The ICW was established in 1990, to help organisations build and develop more effective business relationships, based on collaborative working good practice. The ICW Collaborative Working Awards aims to celebrate collaborative working and recognise exceptional achievements and the value of collaborative working in action.

Both parties were recognised for their notable collaborative whilst transforming the East Coast Main Line’s Power Supply.

Throughout the project, The REAL Alliance and Northern Power Grid have taken the time to consider cross-sector requirements and constraints, working collectively to remove barriers to deliver works safely and efficiently, with minimal impact to network users.

REAL Alliance director, Alan Pattison, commented: “The ICW award win is testament to the hard work and dedication of our cross-industry team. Collaboration thrives throughout everything that we do; it is part of our DNA. To be recognised for this by such a prestigious organisation is testament to our commitment to collaboration and the drive to make the network a safe, sustainable, and efficient environment for all.”

The ICW commented that: “The volume and diversity of organisations that submitted their applications highlighted how working together can address and overcome many key business challenges, and exemplified the power of high performing collaborative teams.”

The REAL Alliance

The REAL Alliance is formed of VolkerRail, Siemens Mobility, J Murphy and Sons, Systra TSP Projects, Network Rail and Jacobs, and is undertaking the East Coast Mainline Power Supply Upgrade project, to enable faster, quieter and more environmentally friendly electric trains to run.

The Alliance is currently undertaking the final stages of Phase 1 - between London and Doncaster -alongside Phase 2 - between Doncaster and Edinburgh. The work involves the installation of feeder and substations along the route, capacity upgrades, a new 132kv connection at Hambleton junction and upgrades to existing power supply connections.