As more non-railway entities invest in rail projects, an essential area to address is the arrangements for the commercial agreements that underpin these projects. SLC’s Nathan Campsall shares his passion for helping third-party organisations collaborate effectively with Network Rail, delivering critical socio-economic and sustainability benefits to communities.
In the railway industry, a ‘Third-Party’ project refers to a scheme that is being undertaken by an organisation other than Network Rail, but which impacts the operation or functionality of the existing rail infrastructure. Consequently, the new assets created by a third-party project may ultimately fall under the ownership of Network Rail. Examples include new stations or modifications like sidings or depots. There are also ‘Outside Party’ projects, which, while they do not directly alter railway operations, interact or interface with the infrastructure – such as building a bridge over the railway or developing land adjacent to the rail infrastructure.
Having spent nine years at Network Rail in roles such as Route Delivery Director, Nathan Campsall brings extensive experience to SLC’s third-party and outside-party clients. He has led the rail infrastructure redevelopment of Birmingham New Street Station and managed a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from infrastructure renewals and station improvements to electrification programmes and asset protection schemes. Through these roles, Nathan gained a deep understanding of the critical role third-party investments play in the rail sector.
In 2018, Network Rail increased its focus on encouraging third-party investment in the railway through its ‘Open for Business’ initiative. Recognising the complexity and risks inherent in railway projects, especially with safety and standards, Network Rail introduced steps and new ways of working to encourage outside investors to engage with them.
Nathan explains: “It’s important that the right Asset Protection Agreements are used and there is a full understanding of the obligations as the Agreements place important duties on the parties. Importantly for the Customer, the agreements provide a framework for risk allocation, which is central to developing an approach to their project, risk management and contracting strategy for a project.”
Since Nathan Campsall joined SLC in 2018, he’s gone on to support many third-party clients across the UK using his wealth of experience in delivering Asset Protection projects. This includes arranging and managing Asset Protection Agreements, whilst bringing clarity to obligations and developing mechanisms to manage risk.
Nathan is extremely passionate about helping outside organisations achieve success in their rail investments. He finds it deeply rewarding to work with clients including local and regional authorities, developers, train operators, investors and contractors, ensuring that projects are set up for success and well managed, bringing lasting socio-economic and sustainability benefits to communities.
Nathan concludes: “We know that rail investment is a powerful tool for positive change and making the industry engagement efficient and effective is key to success. It’s rewarding helping third-parties better understand their obligations, understand the relationship with risk and opportunity and ultimately grow in confidence to invest in the railway – one of the ways we assist is through our understanding of Asset Protection Agreements arrangements.”
