How we work

Early Contractor Involvement

At Spencer Rail Engineering, how we work is just as important as what we deliver. Every project — whether a station upgrade, depot enhancement or lineside improvement — is shaped by our commitment to safety, collaboration and practical problem-solving.
We keep things simple, clear and focused on outcomes.

That means working closely with our clients, caring about the communities we impact and taking full ownership from the moment we start.

Safety First, Always

Safety isn’t a box to tick — it’s the foundation of everything we do. From early planning to final handover, we apply rigorous safety standards to keep our people, our partners and the public protected at every stage.

We work confidently in live and operational environments because our teams are trained, experienced and proactive in managing risk. When safety comes first, delivery naturally follows.

Early Engagement for Better Outcomes

Strong delivery starts long before we’re on site. Through Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), our teams help shape projects from day one, providing the insight, design input and collaborative thinking that prevent issues later on.

Early engagement helps us:
– Spot risks sooner
– Build efficient, workable programmes
– Reduce cost and delay
– Improve buildability and operational performance
– Deliver smoother stakeholder management

It’s a smarter way to work — and it’s central to our approach.

Clear, Practical Problem-Solving

Complex rail projects often involve multiple disciplines, stakeholders and constraints. We simplify that complexity by focusing on practical, efficient solutions that work in the real world.

Our people bring decades of rail experience, allowing us to:

– Break down multi-disciplinary challenges
– Develop solutions that minimise disruption
– Keep projects moving even when conditions change
– Communicate clearly with every stakeholder

We don’t over-engineer. We don’t overcomplicate. We solve problems in a way that’s smart, straightforward and effective.

Collaborative Working With
Clients and Stakeholders

For us, collaboration isn’t a buzzword — it’s our delivery model. We work openly with Network Rail, TOCs, FOCs, local authorities, consultants and supply partners to ensure everyone is aligned, informed and confident in the plan.

Good relationships lead to good outcomes. That’s why we focus on honesty, transparency and mutual respect from day one.

Ownership From Start to Finish

Our clients trust us because we take responsibility. From planning to delivery, we own the detail so you don’t have to.
That includes:
– Design coordination
– Possession and access planning
– Programme and risk management
– Stakeholder engagement
– On-site delivery
– Safety assurance
– Quality control

Our clients can focus on the bigger picture while we manage the day-to-day — safely, efficiently and with pride

Respect for the Communities
We Work In

Rail infrastructure sits at the heart of communities, and so do we. We engage early, listen actively and work respectfully, ensuring our projects leave a positive, lasting legacy.

Whether improving accessibility, modernising depots or enhancing stations, our focus is on delivering infrastructure that supports people — now and into the future.