Adam Bennett

Managing Director

As Managing Director, Adam is a proven business leader with extensive experience leading growth across the infrastructure sector. Adam brings a strong track record in developing new market entry strategies, securing major commissions, and building high-performing teams. Adam has led the delivery of multi-million-pound P&L business units, navigating complex procurement environments and driving sustainable commercial success.

Known for a strategic and inclusive leadership style, Adam is focused on creating a strong culture of growth and supporting the successful delivery of long-term, value-driven outcomes for our clients and partners.

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adam.bennett@M3Consult.co.uk

Trevor Marshall MAPM, MCIRO

Owner Director

As a co-founder of Mercury3 Consult, and a seasoned railway operations and project management professional, Trevor is a dedicated leader committed to developing people-centric cultures and driving business success. With extensive industry experience, he brings passion and expertise to every initiative, ensuring impactful results for clients and the organisation.

Trevor has had a varied and well recognised career in the Rail Industry within the Rail Infrastructure Operations and Infrastructure Projects functions. Over recent years he has lead teams on the Stratford Stations projects, the Network Rail – Rail Industry Development Centre and the Transpennine Route Upgrade Programme.

He has also spent time overseas developing Railway infrastructure and Operational processes.

Trevor is a focused individual who brings teamwork and fun to wherever he is. He centres his life around his family, enjoys the outdoors and keeps active, occasionally competing in triathlons. Always a keen learner, and passionate about nature, Trevor is now undertaking an Open University degree course in Earth and Natural Sciences.

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trevor.marshall@m3consult.co.uk

Ian Watson

Owner Director

As a co-founder of Mercury3 Consult, Ian is known for swiftly adapting to new challenges while inspiring and motivating high-performing teams. Recognised for strong leadership, clear communication, and exceptional problem-solving abilities, he consistently delivers outstanding results. As a trusted and respected consultant within the rail industry, Ian has a reputation built on delivery and excellence.

Ian has an MSc in environmental technology and post graduate qualifications in leadership. Starting his career in the rail industry with Railtrack, he worked in infrastructure performance, identifying patterns in network issues and leading improvement projects, before establishing himself as a project manager leading significant multi-disciplinary rail renewal schemes before establishing as a successful independent consultant.

Having a successfully history of introducing new technologies onto the UK rail network, Ian has most recently worked in the delivery of digital railway technologies for the Transpennine Route Upgrade and the East Coast Digital Programme. Ian has a great track record of building teams to suit project requirements and has a great understanding of how diversity and personality, as well as qualifications, are key to successful delivery.

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ian.watson@m3consult.co.uk

Phil Crow

Professional Services Director

Leading our Professional Service delivery, Phil is a strategic senior leader with a proven track record of delivering transformative change programmes. His extensive experience in the transport industry makes him an invaluable resource to both clients and colleagues alike, driving innovative solutions and sustained growth.

Phil is proud to be from the North East and lives in Stockton-on-Tees. He is passionate about the customer and focuses on making sure all our people are equipped and supported to be able to delight every client.

To do this, he draws on a wealth of experience from over 38 years in Transport, Project Management, Senior Operational Roles and Business Change and has a proven track record of consistently delivering for customers. Outside of work Phil follows Middlesbrough Football Club with an equal passion and loves spending time with friends, family and his two dogs #UTB.

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phil.crow@m3consult.co.uk

Christian Stickland FCIRO

Head of Technical Services

Christian leads our Technical Services team which includes Operations & Maintenance, and Engineering & Asset Management services. A highly accomplished Railway Operations expert, he excels in stakeholder management and team leadership, consistently delivering results that exceed expectations in complex, fast-paced environments.

Chris is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Railway Operators and has dedicated his entire career to rail operations, joining Network Rail as an Operations Apprentice and shortly after that, becoming a Signaller.

After progressing into Operational Management, Chris established a strong track record of leading high-performing teams and received special recognition for his achievements. With a passion for project delivery, he has applied his extensive operational expertise to major rail programmes including Sheffield Tram Train, King’s Cross Remodelling, and the re-controls of Sheffield and King’s Cross Power Signal Boxes.

Since joining Mercury3 in June 2022, Chris has provided operational expertise on major rail enhancement programmes, including the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), and now oversees operational development activities across the wider Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) portfolio.

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christian.stickland@m3consult.co.uk

Craig Melhuish

Head of Programme & Project Management

With over 22 years of programme & project management experience in the railway industry, Craig is a specialist in delivering multidisciplinary schemes. Leading our Programme & Project management team, he has recently led assurance initiatives focused on pre-construction site safety. Craig has a proven ability to manage complex programmes, champion safety leadership, and cultivate high-performing teams, even in the most challenging environments.

Craig sets high standards for himself and tries to inspire the same for those around him to promote strong safety leadership and positive behaviours, and has been sought out to manage complex, politically challenging tasks which demand decisiveness, positivity, innovation and excellent relationship management. Craig is currently working on providing Programme Management expertise to Network Rail, Supply Chain Operator (SCO), and Capital Programmes, primarily to support the National Road Fleet Transformation Programme, which is leading the rollout of Electric Vehicles and supporting infrastructure.

LinkedIn

craig.melhuish@m3consult.co.uk

Glen Middleton Assoc. CIPD

Business & People Manager

With over 10 years of HR experience across various sectors, Glen is a seasoned HR generalist specialising in organisational design and development. He is passionate about driving transformational business change and is committed to placing people at the heart of every transformation.

Glen excels in creating strategic HR solutions that enhance organisational effectiveness, ensuring businesses evolve in a way that empowers their workforce and fosters long-term success.

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Kat Purves

Business Development & Communications Specialist

Kat is our Business Development & Communications Specialist. She plays a key role in supporting the company’s growth by leading business development activities, strengthening client engagement, and overseeing the company’s marketing and communications.

With experience across B2B and B2C sectors, and a background in marketing, brand coordination and sales, Kat combines strategic thinking with creativity and strong organisational skills to support opportunity management, business development, brand awareness and stakeholder engagement.

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Jolas Sutherland

Finance Analyst

Jolas is a Finance Analyst supporting the finance function across day‑to‑day operations and strategic initiatives. He is responsible for managing expenses, invoicing, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, providing accurate and timely financial insights that support business growth.

Jolas is committed to continuous development through ongoing professional study.

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Niall Melvin CMgr MCMI

Principal Consultant

With over 20 years of experience in the UK rail industry, Niall has held a diverse range of roles spanning support functions – 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, shaping long-term strategies for station development.

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

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James Brownhill

Principal Consultant

Based in York with 22 years of experience in the rail industry, James is a Chartered Engineer, specialising in Railway Signalling. James has a wealth of experience both in design and engineering management gained across several organisations, with excellent knowledge and understanding of both conventional signalling and modern systems such as ERTMS.

James joined Mercury3 in 2022, having worked with many of our team over his career and always being impressed not only with our team’s professionalism but also with the genuine passion we show for our work. Fun fact: James took an unconventional career path to joining the railway, analysing soils and fertilisers in a lab, checking the quality of products in a fruit and nut factory and working behind a bar before settling on a career on the railway.

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Simon Smith

Principal Consultant

Simon is based in Oxfordshire, with over 32 years of rail industry experience predominantly leading large teams in operations and maintenance but also including performance projects, major projects, and business change.

In all cases people are at the heart of what Simon does, giving a blend of mentoring and coaching but also clear direction to achieve a desired outcome.

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Joanne McClure

Senior Consultant

Joanne is based in York and has over 23 years of experience in the rail industry, working across various disciplines. Her expertise includes health and safety, contract management, asset management, programme and project management, policy development, and stakeholder and relationship management.

Joanne takes pride in her ability to build successful working relationships and unite people to achieve common goals. She has successfully led many significant asset renewal projects, including three full roof renewals at East Coast Stations, new car park developments, and platform canopy renewals, to mention a few.

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Paul Gill

Senior Consultant

Paul is a Yorkshire native and is based in the York area. Paul joined Mercury3 in Oct 2020, looking for a new challenge after 12 years working in the higher education sector.

Since Paul joined Mercury3, he has worked for Network Rail on the East Coast digital Programme Project Managing the ETCS Training and Development Project, as well as supporting Network Rail as Portfolio Manager delivering ‘Access for all Schemes’ across the North Portfolio. Paul continues to progress, not only internally but working with the client and is results-driven and customer-focused. Paul is passionate about looking for the right tailored solution to the right challenge, simplifying and streamlining processes, and aiming to not just meet but exceed clients’ expectations. Paul creates and maintains great stakeholder relationships and is in his element when involved in the stakeholder management process.

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Norman Hugill

Heritage Rail Consultant

With a lifelong dedication to rail, Norman is our Heritage Rail Consultant, bringing over 45 years of operational experience to the team. From his early days as a ‘relief book lad’ to serving as Chief Signalling Inspector and spending 14 years working on the Royal Train, Norman’s career has spanned traditional signal boxes, mainline operations, and heritage railways.

He has worked extensively across both passenger and freight operations, gaining deep industry knowledge which he now shares with the next generation. A former Operations Manager at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Norman continues to play a leading role in heritage rail as a trustee of the Friends of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

Currently, he is supporting the Weardale Railway as an Operating Consultant, contributing to the testing and delivery of the Locomotion Project – a major initiative forming part of Railway 200, which will recreate the historic 1825 Shildon–Stockton journey.

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Irene Femenia

Consultant

Irene is a Consultant with experience in providing project management support. She brings strong transferable skills in finance, with expertise in reporting, budgeting, and data analysis, as well as stakeholder engagement and team collaboration. Known for her resilience and proactive approach, Irene navigates challenges with confidence and efficiency, making her a valuable asset to any project.

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Matthew West

Junior Consultant

Matt is a dedicated Junior Consultant with several years of experience working on a diverse range of projects. During his time at Mercury3 Consult, he has contributed to initiatives ranging from business transformation to the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. With a strong commitment to professionalism and excellence, Matt consistently strives to help deliver projects on time and to the highest standard.

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Joe Moore

Junior Consultant

Joe has recently completed his Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship, achieving a strong blend of academic learning and practical industry experience. During his apprenticeship, he supported a wide range of business projects, gaining valuable insight into management, operations and organisational practice.

Alongside his studies, Joe contributed to several external commissions, further strengthening his understanding of both the rail industry and his academic disciplines. Now working as a Junior Consultant, he continues to apply his project and management skills across client engagements. Most recently, he has supported the TRU Digital programme as an Assistant Project Manager, playing an active role in delivering key initiatives and supporting programme objectives.

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