We are committed to supporting local authorities, LEPs and other third parties who recognise the strategic value of rail and want to achieve maximum benefit from their own investments in new and enhanced rail infrastructure.
About SLC
Experienced professionals; trusted partners.
Sable Leigh Consultancy Limited (SLC)
Sable Leigh Consultancy Limited (SLC) was established in 2009 to provide expert support in developing rail projects. Since then, we’ve evolved into a multi-disciplinary consultancy, delivering infrastructure solutions for projects across a variety of sectors - including rail, highways, utilities and aviation.
Our growth is driven by a commitment to listening and responding to our clients' needs. By aligning our expertise with the dynamic demands of the UK infrastructure industry, we help our clients navigate complexity and achieve successful project outcomes.
While still an SME, our team can help your project from its early stages to entry into service. Our team includes strategic consultants, project managers, planners, engineers, analysts, and commercial managers. In addition, we maintain a trusted network of specialist associates, enabling us to scale and tailor our services to suit the unique needs of each project.
We also work closely with other SLC businesses, including our dedicated property company, SLC Property, which is an expert on negotiating complex land deals and securing consents and permissions - ensuring the smooth delivery of even the most challenging development.
Through SLC Investments, we support the delivery of new and enhanced railway stations and depots by connecting scheme promoters, financiers, and the relevant industry stakeholders. Our aim across our businesses is clear: to help make projects happen that improve people’s lives and leave a lasting legacy.
We Do Stations
We're expert in understanding the role of new and refurbished stations in our communities. See how we can support you in getting the most from your local station and achieve your broader goals. The 10 key principles of ‘We Do Stations’ work independently or in combination, adding value both to new and redeveloped stations – setting us apart from other development and delivery partners.
#WeDoStations
1. Strategic rationale
Understand and articulate why a scheme is needed, to make a robust case to funders, and help to crystalise the expected outcomes for our clients.
#WeDoStations
2. Community fit
Understand the civic role of stations and maximise the local social value (and use) of stations wherever possible, recognising their importance as places in their own right at the heart of a community.
#WeDoStations
3. Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) Improvement
Optimise BCRs – while staying within funding rules – by drawing on our experience of capital and operational project delivery enhancing the case beyond that achieved through traditional methods.
#WeDoStations
4. Financing strategy development
Use our in-house expertise to look beyond standard funding routes and identify and secure private financing where appropriate, including LVC (land value capture).
#WeDoStations
5. Commercial structuring for risk
Combine our knowledge of the rail and construction industry - and experience of procuring multiple station, bridge and route upgrade schemes – to appropriately allocate risk during development and delivery phases.
#WeDoStations
6. Requirements-driven approach
Adopt a build-last philosophy that focuses on how the asset will be operated and maintained to help define the scope of the infrastructure, whilst using tried-and-tested processes to manage stakeholders and deliver client objectives.
#WeDoStations
7. Operational thinking
Test the integrity of schemes - and the trade-offs between operational constraints and infrastructure options; consider factors beyond engineering to assess the longer term potential of a scheme beyond the MVP (minimum viable product) stage.
#WeDoStations
8. Building Competence and Confidence
Help Third Party Promoters build their confidence and competence in developing station schemes by supplementing their existing internal resources with
members of our rail team (including expert project manager and strategists).
#WeDoStations
9. Obtaining Required Consents
Using our expertise in the planning and regulatory environments to secure all necessary consents, including requirements within the rail industry ‘change’ process.
#WeDoStations
10. Process streamlining
We use the latest industry tools (PACE, SPEED) as well as ones we have developed ourselves (accelerated option selection, progressive assurance), to make it more efficient for our clients to develop and deliver schemes.
Qualified and accredited
We are active members of professional and industry bodies, supporting our continuing development and allowing us to contribute to learning and standards in the industry. Individually, our people are involved at all levels, from Graduate to Chartered and Fellowship.
We are accredited under the Rail Safety and Standards Board RISQS scheme, authorising our operations in the rail environment and we’re also certified for the following ISO standards: 14001, 45001 and 9001 and have featured as a Best Workplace in the UK for many years.
Driven by our community
We foster talent by investing in individuals through formal training, encouraging skill acquisition and pursuing ambitions. Our team actively engages in community activities, and we support their volunteering, fundraising, and raising awareness for local and global causes.
Part of a bigger family
We're part of a wider family, which shares capability and knowledge to benefit our clients:
We work with local authorities, LEPs and other third parties to build new stations and enhance rail infrastructure. Developing strategies and plans to secure funding and ensure projects are delivered cost-effectively.
SLC Property works with local authorities, developers, and freehold property owners to resolve the most complex and challenging land and planning situations, and to navigate regulatory environments.
SLC Investments facilitates new and improved railway stations and depots by linking scheme promoters, financiers, and the railway industry to acquire existing assets and create viable new projects.
All parts of the SLC Group are guided by the principles and vision set out in the SLC Way: bringing transparency and clarity to complex industries and helping to nurture long-standing relationships with clients and partners.
See how SLC can help shape your project.
Get in touch to discuss your project aspirations and project challenges.
Contact us