Spencer Rail Engineering took home a customer-focussed award at a national ceremony covering the rail sector.
The Spencer Rail Engineering and West Midlands Railway teams collecting the Delivering for the Customer Award at the 2026 Spotlight Rail Awards in London.(Image: Huw John, Cardiff.)
Hull firm Spencer Rail Engineering has scooped a national award for its work on equipping the railways for the next generation of trains. Staff from the Humber Quays-based business were in London to collect the Delivering for Customer title at the recent Spotlight Rail Awards.
The firm was recognised alongside its client, West Midland Railway, for its work on Tyseley Depot in Birmingham, which is said to have delivered better outcomes for the taxpayer and minimal disruption to rail passengers. The £43m project saw Spencer Rail Engineering extend and upgrade facilities at the site while keeping trains running to avoid disruption.
It is said to be a critical part of West Midlands Railway’s future operation as the former depot was too small to house the train operator’s newest fleet of trains which are four carriages long. The project was completed on time, and within budget.
Judges also singled out Spencer Rail Engineering for its collaborative approach, prioritising openness with West Midlands Railway and Network Rail. It organised workshops to bring together engineers, operators, and depot staff to identify smarter, more efficient ideas.
Spencer Rail Engineering managing director, Mike Halliday, said: “This recognition reflects the strength of collaboration, trust and shared commitment that has driven the project forward from the outset. It has been a fantastic example of what can be achieved through Early Contractor Involvement. By engaging early and working closely with our partners, we were able to shape the delivery approach together, unlock efficiencies, and ensure the best possible outcomes for West Midlands Railway and the wider rail network.
“Thank you to everyone involved who contributed to making the Tyseley Depot project such a success.”
John Doughty, West Midlands Railway engineering director, said: “Delivering for the customer is always our priority, so it’s fantastic to have our efforts recognised by this award. Tyseley Depot is key to our operations across the West Midlands, so these new facilities mean we can deliver the best possible service for customers by efficiently maintaining our fleets and improving our reliability as a result.
“I want to thank our colleagues at West Midlands Railway and Spencer Rail Engineering for their dedication to completing these upgrades to the highest standard, both on time and within budget.”
Spencer Rail Engineering is part of the 315-strong Spencer Engineering Group which was founded by executive chairman Charlie Spencer in the late 1980s. Alongside rail, it has specialism in bridges, mechanical, electrical and building and civil engineering.
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