Context
FirstGroup operates multiple rail businesses with independently evolved digital platforms and delivery approaches.
Leadership required a clear view of how technology strategy could support growth, cost control, and governance across the group.
The strategic challenge
Technology decisions were fragmented across operating companies, increasing cost, duplication, and governance complexity.
Senior leadership needed an evidence-based strategic recommendation rather than incremental local optimisation.
My role
I was engaged as an independent technical advisor to assess existing solutions and provide strategic recommendations at group level.
My role focused on technical strategy, option appraisal, and risk-informed decision support.
Strategic contributions
- Assessed existing technical approaches across multiple rail organisations
- Evaluated strategic options against cost, scalability, and governance criteria
- Identified structural and operational risks in the existing landscape
- Produced a clear, evidence-based recommendation for group-wide direction
- Advised leadership on trade-offs and long-term implications
Outcomes
- Clear strategic direction for group-wide technology decisions
- Improved governance and cost transparency
- Reduced risk of fragmented or incompatible future solutions
- Stronger alignment between technology strategy and business goals