Celebrating Railway 200: The People Powering the Future of Rail
Ian Oakley – Consultant
As part of our Railway 200 celebrations, we’re sharing the stories of the people at the heart of Mercury3 Consult, the individuals shaping the future of the industry.
This week, we’re proud to spotlight Ian Oakley, Consultant, who has spent over 13 years in the rail sector, making a tangible impact through a wide variety of railway projects. Below he shares his reflections and hopes for the future of rail.
👉 How it All Started
My journey into the rail industry began over 13 years ago when a social gathering with friends presented an opportunity to change jobs and work in the railway sector. To this day, I do not regret it one bit. Driven by my passion for working in the construction industry, delivering impactful projects, and solving complex challenges, I was inspired by the chance to work on a wide range of railway and construction projects, including station modifications and critical reactive maintenance. This variety has allowed me to gain in-depth experience working alongside diverse stakeholders, including board-level executives, business users, third-party suppliers, and both internal and external contractors.
Being practical and solution-oriented has been central to my approach in delivering projects, and I’m proud to contribute to the industry’s development while remaining driven by a desire to make a tangible impact.
💬 A Memorable Railway Moment
I have grown to learn that the railway is like having a second family, so many people you meet along the way stay in your life for a long time. There are countless moments that have played key roles in my 13-year career, whether that be meeting incredible colleagues, passing significant courses, or changing roles.
One particularly memorable moment was when I passed my Personal Track Safety and Control of Site Safety courses early in my career. It was a pivotal moment that not only solidified my understanding of railway standards but also gave me the confidence to take on more responsibility. The sense of accomplishment and pride in achieving these qualifications felt like a rite of passage.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with amazing teams and work on a variety of projects. The relationships I’ve built and the experiences I’ve gained have been invaluable, and the railway has truly shaped who I am both professionally and personally. These moments continue to inspire me, driving my passion for the industry and its people.
Being practical and solution-oriented has been central to my approach in delivering projects, and I’m proud to… make a tangible impact.
The railway is like having a second family… The relationships I’ve built and the experiences I’ve gained have been invaluable.
Ian Oakley
Consultant
🚅 Looking Ahead: The Future of Rail
The next 200 years of rail will be incredibly exciting. The changes I’ve witnessed in the industry over the last 13 years, as well as in my own lifetime, have been remarkable. With the rapid advancement of technology, AI, and a growing global population in need of modern infrastructure, the future of rail holds limitless potential.
I predict that rail will continue to evolve with more sustainable, energy-efficient solutions, including the widespread use of renewable energy sources and eco-friendly materials.
In the next 200 years, rail will not only be a mode of transport but an essential part of a sustainable, technologically advanced, and interconnected world.
Thank you to Ian for sharing his reflections as part of our Railway 200 series. These stories are a testament to the passion, diversity, and forward-thinking spirit that define Mercury3 Consult and the rail community.
Follow along as we continue to feature more voices from across our team.
-
Learn more about Mercury3 Consult and our services.
-
Discover more about Railway 200 here.
