Dudley Port, Telford Central, Dorridge and Stoke on Trent battle it out to be World Cup of Stations champion 2024

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.   

This exciting competition, hosted by Rail Delivery Group, will take place from 14 to 18 October, with the winner being announced on 22 October. 

This year’s competition will showcase the best stations in the country which have amazing local businesses either in their station or the surrounding area of the West Midlands and do a fantastic job supporting the communities they serve such as Dudley Port, Telford Central, Dorridge and Stoke on Trent.   

You can vote for Dudley Port, Telford Central, Dorridge and Stoke on Trent in the West Midlands category: 

• Dudley Port Station is perfectly positioned on a bustling high street, surrounded by dozens of local businesses within easy walking distance. The station is also adjacent to a picturesque canal and a national cycling route, offering both convenience and scenic beauty. 

• A key location for passengers travelling to both Wales and the West Midlands, Telford Central is conveniently located near the bustling Telford Shopping Centre, making it a perfect destination for shoppers and commuters alike. 

• The ever-popular Espresso station located at Dorridge Train Station, is an independent coffee shop serving exceptional coffee, where you can also enjoy freshly baked pastries, made-to-order panini's, and toasties. 
• Stoke-on-Trent known as The Potteries, has a wealth of creative businesses, and is renowned for its craftsmanship and status as the ceramics capital. With award-winning museums, Italian gardens, pottery factories, and a diverse selection of shops, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

Join the fun and vote for your favourite station at raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations. The competition will unfold in a series of online public votes, with three semi-finals on 17 October and a final on 18 October. 

Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, said: “Local businesses in stations up and down the country are proving to be at the very heart of the communities they serve, and we want to shine a light on the very best stations in England, Scotland and Wales.  

“All of the stations nominated are making a positive impact on their local community, and the variety of businesses at stations is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff, as well as the importance placed on supporting local businesses.” 

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.”  

Antonia Bance, Member of Parliament for for Tipton, Wednesbury and Coseley, said:  "I am delighted that Dudley Port has been nominated as part of this year’s World Cup of Stations, competing against 47 others. We may be in the landlocked West Midlands, but it’s named for the wharves that serviced the freight coming in by canal - and now is a great place to start a canal side walk. It’s a brilliant little station rooted in our industrial heritage, and would be a worthy winner."

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.” 

Last year’s competition saw over 72,000 votes cast across 12 heats, with Wemyss Bay in Scotland taking the crown. This year, stations from all over the UK will compete, showcasing the best local businesses that make our train stations more than just places to catch a train. 

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. 

Train passengers in West Midlands are making a difference by spending on average £36 in towns and cities from which they depart and £8 per journey on independent businesses . With over 70% of people agreeing that having a train station helps their local economy thrive, the competition is a great way to highlight the importance of these local hubs. 

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.