TRANSPENNINE ROUTE UPGRADE
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
£9 BILLION GBP
Network Rail engaged BTTC as Independent Value Assessor (IVA) for the Transpennine Route Upgrade, a major program to modernise 70 miles of railway between Manchester and York. We provided progressive assurance of target price submissions by reviewing cost estimates, resource requirements, productivity assumptions, and constructability within a live rail environment. Our work included forensic schedule analysis to test access strategies, detailed assessment of risk and opportunity allowances, and review of contracting approaches to ensure alignment with enterprise objectives. We also supported the development of value for money statements, facilitated workshops to align enterprise and alliance teams, and delivered guidance and mentoring to improve client capability in progressive contracting. Through this work, BTTC strengthened governance, increased confidence in delivery strategies, and helped build the internal capacity needed to manage one of the UK’s most ambitious rail upgrades.
BTTC played a critical role in transforming rail connectivity across the North of England by supporting one of the UK's most complex infrastructure projects connecting Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York. Our strategic approach focused on developing an innovative procurement strategy that drove exceptional value for money, establishing robust cost management processes, and providing governance support aligned with Network Rail's standards. By embedding a collaborative culture and integrating advanced benchmarking and risk assessment tools, we created a comprehensive framework that delivered exceptional results. Our strategic intervention resulted in £150 million of identified savings through procurement and value engineering, seamless commercial governance integration, improving transparency and accountability, and proactive risk management that minimized cost overruns and schedule disruptions.