Haydn Abbott, Managing Director of Angel Trains Group has accepted an invitation from the UK Trade & Investment governmental department to become Chairman of its Rail Sector Advisory Group.

The chairmanship is for three years and takes place alongside Mr Abbott's role at Angel Trains. It will involve working with UKTI to ensure that RSAG delivers results for the UK rail industry and advising the Government on its strategy and targets for international trade and investment in the railway sector.

Andrew Cahn, Chief Executive of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) said: "Under Haydn Abbott's leadership the Railway Sector Advisory Group provides strategic advice to UKTI on promoting UK rail expertise overseas, especially in emerging markets. Haydn is committed to ensuring that RSAG plays a key role in helping UKTI deliver an ambitious programme of activities to help UK companies succeed overseas."

One of RSAG's main aims is to agree an export market strategy for maximising the opportunities for UK rail companies to win international business using all of the business tools available to UK Trade & Investment. In 2006, this has seen UKTI with RSAG and its partners in consulates and embassies throughout the world bring in two major contracts worth approximately £2 million. Further successes will follow before the end of the year.

Haydn Abbott, Managing Director of Angel Trains said: “I'm delighted to have been offered this position. Angel Trains has successfully exported its train leasing product to continental Europe and I feel very honoured that the Government recognises our skills and experience in this area. I hope we can help other rail companies succeed abroad”. Mr Abbott is also currently chairman of the Railway Industry Association, an appointment which comes to an end in October 2006.