Celebrating Railway 200: The People Powering the Future of Rail

Niall Melvin – Principal Consultant

As part of our Railway 200 celebrations, we’re sharing the stories of the people at the heart of Mercury3 Consult – the individuals who are shaping the future of the industry. 

This week, we hear from Niall Melvin, Principal Consultant. With over 20 years of experience in the rail industry, Niall has held a diverse range of roles, including Commercial & Contract Management, Finance, and Property, as well as frontline operations as a skilled Train Manager. He has also played a key role in cross-industry partnerships, helping to shape long-term strategies for station development, and joined Mercury3 Consult in 2023. 

With a strong background in strategic, data-driven decision-making and commercial contract management within complex, regulated environments, Niall approaches every challenge with a calm and solution-focused mindset, ensuring practical and effective outcomes. 

Below, Niall shares his story, including standout memories, proud moments, and his vision for the future of rail. 

👉 How it All Started 

After spending a few years in the pub industry after completing my education, I reached a crossroads, uncertain about my next step. During a conversation with some regulars, one of them suggested exploring opportunities in the railway industry, noting its flexibility and diversity. I registered with a local recruitment agency, and they informed me about an available role. I quickly issued my notice and was able to start shortly after.  

The role was at Great North Eastern Railway’s (GNER) call centre, where I processed a surge of refunds following the Hatfield incident, a pivotal moment that shook public confidence in rail travel. That first job marked the beginning of a 22-year journey along the East Coast Main Line. Across five franchises and 10 different roles, I’ve built a career filled with memorable experiences, working alongside incredible colleagues and contributing to projects that make a real impact. Today, I continue that journey as a Principal Consultant at Mercury3 Consult. 

💬 A Memorable Railway Moment 

It is not specifically linked to my employment, but there are some links to my family that I never knew about until after I had started my career. 

Once I secured my first role, I learned that my grandad worked at Heaton Junction and was responsible for ensuring that tenders were dispatched with the correct amount of coal. Additionally, I have been told that my paternal great-grandfather was a driver out of Heaton and has an interesting claim to fame: he was the driver of the royal train that brought King George VI and Queen Mary to Newcastle in 1939.

With two close family members working on the railway, it seems almost inevitable that someone else in my family would also follow in their footsteps. 

🚅 Looking Ahead: The Future of Rail 

In a previous role, when I was speaking to the York City Planning Committee as part of the team looking to secure permission for the Station Gateway scheme, one of my main points for enhancing the station was the fact that the railway is proven to be one of the most sustainable forms for the mass transit of people. The railway is a key element in achieving the UK’s ambition of net zero by 2050.  

Coupled with digital railway developments, which aim to increase network services, and the push for a truly integrated transport system in the UK, I believe the railway has the opportunity to be the cornerstone of public and freight transport in the UK for another 200 years. 

In terms of this year’s Railway 200 events, I plan to attend the ‘Inspiration‘ tour, organised as part of the celebrations, as it travels around the UK.