By Daniel Walton
The BCIMO rail group, which operate the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre in Dudley with purpose-built rail research and development facilities, revealed it had entered administration in a poignant announcement from the former head of marketing and operations, Olivia Brown.
Ms Brown said that while the group had succeeded in establishing the BCIMO as a ‘recognised force’ in rail and transport innovation, they ‘failed to secure the long-term core funding originally envisaged as part of the business case, which unfortunately contributed to our demise’.
She said: “Much has been achieved by our small team here – from building the brand and shaping the strategy from the ground up, to delivering high volumes of funder outputs and hosting the UK VLR Conference 2022.
“We delivered the Clean Futures programme, ran numerous facility tours, school visits and placements, and facilitated the Coventry City Council’s CVLR testing and wider resident activity.”
As well as innovative rail design, the group was also known for hosting fun-filled family days where budding and established train enthusiasts could learn all about trains and railway systems, new and old, as well as enjoying refreshments, music and live entertainment.
On July 1, Deviesh Raikundalia and Tyrone Courtman, of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory, were appointed joint administrators, with the BCIMO business and assets being sold by Lambert Smith Hampton.
At a cost of £32m, the centre development has a range of facilities, including a 2.2km railway test track, engineering laboratories, meeting and event spaces and serviced offices.
Offers are invited by July 8, 2025.