48 stations battle for glory of having the best local businesses in the 2024 World Cup of Stations

Britain’s railway stations are set to compete in the World Cup of Stations 2024, a competition that celebrates the importance of rail and its role in supporting communities, businesses and the economy. With 48 stations vying for the title, this year’s focus is on the businesses that make stations vital community hubs, driving local economies.  

Hosted by Rail Delivery Group, the competition will see the public vote for the station with the best local businesses in stations across England, Scotland and Wales. A special bonus round will feature stations nominated by the Community Rail Network, recognised for promoting local engagement, social inclusion, and sustainable travel. 

Starting 14 October, stations will go head-to-head in a knockout competition over three days, with semi-finals on 17 October and a final showdown on 18 October. The winner will be crowned on 22 October – and it’s all in the hands of the public! 

This isn’t just a battle of bricks and mortar. This year, the focus is on the stations that do more than just get people from point A to point B. It’s about celebrating the relationship between our railways and local businesses: the cafes, shops, and local businesses that make these places more than just a stop on the journey. 

Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, said: "Our stations play a vital role in the heart of communities, offering much more than transport services. They are home to a wide variety of thriving local businesses, from independent cafes to retailers, that make a real difference to the areas they serve.  

“This competition is an opportunity to showcase the hard work and dedication of station teams across the country and the critical role stations play in supporting both the local economy and community life." 

Last year’s competition saw Wemyss Bay in Scotland take the crown, with over 72,000 votes cast. This time, the stakes are even higher, as stations from every corner of the UK bring their best game to the table. From quirky coffee shops to independent retailers, this year’s nominees prove that there’s a lot more going on at your local station than you might think! 

Holly Tucker, MBE founder of Holly and Co and Notonthehighstreet said: “This year’s World Cup of Stations competition highlights something I’m deeply passionate about – local businesses. Small businesses are the heart and soul of train stations, playing a vital role in serving their communities while creating job opportunities for local residents. 

“The variety of businesses located in or near stations is remarkable, and judging by the shortlist, this competition will be a tough one. I encourage everyone to support their favourite station and make their vote count because the station with the most votes will come out on top.” 

Martin McTague, National Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Railway stations up and down the country are home to a huge range of small firms, serving their local community, regular commuters and day trippers on a daily basis. These businesses contribute such a lot to our local economies and are a great source of employment.  

“Not only do railway stations house an array of businesses, they are vital for providing visitors with easy access to local high streets, upping footfall and fostering trade. This competition is a great way to shine a light on the excellent and varied small firms based in and around transport hubs across the UK, showcasing the products and services they have to offer.” 

Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, said: “The community rail movement is constantly striving to promote, enhance and transform stations for the benefit of local communities, including using half of Britain’s stations as sites for volunteering, providing spaces for community initiatives, running locally-led arts and nature projects, or improving sustainable travel confidence and connections.  

“A valuable part of this involves working with local businesses, and supporting and developing social enterprises, to stimulate access to opportunity, inclusive economic development and regeneration. We see the huge difference this makes to individuals, such as through work placements, skills development and social connectedness, and the boost it brings for local economies. We’re really pleased to be holding up these examples through this year’s World Cup of Stations.”  

The World Cup of Stations 2024 is a celebration of the essential role that train stations play in supporting local economies. A recent report commissioned by Rail Delivery Group found that rail travel contributes in the region of £23bn annually to local high street around departure stations, with £9bn specifically benefiting independent businesses. 

Customers are spending an average of £32 every time they head off from their local station, supporting the shops and businesses right on their doorstep. With over 70% of people saying a train station is a lifeline for their local economy, the World Cup of Stations 2024 is the perfect chance to celebrate what these places really bring to our towns and cities.  

Don’t miss your chance to have your say in the World Cup of Stations 2024 and support the station that brings the best of local businesses to your community.