Stephenson Harwood

Finance

Darren is an expert in rail regulation, regulated contracts and railway operations, with broad expertise in all areas affecting railway businesses: bidders, infrastructure managers and train operators. He has been named as a Leading Individual by the Legal 500 directory. He works with both the public and private sectors, offering insights on how the railway works in the real world.

Darren is known for his deep knowledge of the rail sector, rail regulation and regulated contracts, as well as the rail franchise/concession cycle, offering pragmatic advice on the day-to-day operation of a rail business and its supply chain arrangements. Acting for train operators, infrastructure managers, funders and procurers of railway services, both in the public and private sectors, he offers broad perspectives of how the railway operates in the real world.

Deploying his detailed knowledge of industry laws, regulation and practice, working alongside industry stakeholders such as the Office of Rail and Road and the Department for Transport, he has delivered a regulatory regime and suite of contractual documentation for the operation of the new Elizabeth line railway and regularly advises on the operation of Elizabeth line services.

Darren's experience extends to the private sector too. He has vast experience acting for private bidders and train operators. Experienced in all aspects of franchises/concessions, he acts from the bid stage, through mobilisation and associated supply agreements and then into the operational phase. He has advised on the impacts of Brexit, Covid-19, the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail and the cost challenges faced by the rail industry.

Recognised by clients for his attention to detail and ease to work with, his knowledge of how the railway works in the real world means he can "talk trains" and offer down-to-earth, practical advice to railway businesses.

Darren continues to write for various industry publications on some of the latest rail issues – having featured in RAIL magazine, Rail Review magazine and Rail Professional.