What is GBI
Great British International (GBI) is a strategic consortium of high-performing UK consultancies delivering next-generation capability across rail, mobility, customer information and digital transformation.
Formed on the principles of collaboration, excellence, and agility, GBI brings together trusted specialists to deliver the quality and scale of a major consultancy with the responsiveness and focus of a dedicated team.
We provide clients with a smarter, leaner way to deliver complex programmes, combining expertise, innovation, and practical delivery experience.
At GBI, we’re committed to delivering genuine value without compromising quality. Our consortium structure removes complexity and keeps delivery focused, bringing the right expertise together quickly to achieve lasting results. Every team is built around the project, ensuring time, resources, and investment are directed where they create the greatest impact.
Though proudly based in the UK, GBI’s outlook is global. Our members have delivered major programmes across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, supporting public infrastructure, private innovation, and cross-border collaboration. We bring the credibility, competence, and creativity of British consulting and delivery to global clients who demand reliability, quality, and results.
GBI’s approach is built on expertise, collaboration, excellence and accountability. Our consortium model combines the agility of specialist teams with the assurance of consistent, high-quality delivery.
Every project is guided by experienced specialists with proven backgrounds in rail, mobility, and digital transformation. We bring the insight of people who have delivered change first-hand, combining strategic perspective with practical understanding to ensure confident, informed decisions.
Our model allows us to bring together exactly the expertise each project needs, scaling and adapting quickly as priorities evolve. This lean approach keeps delivery focused, efficient, and responsive from start to finish.
Our structure removes unnecessary layers and directs time, expertise, and resources where they have the greatest impact. The result is a streamlined way of working that delivers quality and measurable outcomes without excess.
We work transparently and collaboratively, maintaining consistent standards across every engagement. Clients trust us for our openness, accountability, and shared commitment to achieving lasting results.
To deliver world-class capability in rail and mobility transformation through strategic collaboration, innovation, and practical expertise, helping clients perform and grow with confidence.
To be the trusted international partner driving innovation in rail, mobility, and transport systems, redefining how networks connect people, goods, and opportunities worldwide.
GBI unites leading UK consultancies with proven expertise in rail operations, digital innovation, training, performance improvement, and cybersecurity. Together, we deliver practical solutions with lasting impact.
Each member GBI brings specialist expertise, but it’s the partnership that defines our strength.
Together, we combine insight, agility, and technical excellence to deliver joined-up solutions across rail, mobility, customer information and digital transformation.
It’s an approach built on trust, expertise, and a shared commitment to getting things done, and done well.
We are a unique and highly experienced consultancy that specialises in Rail Operations high quality outputs in research and innovation, reviews, strategy development and implementation. We work to a strong vision and adhere to our mission set out below:
To strongly support the development of the Operations and Customer Experience Areas of the Rail Industry to achieve their potential
To produce high quality professional outcomes with the right answers in every engagement we have with our clients
JFRail has a great track record of success working across TOCs, Owning Groups and key organisations such as RSSB and Network Rail. We are a group of specialists who bring together a diverse set of skills, experience and knowledge producing an individual and highly effective approach to rail consulting. Passionate about positive change and progression the team tailor their approach to projects to truly adapt and meet the needs of the client.
We take a measured approach to Operations and Customer Information supporting and providing advice on transformation projects. There are 4 main areas where we specialise: Review, Research, Strategy and Implementation and our blended approach ensures success for our clients.
We have the right blended approach to develop strategies for leading rail organisations. And we’re really good at implementation as well. There’s quite a nice link between these four areas. You research something, you develop a strategy for how you might change things, and then you implement it, adding value to the industry.
InnoRail is a specialist rail operations consultancy delivering high-quality work in research and innovation, reviews, strategy and implementation. We combine deep industry experience with practical delivery to help clients improve performance, manage risk and land change that lasts.
To produce high-quality professional outcomes - and the right answers - on every engagement.
To support the development of rail operations and customer experience so the industry achieves its potential.
InnoRail is a specialist rail operations partnership delivering high-quality work across review, research,strategy and implementation. We combine deep industry experience with practical delivery so clientsmake confident decisions, manage risk and land change that lasts. Our vision is to help rail operations andcustomer experience realise their potential; our mission is simple – produce the right, professional outcome on every engagement.
- End-to-end delivery of major rail infrastructure programmes using Primavera P6 and multiple planning tools. We capture and baseline requirements, build credible schedules, stand up governance and PMO controls, and report with the cadence leaders expect throughout the full lifecycle. Planning, cost and risk are fully integrated so decisions are traceable and delivery stays on plan.
- Complete rolling stock lifecycle support from fleet introduction and retrofit programmes to new vehicle acceptance. We manage vehicle testing, safety assurance, and regulatory acceptance processes. Our international experience spans freight train running operations, new business implementation, and fleet integration across European markets. This includes supporting operators through the complete journey from vehicle specification to operational deployment.
Comprehensive ETCS, FRMCS, and GSM-R deployment support across multiple European markets including the UK, France, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. We've led major programmes across the freight sector, including deep-dive impact assessments, stakeholder engagement across multiple operators, benefits workshops, and business change planning. Specialist expertise in operational safety assurance, regulatory compliance (ROGS, CSM-RA), and ensuring operational teams are competent and prepared for new technology. Our work includes developing operational rules, procedures, and safety authorizations for digital railway systems, including complex cross-border operations such as Channel Tunnel services.
- Supporting freight train running operations and new business implementation across Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and France. We help operators establish new services, optimize operational processes, and navigate regulatory requirements in different European markets. This includes business case development, operational planning, supporting freight company startups, and ensuring compliance with national rail safety and operational standards. Our experience includes Channel Tunnel operations and supporting new entrants establish sustainable freight operations.
- End-to-end feasibility assessments for complex rail projects. From reinstating dormant rail connections like Rosyth Dockyard to evaluating terminal locations and access models, we provide clear recommendations with costed options, stakeholder mapping, risk assessment, and implementation roadmaps that are regulator-ready and commercially viable.
Complete project delivery for new rail infrastructure across Europe. Design coordination through RIBA Stages 2 and 3, pre-design scoping and design assurance, layout optimization, interface management, and system integration. We ensure what's designed can be built, operated and maintained from day one.
Business change runs alongside technical work. We map current and future ways of working, design the target state, surface dependencies, and integrate training and operational processes so the new model is adopted, measured and sustained.
- We treat operational readiness as its own dedicated workstream. Complete readiness assessments, mobilisation planning, detailed go-live activity including roles, procedures, training and service rehearsal. Handover comes with clear acceptance evidence, and we stay involved after implementation to stabilise operations and close any remaining actions.
Complete terminal and infrastructure development from brownfield sites to operational facilities. We've delivered projects from Southampton Western Docks' constrained intermodal hub to Tinsley's transformation from derelict marshalling yard to modern terminal. This includes site preparation, stakeholder coordination, equipment specification, and maintaining operations during construction.
- Optimizing how existing operations work while integrating new infrastructure and methods. We assess current performance, identify improvement opportunities, design enhanced processes, and embed new ways of working. This includes tool utilization, process refinement, and ensuring teams can maintain improved performance long-term.
Comprehensive support for new freight operators entering European markets. We help startup freight companies develop business cases, establish operational procedures, navigate regulatory approvals, and build sustainable operations. This includes market analysis, route development, operational planning, safety case development, and regulatory liaison. Our experience spans supporting new entrants across multiple European jurisdictions and helping established operators expand into new markets or launch new services.
Specialized training and competence services for digital railway systems and operational changes. We develop training modules for ETCS, FRMCS, and GSM-R systems, design competence frameworks, and ensure operational staff can work safely and effectively with new technology. Our approach includes human factors analysis, operational procedures development, and supporting operators through the complete transition from traditional systems to digital railway operations. We work with drivers, controllers, engineers, and management teams to embed new operational practices.
- Comprehensive safety assurance services for rail infrastructure and operations programmes. We provide strategic safety assurance, risk reviews, constructability assessments, and gateway checks. Our expertise includes developing Safety Management Systems, supporting regulatory approvals (ORR, national authorities), leading formal incident investigations, and ensuring compliance with Common Safety Methods for Risk Evaluation and Assessment. We work with freight operators, infrastructure managers, and certification bodies to deliver programmes that are safe, compliant, and operationally robust.
Deep rail infrastructure expertise combined with practical programme delivery. We focus on delivering transformational projects that work operationally from day one, with people equipped and committed to new ways of working.