Latest Opinions

Privatisation: past and future

29th March 2010

Britain’s railways, the next generation - John Nelson, Chairman of First Class Partnerships, addressed the Railway Study Association in London in December on the subject of privatisation.

When a high carbon footprint becomes as socially unacceptable as smoking

10th November 2008

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main man-made contributor to climate change. Transport – particularly road transport – is a major source of CO2 emissions. The transport sector accounts for approximately 30 per cent of global CO2 emissions. Peter Wilkinson, managing director of First Class Partnerships, considers the issues.

Neil Atkins joins FCP

17th September 2008

First Class Partnerships is delighted to announce that it has been joined by Neil Atkins. His role will include being Managing Director of FeONIC Transport Ltd, a new joint venture company of First Class Partnerships.There he will be responsible for developing large scale contracts of Feonic's award - winning speakerless audio sound systems to the transport industry around the world.

Will ERTMS give us more capacity?

5th September 2008

William Barter, Head of FCP's Operations Practice, is sceptical about the capacity benefits of the standard European signalling system set to be adopted in this country

Michael Schabas and Mark Causebrook Join FCP Board

21st May 2008

Michael Schabas and Mark Causebrook have been appointed Directors of First Class Partnerships. Announcing their appointments, John Nelson, FCP's Chairman said: "The combined experiences that they bring to FCP will add significantly to the company's capabilities."

Key issues arising from the Government's rail strategies

28th November 2007

At a two day conference sponsored by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport to consider key issues arising from the Government's Rail strategies, John Nelson closed the proceedings with an address that questioned whether the necessary leadership structures were in place to enable successful delivery. Other speakers at the Conference included Ian Coucher, Chief Executive of Network Rail, Tom Harris MP Minister of State for Transport, Richard Brown, Chief Executive Eurostar, and Theresa Villiers MP, Shadow Secretary of State for the Conservative Party.

John Nelson spoke at the Annual UK Rail Stations Conference

22nd November 2007

At the Annual UK Rail Stations Conference John Nelson spoke on the subject of "The Implications of the Government's Medium Term Rail Strategy on managing stations", focusing on the demands of passengers in the context of continuing growth.

An Informed Citizen's View of York's Transport Priorities

8th November 2007

John Nelson, FCP's Chairman, spoke at the 11th Annual Inform Conference in York, UK, on 8th November 2007

UK rail growth continues on record scale

13th August 2007

Statistics published in the 2007 National Rail Trends Yearbook, published by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR), reveal the continuing success of both passenger and freight operating companies in attracting more use of rail services.

Network Rail recognises need for 7-day railway

10th August 2007

The damage to rail product quality as a result of ever-lengthening engineering possessions has been recognised by Network Rail (NR) and in the future it is promised that train operators will find infrastructure available on a 7-day week basis.

New East Coast deal must bring a change of style

13th July 2007

GNER has a strong record of customer service but lately it has taken its eye off the ball. John Nelson argues that the re-award of the Intercity East Coast franchise be used to bring a new less conservative approach to this railway

See the full archive of news about First Class Partnerships.