Navigating the future of rail: Insights from 30 years of experience

As Steer continues to drive innovation and excellence in the rail industry, it is essential to reflect on the experiences and lessons that have shaped our journey. 

Rail has been a core market for Steer since our founding in 1978 and remains so today even as the company has diversified into (amongst others) aviation, equity and inclusion and the energy transition.  

Steer Director Richard Harper recently celebrated his 30-year anniversary in the industry and has shared his insights with colleagues during a session titled ‘30 years and still learning’. Below are some of our key takeaways from this talk which covered a transformative period for an iconic UK industry.  

Embrace paradigm shifts 

The rail industry has evolved considerably in three decades, driven by factors such as efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Richard highlighted historical examples of paradigm shifts, such as the introduction of faster, more efficient ‘Sprinter’ trains in the 1980s, which grew market share, to underscore the necessity for continuous innovation.  

Today the COVID-19 pandemic and the Net Zero transition necessitate similar changes. At Steer, we are dedicated to identifying and leveraging these paradigm shifts to develop cutting-edge solutions that meet the needs of our clients. 

Quoting Helmut Schmidt, Richard said, "The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement".  

Focus on customer-centric solutions 

Understanding customers is paramount in the transport sector. Drawing on his experiences at Chiltern Railways, Richard emphasised the importance of getting closer to customers. Now, as we seek to understand shifting journey patterns in an era of flexible working and increased leisure travel, understanding consumers is more important than ever.

This customer-centric approach is deeply ingrained in Steer's methodology, as we strive to anticipate and exceed client expectations through tailored, insightful solutions. 

Richard found inspiration from Steve Jobs, "Get closer than ever to your customers. So close that you tell them what they need well before they realise it themselves,"  he said.  

Leadership is key 

Effective leadership plays a critical role in navigating the complexities of the rail industry. Richard's insights into leadership underscore the value of listening, challenging the status quo, and fostering a culture of collaboration. His leadership on high-profile projects like the Manchester Recovery Task Force and  East Coast Main Line demonstrates Steer's ability to manage complex initiatives and drive positive outcomes. 

"Effective leaders make stuff happen by communicating clearly, challenging constructively, and always listening," he said. 

Always have an eye on the future 

Looking ahead, Richard expressed optimism about the potential for strategic planning and decarbonisation in the rail industry. He encouraged the industry to remain committed to continuous learning and to develop clear, actionable strategies that drive sustainability.  

At Steer, we are committed to leading the charge in these areas, harnessing our expertise to support the industry’s transition to a more sustainable and efficient future. 

"I hope to see clear, actionable strategies that drive us towards a sustainable future," he remarked. 

Join the conversation 

Last year, Steer hosted a series of events as part of our series The Rethink Rooms titled ‘Recalibrating Rail,’ and our conversation on the future of rail continues.

To find out more about our exciting work in the US rail industry, read our insight piece 'An exciting time for US passenger rail'.