Measuring, designing and engineering the UK's railways

SEP Rail Design has quickly earned a reputation for solving the kinds of engineering challenges others can’t – or won’t – take on. Working with some of the most recognised names in rail, our in-house design team brings proven experience across track, civils, drainage, gauging and geotechnical disciplines. The result is a fully integrated design solution that drive quality and value at every step.

Our specialists don’t just respond to briefs, they proactively engineer smarter, safer and more sustainable outcomes. Whether it’s enhancing, maintaining infrastructure, reacting to emergencies or planning for future, we design with precision, always keeping the end user in mind.

From basic and to complex schemes, we adapt to projects of every size and complexity. And with a multi-disciplinary team under one roof, we’re able to spot efficiencies, identify risk earlier and deliver designs that work seamlessly across project life cycles.

Led by James Morrow, our experienced leadership team includes CREs, CEMs and chartered engineers who’ve spent their careers designing for rail. They manage a growing in-house team of designers and specialists, backed by the other group disciplines, giving our clients one coordinated team they can rely on throughout.

SEP Rail Engineering provides vital engineering support across the full project lifecycle. From early-stage consultancy and planning through to site delivery and handback, our in-house team works side by side with clients to bring clarity, consistency and confidence to every stage of a project.

We’ve built our reputation on technical depth, sharp delivery and a collaborative approach that keeps projects on track. Whether optimising existing infrastructure or supporting the design and construction of new schemes, our engineers are trusted to provide solutions that are as practical as they are precise.

Backed by decades of experience, we regularly provide engineering consultancy, assurance and project delivery services to clients across the UK rail network. From AMP management to constructability reviews, CRE and CEM roles to asset condition assessments, we bring the right expertise to the table at the right time.

It’s this strategic, joined-up approach that gives our clients more than just technical input. We help them streamline planning, strengthen delivery and stay aligned with compliance throughout.

Led by Managing Director, Paul Bolton, our team includes experienced professionals across engineering management, consultancy, site engineering and project delivery. They’re supported by technical leads and strategic planners who understand the demands of complex, fast-moving infrastructure projects, and what it takes to keep them moving forward.

SEP Culant delivers safe, efficient solutions to even the most complex working at height challenges. From industrial maintenance and inspections to large-scale de-vegetation works, we support clients across the country with a proven team and a proactive, safety-first approach.

A full member of the International Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA), we plan every project around a robust safe system of work. Whether carrying out cladding, insulation, cleaning or confined space entry, our experienced rope access technicians operate with minimal disruption to other on-site activity – providing a reliable alternative to traditional access methods like scaffolding.

Alongside our access services, we offer nationwide vegetation management, delivered by time-served, fully qualified arborists. With LANTRA and NPTC accreditations, our teams work to strict industry standards, and are supported where needed by IRATA-certified rope access specialists, ensuring works are completed safely, even in the most hazardous or restricted environments.

Our clients rely on us for precision, reliability, and flexibility across a broad range of services, including: at-height surveys, NDT and electrical installations, Painting, blasting, and fireproofing, Confined space entry and rescue and full-spectrum vegetation clearance and control.

Led by a team with decades of industry experience, our people work with confidence and care, supporting the UK’s rail and infrastructure sectors with the specialist access support they need to keep projects moving safely and on schedule.

SEP Geotech provides the insight, data and expertise needed to keep infrastructure projects moving safely and compliantly. From early consultation and site investigation to testing, reporting and monitoring, we help contractors and consultants reduce uncertainty and make better-informed decisions on site.

Operating across the UK, our in-house drilling teams and geotechnical engineers deliver a full suite of ground investigation and environmental monitoring services. Whether we’re carrying out rotary cored boreholes, window sampling or cable percussive drilling, we approach every job with the same attention to accuracy, safety and delivery. We regularly support all ground investigations, logging works and Phase 1 or 2 Reports including but not limited too – boreholes, structural coring, in-situ testing, trial pitting, trenching, and soakaway testing.

Led by a team with extensive field and technical experience, we combine practical site knowledge with rigorous reporting standards. Our people operate with care, precision and professionalism – keeping stakeholders aligned and enabling confident progress from day one.

Working across rail, civils, energy, and construction, SEP Ecology delivers fast, practical ecological support to keep developments moving. From initial risk assessments through to full licensing, mitigation, and training, our team of licensed ecologists provides the robust, common-sense guidance clients need to meet their legal obligations while avoiding unnecessary delays.

Our approach is grounded in clarity and practical delivery. We work closely with statutory bodies and project teams to develop straightforward, cost-effective strategies that keep your project compliant and progressing with confidence.

Whether surveying for protected species, advising on biodiversity net gain, or supporting emergency works, we tailor our advice to each site, each client, and each scenario. From smooth snakes to great crested newts, invasive species to nesting birds, our work is backed by decades of combined expertise and a strong track record of delivery.

Our services include preliminary ecological appraisals (PEA), protected species surveys and licensing, emergency and nesting bird assessments, INNS identification and planning, habitat creation and biodiversity net gain, as well as drone imagery, high-resolution photography, expert witness support, and tailored ecology training.
Led by Director Jo Bryan, the SEP Ecology team combines sharp ecological expertise with practical communication and hands-on fieldwork. Our consultants work directly with planners, contractors and project managers to reduce risk, maintain momentum, and ensure ecology is never an afterthought.

From initial inspection to diagnosis, jetting and repair, SEP Drainage provides specialist support to the rail, civils and construction sectors around the clock. Using advanced CCTV drainage technology, we assess and resolve issues with minimal disruption – delivering efficient, practical solutions across a wide range of infrastructure environments.

Alongside drainage, our in-house team delivers a range of complementary services including topographical and utility surveys, laser scanning, civils site engineering and site monitoring, providing the insight and technical support clients need to make better-informed decisions about their projects.

Whether supporting emergency works or planned upgrades, we operate with a consistent focus on safety, service continuity and reducing disruption – keeping projects on track above and below ground.