Strategic leadership for two high-profile bus franchise bids
The Challenge
With the nationalisation of UK rail franchises underway and a growing market shift toward franchised bus networks, many UK-based transport operators are navigating a period of significant uncertainty, impacting revenue stability, contract structures, and strategic direction.
As only the second UK region to implement bus franchising under the Bus Services Act, the Liverpool City Region attracted strong interest from multiple operators eager to secure one of two bus operating contracts available in the first tranche of the Combined Authority’s procurement process. However, the demands of multiple concurrent, high-value tenders placed considerable strain on internal bid teams.
To help address this, Rebel was seconded into a major UK transport operator to lead the development of both franchise bids—bringing continuity of leadership, strategic clarity, and operational rigour at a critical moment in the programme.
Our Approach
Rebel embedded a Bid Director within the client’s team, working closely with both internal stakeholders and external partners. Drawing on additional Rebel expertise where needed, our scope included:
- Providing day-to-day leadership of the bid programme
- Structuring and managing delivery plans, key assumptions, and governance processes
- Coordinating technical, operational, and commercial workstreams
- Shaping strategic positioning and supporting the development of a well-structured delivery plan framework
- Advising on mobilisation readiness, social value initiatives and sustainability approaches
Impact
Rebel’s support was instrumental in providing the client with bandwidth and capability to support with the development of two credible and competitive bids.
