Streamlining Strategy
Client: Global Centre of Excellence (GCRE)
Linked Services:
Operations Capability
Executive Industry Guidance
Commercialisation
InnoRail brought their hands-on experience of railway, operations and maintenance depot management to the GCRE team.
Developing the operational strategy for a the unique site
The Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) is an organization focused on advancing the railway industry through innovation, research, and development. Through testing and certification, Research and Development, Training and Education and collaboration, GCRE is playing a crucial role in modernizing the railway industry, promoting sustainability, and enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of rail transportation systems.
InnoRail brought their hands-on experience of railway, operations and maintenance depot management to the GCRE team in order to support the management team to develop the strategic operating model
The team ratified previously documented and applied assumptions around strategy and concept of the site, then identified elements that required development or consideration to successfully progress the GCRE project.
Certain key elements were developed ranging from validating organisation structures and headcount requirements, to ensuring that the design and configuration - including hardware, tooling and equipment - of the proposed depot, siding and other infrastructure, would be adequate for the scale and complexity of the GCRE high-speed test track system. Due to the size and nature of the proposed scheme, significant investment was required to enable the project to move forwards.
By running multiple workshops with the GCRE team, any gaps, overlaps or emissions from existing documentation were addressed and a new project plan and business case created. A range of recommendations and guiding principles were developed, and consolidated into a comprehensive, updated scheme. The scheme was then incorporated to the bid for funding by the project team before being presented to investors by the project team.
Andy Watson commented, “We were delighted to support GCRE in successfully progressing the project. Our individual experiences working on the rail uniquely place us to advise on important projects like this, which will directly affect the railways of the future.”
The newbuild project aims to be the world-leading centre for rail development, research and testing, and will house the UK’s first net zero railway. GCRE will bring together innovative minds in a purpose-built facility where new technologies and concepts will be developed. Our knowledge of operations within the industry, borne from firsthand experience of running high-speed trains and managing depots, ensured that every detail was considered to make the centre a success. This piece of work centred on preparing the project to move into the next phase of funding, but also looks forward to it coming into use and how it will operate in a real-life scenario.
When complete, GCRE will house two electrified test loops: one 7km long, high-speed rolling stock track and a heavy infrastructure test track. It aims to aid the UK’s path to net zero, contribute to lowering rail infrastructure cost, and provide new employment opportunities for both the area and the industry.
“It was a pleasure to work with the InnoRail team. They brought clear experience and expertise to the project which has helped develop a critical element of our plan. I look forwards to working with the team in future."
Rob Forde, Director of Strategy and Skills, GCRE