Case studies

Prior to the formation of Quill Power Communications in 2004, Nigel Barber led the 'communications recovery' of the West Coast Route Modernisation programme as its Head of Communications for Network Rail from 2002 to 2004. During this period, Nigel was responsible for:

Quill Power Communications (QPC) were retained by engineering consultancy Parsons Brinckerhoff in 2005 to support its successful bid for the role of Systems Designer on the Edinburgh Tram project, run by tie Limited. QPC, led by Nigel Barber and supported by Bob Clarke, subsequently provided the stakeholder management and communications support for the design consultation, forming part of the Systems Design Services (SDS) team and working alongside tie's public affairs function.

Quill Power Communications provided support to Arriva (via First Class Partnerships and 8hwe and answerable to Bid Director Andy Cooper) during Autumn 2006 for its successful Cross Country bid, with the production and implementation of a dedicated stakeholder management strategy.

Working to a brief from the Strategic Rail Authority, Quill Power Communications provided guidance and support for the Community Rail Development Strategy for a six-month period during 2005. This included the production of a comprehensive communications strategy, the formation of a cross-industry steering group and the introduction of a communications matrix, all still currently in use.

Quill Power Communications (QPC) was approached in late 2008 by the IRO to provide marketing and communications support, helping to raise the profile of the organisation within the rail industry and in turn, growing membership, student numbers and advocacy across the rail sector.

Employed indirectly by the Department for Transport via project managers Mott McDonald, Quill Power provided communications support to the Intercity Express Programme for a 12-month period, from March 2006 until February 2007. A contentious and complex project, IEP affected a wide cross section of industry stakeholders at all levels and already had a growing number of detractors at the time of QPC's appointment, with, in the absence of a structured communications plan, some media choosing to plug the gap with damaging speculation.

Manchester Metrolink 3A is the first stage in the extension of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority's Manchester Metrolink light rail network, extending the existing routes to Rochdale and Oldham, Droylsden and Chorlton-cum-Hardy/St Werburgh's Road.

Quill Power Communications has been providing communications guidance and support to Northern Rail since February 2005. This initially began with a part-time role within the communications department, during the transitional period from two companies (Arriva Trains Northern/First North Western) into one, during which time, QPC provided protocols for internal and external communication (including media liaison) and an interim crisis communications strategy.

Quill Power has recently completed work on the Spring edition of Train Times, the magazine of the Association of Community Rail Partnerships, which will be hitting desks in the next couple of weeks. For further information, visit http://www.acorp.uk.com.