Shoosmiths corporate partner, Martin Fleetwood, has been elected to join the board of UK Tram.
The UK Tram Board was established to enable key stakeholders in the UK Tramway industry to present a single voice in dealing with government and statutory bodies in developing a co-ordinated and structured approach to regulation, procurement and standardisation within the industry. It also provides advice and support to towns and cities looking to establish tram systems in the UK.
Martin has provided specialist legal advice to the transport sector for over 15 years, advising on a number of high profile tram projects including the recently extended Nottingham Tram and on Midland Metro expansion.
His role on the board will be as an Independent Member, holding the board to account as well as being able to provide specialist advice on regulation and to support the board in developing its strategy to expand tram systems within the UK.
Martin is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport, the secretary of UNIDROIT's Rail Working Group and as a regular speaker at industry conferences and author of legal transport articles has gained a solid reputation within the industry.
Commenting on his appointment to the board, Martin said: 'It's an exciting time for the Tram industry with the expansion of existing systems and other towns and cities seeking to benefit from the environmental and regenerative effects of trams. I'm looking forward to joining the board and sharing best practice as well as identifying initiatives for the light rail sector.'
Shoosmiths' transport and infrastructure team acts for a wide range of transport clients including Hitachi Rail, Stagecoach (including South West Trains and East Midlands Trains), Porterbrook Leasing, The Car Finance Company, Centro and Swiss International Airlines. The team has expertise in all forms of transport including automotive, aviation, freight, light and heavy rail. They were crowned regional Transport Law Firm of the Year 2014 by the Legal 500.