Woodhouse Communications is calling for train operating companies, freight organisations and suppliers working on behalf of the rail industry throughout the country to submit entries for the 2008 Rail Business Awards. 
The HSBC Rail sponsored Awards recognise engineering and rolling stock excellence, leading marketing, internal comms and PR campaigns, superior supplier and freight operators, environmental innovation, IT brilliance and the managers and train operators who are achieving business success. 
Paul Lawson, partner at Woodhouse Communications, the company who organise the awards, said: “We are delighted to be launching the Rail Business Awards for the eleventh year running. We started the awards back in 1997 and from humble beginnings they have grown into one of the most highly regarded and well-attended rail awards ceremonies on the circuit. 
“Our continued involvement demonstrates our commitment to celebrating the good news stories within the industry and fulfils our aim of recognising and rewarding the people and companies achieving excellence in different strands of rail business.”   
HSBC Rail has been the awards’ overall sponsors for nine years. During that time, dozens of individuals, companies and train operating companies have been rewarded for the part they have played in furthering the growth of the rail industry. 
The 2008 awards programme is also supported by Rail Professional, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, The Railway Industry Association and Rail Images. Category sponsors this year are Interfleet Technology, NCP, Railnews, Imeche and SSP UK.  
There are thirteen categories for which the judges are seeking nominations and entries: 
 
 
 Train Operator
 Engineering Excellence
 Business Manager
 Marketing Campaign
 Station Excellence
 PR Campaign
 Rolling Stock Excellence
 Supply Chain Excellence
 Safety and Security Excellence
 Internal Communications Excellence
 Information Technology Excellence
 Environmental Innovation
 Railfreight Excellence

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 19 February 2009 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.