastructure and transport environments. She is passionate about connecting customer needs with innovative solutions that deliver long-term value across the rail industry.

With extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and commercial development, Lucy works closely with customers, partners, and internal teams to develop opportunities from initial engagement through to successful outcomes. Her approach combines market insight, collaboration, and a clear focus on delivering measurable business results.

Known for her ability to build trusted relationships, Lucy brings energy, professionalism, and a customer-centric mindset to every project. She is committed to supporting the future of rail through sustainable growth, operational excellence, and innovation. Her work is driven by a belief that strong partnerships and well-executed strategies create lasting impact for customers, communities, and the wider industry.  Lucy was awarded an MBE for services to the rail industry, recognising her contribution to rail and her support for Young Rail Professionals (YRP) and Women in Rail (WiR) in helping develop talent and drive positive change.

As we anticipate a high demand for this, tickets will be balloted, so please register you interest by September 28^th 2026

17:30pm for a 18:00 start with our speakers followed by a panel and networking

Event Agenda:

17.30 – Arrive at Venue

18:00 – Speeches start

19:45 – Drinks/Networking

21.00 – Close

Location:

The Milner York, Station Road, York, YO24 1AA

Next to York Train Station