Suzanne Tarplee

Information about the specialist

Practice Areas

Suzanne is a commercial and regulatory rail expert and advises on all aspects of the heavy and light rail markets, both within the UK and internationally. Her clients include rolling stock manufacturers and maintainers, train operators and the public sector.

Suzanne has worked within the rail industry for over 15 years (including a train operator and as general counsel for HS2) and really understands the issues faced by her clients and the industry as a whole. Her experience includes providing comprehensive advice on railway franchises and concessions (both in the bidding and operational phases), rolling stock procurements (including all elements of procurement, evaluation, financing, leasing and maintenance of the new fleets) and regulatory matters (including track, depot and station access and new regulatory regimes). Suzanne’s broader experience includes advising on PPP and PFI projects.

Suzanne's recent projects have included advising bidders in all rounds of franchising and concessioning in the UK as well as advising on all recent high profile rolling stock procurements.

The rail team at Stephenson Harwood is a significantly expanding team, noted for its very high-profile instructions across a range of rail issues. Especially noted for its expertise in franchise bids and rolling stock-related issues.

Ranked in Chambers UK where clients commented in relation to the rail team stating: "They're very commercially astute and have made the effort to understand our business."