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  2. Beyond the Rails

Beyond the Rails

Marking 200 years of railways while looking to the future. 

  • Home
  • Events
  • Perspectives
  • 200 voices of rail
  • Walking tours
  • Fundraising
  • Alumni Talks

Beyond the Rails 

200 years ago, the world witnessed the birth of modern railways with the inaugural journey of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. As the first public railway to combine steam locomotion with permanent tracks, it revolutionised transport, connecting communities and shaping economies. Join us during 2025 to celebrate the legacy of the world’s first modern railway! 

Steer has been at the forefront of rail advisory for almost half a century, delivering innovative solutions that have shaped rail systems across the globe. We are therefore eager to mark this significant milestone with a full programme of activities aligned with GBRTT’s (Great British Rail Transition Team) Railway 200 celebrations. 
Railway 200
As 2025 unfolds, we’ll be launching even more ways to celebrate together. To stay tuned, sign up to our newsletter. 

On

What we have planned

Events

A monthly mix of panel discussions, live conversations, and roundtables with rail industry experts and others offering unique perspectives. From entrepreneurism and innovation to devolution and decarbonisation, each conversation will explore innovative ideas and solutions to ensure rail remains a critical part of a sustainable and inclusive transport network. View our events programme.

Perspectives

In-depth written features charting the legacy of rail, highlighting its current impact, and envisioning its future role in shaping society. Read our latest insights and articles.

200 voices of rail

Capturing insights from 200 influential voices from the rail industry on how the sector should continue to shape society sustainably. We'll be collating these unique insights throughout the year and publishing this in Sept 2025. Contact marketing@steergroup.com to get involved. 

Walking tours

Coming together to explore the rich history of rail and learn how rail has influenced not only Steer’s DNA but also that of the cities we call home. Contact marketing@steergroup.com for more information. 

Fundraising

Clocking up 200 miles in support of The Railway Children. Learn more about the charity.

Celebrating 200 years of railways

Beyond the Rails Events

Join industry leaders for dynamic discussions on rail's future, covering customer focus, decarbonisation, innovation, and more.

Find out more and register to attend
news and events

Stay up to date with 'Beyond the Rails'

Join us as we continue to celebrate 200 years of rail innovation with insightful events and discussions. Don’t miss out—stay informed by signing up for our newsletter.

Sign up here

our rail projects

View project
Department for Transport

Manchester Task Force (MTF)

Source: New Civil Engineer - Steer project
View project
Transport for London and TfL’s contractor Dragados

Bank Station Upgrade

View project
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER)

Quantifying the economic, social and environmental impact of rail services

Beyond the Rails - Events and activities 

Join leading industry experts for a series of essential conversations and events celebrating 200 years of the opening of Stockton & Darlington Railway—the world’s first modern railway. 

Navigating three key themes of people, place and performance, our 2025 events programme includes a dynamic series of panel discussions, live conversations and roundtables covering: 

  • Customer focus: Improving passenger experiences for all. 

  • Financial sustainability: Adapting growth strategies, enhancing affordability and safeguarding the future. 

  • Devolution in a national network: Redefining how the railway works for a more agile and responsive rail network. 

  • Decarbonisation: Rail’s role in creating sustainable economies and communities. 

  • High-speed rail: Learning from experiences across the globe to chart what happens next. 

  • Entrepreneurism and innovation: Creating the space for creativity, action and investment. 

  • Investment and private sector: Unlocking opportunities for public-private collaboration. 

  • Equipping the industry:  Securing the insights, skills and culture to succeed and evolve. 

On

Beyond the Rails events - catch up or register to attend

Panel discussion: Future of railway innovation and entrepreneurialism, watch the recording

How can we secure the entrepreneurial spirit and space to innovate in Britain’s railways? Join us for an in-depth panel discussion exploring the future of railway advancements and public-private collaboration. Find out more and watch the on-demand recording.

Live conversation: Customer-first approach in a complex market, watch the recording now

Join us online on Thu 27 Feb, 14.00-14.30 (UTC) as we explore how rail can evolve to meet passenger needs, tackling today’s challenges and shaping the future of passenger experiences. Find out more and watch the event recording now.

our rail projects

View project
Department for Transport

Manchester Task Force (MTF)

Source: New Civil Engineer - Steer project
View project
Transport for London and TfL’s contractor Dragados

Bank Station Upgrade

View project
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER)

Quantifying the economic, social and environmental impact of rail services

Beyond the Rails - Perspectives 

In-depth written features charting the legacy of rail, highlighting its current impact, and envisioning its future role in shaping society. Read our latest insights and articles.

More information coming soon...

On
Celebrating 200 years of railways

Beyond the Rails Events

Join industry leaders for dynamic discussions on rail's future, covering customer focus, decarbonisation, innovation, and more.

Find out more and register to attend
news and events

Stay up to date with 'Beyond the Rails'

Join us as we continue to celebrate 200 years of rail innovation with insightful events and discussions. Don’t miss out—stay informed by signing up for our newsletter.

sign up here

Beyond the Rails - 200 voices of rail

Capturing insights from 200 influential voices from the rail industry on how the sector should continue to shape society sustainably. We'll be collating these unique insights throughout the year and publishing this in Sept 2025. Contact marketing@steergroup.com to get involved.

More information coming soon...

On
Celebrating 200 years of railways

Beyond the Rails Events

Join industry leaders for dynamic discussions on rail's future, covering customer focus, decarbonisation, innovation, and more.

Find out more and register to attend
news and events

Stay up to date with 'Beyond the Rails'

Join us as we continue to celebrate 200 years of rail innovation with insightful events and discussions. Don’t miss out—stay informed by signing up for our newsletter.

sign up here

Beyond the Rails - Walking tours 

Coming together to explore the rich history of rail and learn how rail has influenced not only Steer’s DNA but also that of the cities we call home. Contact marketing@steergroup.com for more information.

More information coming soon...

On
Celebrating 200 years of railways

Beyond the Rails Events

Join industry leaders for dynamic discussions on rail's future, covering customer focus, decarbonisation, innovation, and more.

Find out more and register to attend
news and events

Stay up to date with 'Beyond the Rails'

Join us as we continue to celebrate 200 years of rail innovation with insightful events and discussions. Don’t miss out—stay informed by signing up for our newsletter.

Sign up here

Beyond the Rails - Fundraising

Clocking up 200 miles in support of The Railway Children. Learn more about the charity.

More information coming soon...

On
Celebrating 200 years of railways

Beyond the Rails Events

Join industry leaders for dynamic discussions on rail's future, covering customer focus, decarbonisation, innovation, and more.

Find out more and register to attend
news and events

Stay up to date with 'Beyond the Rails'

Join us as we continue to celebrate 200 years of rail innovation with insightful events and discussions. Don’t miss out—stay informed by signing up for our newsletter.

Sign up here

Beyond the Rails - Alumni talks

We’ll be hearing from former Steer colleagues who have gone on to do interesting things in the rail sector, learning more about their career journeys and insights into the future of rail.

Confirmed speakers include:

  • Lucy Kavanagh, Head of Environment and Future Mobility Analysis, DfT
  • Scott Prentice, Director of Strategic Planning, ScotRail
  • Jim Richards, Director, Rail Markets (South), DfT
  • Brad Woodworth, Director Rail Modernization Planning, MBTA

Contact marketing@steergroup.com to get involved.

More information coming soon…

On
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We are Steer

Yes, you are in the right place. After 40 years, we have changed our name from Steer Davies Gleave to mark our growing international footprint and our expanding portfolio into sectors beyond transport.

Explore our new website to learn more about Steer: who we are, how we work and what our future holds.

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