Avanti West Coast has been recognised at the Social Value Awards 2025 for its contribution to society, the economy and the environment.

The intercity operator took home the Private Sector Leadership award at the ceremony in Birmingham, praised for placing social value at the heart of its business operations and extending that commitment throughout its supply chain.

The Social Value Awards celebrate organisations and individuals making meaningful change within their communities and beyond. Judges commended Avanti West Coast for embedding social impact into everyday activities, promoting awareness of social value across the organisation, and training key staff to use the Rail Social Value Tool (RSVT). The company also helped shape future RSVT metrics in collaboration with the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB).

Avanti West Coast’s annual Social Value Report demonstrates how its work spans multiple areas of the business — from safety, health and wellbeing to environmental performance and stakeholder engagement — offering a broader picture of how rail operations influence communities across the network.

Judges also highlighted the company’s sustainable procurement strategy, which encourages inclusion, resilience and responsible practices within its supply chain. This approach has increased collaboration with local suppliers, opened opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and involved voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) partners to ensure spending supports social good.

Dr Theresa Robberts, Social Value Lead at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised for our efforts to improve our contribution to the communities we serve. By making social value core of business activities, it allows us to find new ways to improve our impact on the communities and environment local to our route. Collaborating with like-minded people and businesses is a key part of this and supports our commitment to make a positive difference to the people who live and work on the West Coast Main Line.”

Image: Avanti West Coast