Greenwoods Communications, the UK’s leading independent telecoms services company, has announced that it has been awarded qualification status by Link-up, the UK rail industry’s supplier registration and qualification scheme, following a detailed evaluation into Greenwoods’ service capabilities.

The Link-up scheme provides UK procurement and engineering professionals in the rail industry with detailed up-to-date information on potential suppliers. Used by over 80 rail industry companies, it is designed to help assure the quality of products and services bought by the rail industry and to ensure compliance with the EU Utilities Directive.

Greenwoods have also qualified through Proof, the UK rail industry’s supplier audit and verification scheme, having passed the audits for 652604 - Telecommunications Schemes - Test & Commission and 1526 - Stockists & Distributors of Personal Protective Equipment & Clothing.

Greenwoods’ experience in the telecoms industry means diversification into the rail market is a viable option. For example high-end test and commissioning skills will be needed for the GSM Railways (GSM-R) project, which will allow signallers and drivers to communicate across all of the rail network.

“These qualifications significantly increase Greenwoods’ market reach,” said Bob Peters, sales and marketing director at Greenwoods. “With Network Rail building its own telecoms network, the rail industry needs experienced suppliers to ensure that efficient and cost-effective services are provided. The Link-up and Proof qualifications offer a platform from which to expand our business into the rail industry and represent an invaluable industry endorsement.”

About Link up
The Link-up Scheme is the supplier Qualification and Registration scheme administered by Achilles Information Limited (Link-up) on behalf of the rail industry in the UK, and has been established and operating for over a decade. Link-up incorporates the Proof Auditing Scheme, which applies to products/services that are considered to be critical to safety and forms an additional stage in the Qualification process.

Link-up is used by over 80 rail organisations including Network Rail, major IMCs, London Underground, construction companies, and the UK train & freight operators. There are more than 3300 rail-industry suppliers and contractors registered, qualified or audited through the Link-up and Proof schemes. All suppliers wishing to work on Network Rail’s infrastructure must be registered on Link-up, in order to work on or near the line and obtain PTS cards for individuals working for them.