Supporting strategic growth of a zero emission fleet and infrastructure supplier

The Challenge

The UK’s public transport landscape is undergoing fundamental change. The acceleration of bus franchising, increased devolution of transport powers, and the pressure to meet net-zero targets are all forcing local transport authorities (LTAs) to rethink how fleets and infrastructure are procured and delivered.

Amid this shifting environment, a prominent international provider of zero-emission fleet and depot electrification solutions sought to expand its footprint in the UK. The client needed a clear growth strategy to identify which LTAs were most investment-ready, how to engage in the post-ZEBRA funding landscape, and how to build partnerships without compromising future procurement eligibility.

Rebel delivered a comprehensive market assessment and engagement strategy. Our work included:

• Reviewing local transport plans, BSIPs, and franchise implementation timelines

• Mapping zero-emission bus (ZEB) ambitions and infrastructure funding commitments

• Conducting in-confidence interviews with sector experts, local authority contacts, and advisors

• Scenario testing around depot ownership, operating models, and funding alignment

• Advising on the new Procurement Act 2023 to de-risk early-stage engagement

• Prioritising five high-potential regions across England and Wales based on alignment with ambitious ZEB targets, advanced franchising plans, funding and political readiness, and openness to private partnerships

• Identifying a secondary tier of future opportunities and recommending practical next steps for stakeholder engagement, communications, and presence at key industry events

The Result

We delivered a prioritised engagement roadmap highlighting five regions with the strongest alignment of:

• Clear and ambitious zero-emission bus targets

• Committed or advanced franchising plans

• Political and funding readiness

• Openness to private sector partnerships

These included areas across England and Wales, each poised for significant investment in fleet and depot electrification over the next 5–10 years.

Our recommendations also covered a secondary tier of opportunities, alongside practical next steps for stakeholder engagement, communications, and positioning at major industry events.

Impact

Our client gained the insight and direction needed to refresh their UK growth strategy, with a clear roadmap to engage priority regions and pursue strategic opportunities.

Supporting strategic growth of a zero emission fleet and infrastructure supplier

The Challenge

Our Approach

The Result

Impact

Project Team

Jonathan