About Us
SPL Powerlines UK Overview
SPL Powerlines UK Limited, headquartered in Coatbridge, Scotland, and with strategic hubs in Glasgow, Doncaster, Leicester, and Derby, is the UK’s leading provider of electrical solutions for rail infrastructure, specialising in Overhead Catenary System (OCS) and High Voltage Traction and Non-Traction Power Supply (HV). SPL Powerlines supports businesses, tier one contractors, communities and the public sector by delivering sustainable transportation, infrastructure and energy solutions across the UK.
Since 2009, we have been committed to delivering safe and sustainable rail infrastructure solutions, driving innovation across the industry.
With a turnover of approximately £169 million in 2022-2023, we offer expertise in design innovation, surveys, engineering, plant provision, isolations, construction, and maintenance services for both mainline and high-speed rail markets.
Holders of Principal Contractor and Plant Operator Licenses, positioning us as the UK's foremost authority in rail catenary, and power and distribution systems, and build charging infrastructure for the mobility solutions of tomorrow.
Our Expertise
- OLE Design - High, Medium, Low Speeds
- Isolations & Planning
- OLE Installation
- Testing & Commissioning of OLE Systems
- Project Management OLE Services
- Plant Supply
- Labour Resource
SPL Powerlines UK is a Powerlines Group company.
#ElectrifyingTransitions
Equity, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Signing up to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is crucial for a rail infrastructure company like SPL Powerlines as it ensures the organisation attracts and retains a diverse talent pool, fostering innovation and growth. A diverse workforce brings varied perspectives and ideas, which are essential for tackling complex challenges in the rail industry. By embracing EDI, SPL promotes a culture of creativity and adaptability. This approach enables the company to stay competitive and resilient in an ever-evolving industry, ultimately leading to improved performance and customer satisfaction.
Furthermore, committing to EDI principles demonstrates SPL's dedication to social responsibility and ethical business practices. This commitment helps build a positive corporate reputation and strengthens relationships with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the community. An inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected increases employee engagement and productivity, reducing turnover and fostering a collaborative work environment. By providing equitable employment and development opportunities, SPL ensures that all colleagues have the chance to thrive, contributing to a more cohesive and effective organisation that reflects the diversity of the society it serves.
Living Wage Employer
SPL Powerlines UK Ltd has joined the commitment to the Living Wage Foundation, as this reflects our People pillar within our company values. The living wage foundation accreditation, ensures our employees have sufficient income to support their families. This commitment highlights our dedication to providing fair and sustainable wages and our approach to fostering a positive, supportive, and equitable workplace.
As a Living Wage Employer, SPL Powerlines UK has committed to:
- Pay the real UK or London Living Wage (as appropriate) to all their directly employed staff over the age of 18
- Ensure all third-party contracted and sub-contracted regular staff are paid the real UK or London Living Wage (as appropriate)
- Increase the wages of these employees and contracted staff to the Living Wage, if appropriate, within six months of any rise in the calculated Living Wage rates
Toni Kirby, HR Director at SPL Powerlines UK, said: “As an organisation it is deeply ingrained in our culture to respect and care for our people. As cost-of-living pressures are felt we are committed to looking after our employees’ well-being and paying them in line with the living wage is just one way that we are doing that. Our commitment to paying the Living Wage does not only apply to directly employed SPL staff but also to anyone who works with us in the supply chain.”
SPL Powerlines UK has joined the ICW Executive Network
“SPL Powerlines has become a member of the Institute of Collaborative Working to drive efficiency, optimal performance and customer value. We intend to guide engagement and success for our customers and employees through knowledge-sharing, thought-leadership, and training. As a progressive organisation we recognise the benefits and values of collaboration as a fundamental business skill which we will drive as an influencer to being the partner of choice for all our stakeholders.” David Bell, Group Commercial Director
The ultimate objective is to have a positive impact on industry and leave a legacy by:
(a) Creating the collaborative environment through which to drive change, innovation and deliver on industry wide objectives; and
(b) Hold industry stakeholders (clients, contractors, and supply chain organisations) to account in driving the right behaviours and setting out the behavioural framework to achieve industry objectives; and
(c) Deliver optimal industry performance through collaboration – sharing resources, supply chain and best practice between stakeholders.
ICW CEO, Frank Lee FICW, said, "It gives me real pleasure to welcome SPL Powerlines UK to the Institute for Collaborative Working and our Executive Network. I am sure they will make an enormous contribution to our institute, and I look forward to seeing their teams engaging in our thought leadership and networking activities."
Principal Contractor Licence
SPL Powerlines holds a Principal Contractor Licence.
It assures Principal Contractors have appropriate and robust Health & Safety, Quality and the Environment (HSQE) management systems to effectively discharge their duties under the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015. It also provides continued assurance of an organisation’s ongoing suitability to effectively discharge its duties.
Meet The Team
With over thirty years of invaluable experience in the rail sector, our industry leaders bring unparalleled expertise and insight to the group. Their extensive tenure has been marked by a steadfast commitment to innovation, safety, and excellence in railway operations. Their depth of knowledge spans across various facets of the rail sector, including infrastructure development, financial management, growth, acquisitions, safety and regulatory compliance. As visionaries in the field, they continue to drive forward-thinking solutions that propel our company and the industry as a whole towards a sustainable and efficient future in rail infrastructure and transport solutions.
Member of Railway Industry Association
Joining the Railway Industry Association (RIA) is a strategic advantage for a rail electrification business, offering access to extensive networks and significant national and regional influence. This affiliation enhances SPL Powerlines business's credibility, visibility, and opportunities for collaboration with reputable industry players. The RIA actively champions a dynamic rail sector, representing members' interests at high-level decision-making, leading to beneficial policy and industry standards. With a proven track record of influencing sector decisions, the RIA provides a robust platform for the business to navigate the rail industry and shape its future.
Corporate Member of Permanent Way Institute (PWI)
Joining the PWI as a corporate member positions SPL Powerlines UK at the forefront of rail infrastructure engineering. Since its founding in 1884, the PWI has been a cornerstone of knowledge leadership, working with leading organisations and government bodies to influence industry training, management, and competency standards. As a corporate member, SPL Powerlines are part of a prestigious network with access to a global community of experts, fostering invaluable connections and collaborations. This membership enhances our company reputation and provides the resources and support needed to thrive in the evolving landscape of rail infrastructure engineering.
Member of the Rail Forum
Joining the Rail Forum enhances SPL Powerlines UK relationships with driving change for the transport sector nationally.
The Rail Forum was established in 1993 and is a national industry body with strong regional connections. Based at the heart of one of the largest clusters of rail companies in the world their members span the whole industry from global corporations to micro SMEs, asset owners to manufacturers, digital solutions providers to passenger and freight operators.
An inclusive, not for profit organisation, their member companies are drawn from all parts of the UK.