Link-up is the UK rail industry supplier registration and qualification scheme. Originally established over a decade ago, Link-up has made a significant impact to the rail industry by providing a single common qualification process for suppliers that is shared by Network Rail and over 80 rail organisations, including Infrastructure Management Contractors, Underground Infrastructure companies, Construction companies and all major Train and Freight Operators.

The Link-up scheme has three clear objectives:

1.     Single shared qualification process amongst the rail community

2.     Reduced duplication – recognised as efficient and cost-effective

3.     Fair, open and transparent process

In 2000, Achilles launched the Proof scheme, which took Link-up a stage further by providing a common auditing process for suppliers of safety-critical products and services. Link-up and Proof have allowed suppliers to go through a single qualification and audit process that has been designed and agreed by multiple rail organisations, whilst ensuring that suppliers are treated in a fair and consistent manner according to the products and services that they wish to supply.

To date, more than 3500 suppliers and contractors are registered on the Link-up scheme, and over 1000 of these are also participating in the Proof scheme for products and services deemed critical to safety.

For more information on the scheme, visit http://beta.achilles.com/UK/services/Link-up+suppliers+service/