25.03.03

Porterbrook Leasing, the Derby based Rolling Stock Leasing Company, is today celebrating after winning the prestigious Railway Forum & Modern Railways "Railway Innovation Award for Information Technology - 2003."

The award is in recognition of Porterbrook's Project MARS system which integrates a number of existing Rolling Stock maintenance and safety systems in one state of the art application.

The award was presented by the Rt Hon John Spellar MP, Minister of Transport to Simon Tonks, Porterbrook's Head of IT at a Gala Dinner at London's Hilton Hotel on Monday night.

Paul Francis, Managing Director of Porterbrook commenting on the award said

"This has been a real team effort by the engineering, safety and IT teams at Porterbrook and I am delighted that the Railway Forum has acknowledged Porterbrook's expertise in delivering business benefit through the application of new technology."

Pictured is Simon Tonks, Porterbrook's Head of IT, being congratulated by SRA Chairman, Richard Bowker.

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Notes to Editors

• Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited (“Porterbrook”) is a leading player in the rail leasing market.
• Porterbrook has a rolling stock fleet of over 5,500 vehicles on lease or on order, which includes about 4,000 passenger vehicles. These are supplied under operating leases to 18 of the 25 Train Operating Companies (TOCs) within the UK. The company also provides ongoing train and tram maintenance services.
• Porterbrook has been highly successful in winning new train orders since privatisation, with over £1.5 billion in new business won - investing in over 1,400 new passenger vehicles and over 1,100 new freight locomotives and wagons, and in the refurbishment of much of its in-fleet equipment.
• In April 2000 the Porterbrook group of companies was acquired by Abbey National Treasury Services plc, part of the Abbey National Group.

For further information about Porterbrook contact Rupert Brennan Brown, Head of Communications on 01332 263251 (m: 07799 337052)