Paul Franklin drives the next chapter at SEP Culant
With the release of CP7 work eagerly anticipated throughout the industry, SEP Culant is entering a significant period in its operations. The company, renowned for its commitment to safety and excellence, recently welcomed Paul Franklin as its new Head of Programme and Delivery
With two decades of industry experience, Paul succinctly describes the industry’s evolution in three words: “Vastly improved safety.”
Strengthening the team
Having witnessed twenty years of frontline evolution, Paul Franklin, SEP Culant’s new Head of Programme and Delivery has seen it all. With CP7 on the horizon, the company knew it was the perfect time to strengthen its senior leadership. They turned to Paul, a seasoned professional with a proven track record.
Paul began his career as a track welder in 2001, a tumultuous year marked by Railtrack’s administration and Network Rail’s subsequent formation. Reflecting on those early days, Paul recalled, “You heard about what was going on, and it felt uncertain, but you focused on the task at hand.” Over the next two decades, Paul ascended the ranks, gaining vital experience in permanent-way delivery, switches, and refurbishment projects.
Paul’s ability to deliver exceptional results did not go unnoticed. Andrew Oliver, SEP Culant Managing Director, expressed, “Paul’s dedication and expertise are unmatched. His commitment to safety and efficiency aligns perfectly with our core values.” Earlier this year, Andrew approached Paul with an offer to join SEP Culant, and as they say, the rest is history.
Focus on safety
When asked about the most significant changes in the rail industry over the past two decades, Paul replied, “Vastly improved safety.” He elaborated, “When I first started, we stood on the track with only a high-vis vest. There was no full orange, no white helmets. Safety was not a topic of conversation like it is today.” This evolution towards a safety-centric approach is a foundation of SEP Culant’s operations.
SEP Culant is one of just over 700 IRATA-accredited operators, recognised globally as a leading authority on industrial rope access. Paul emphasises the importance of this accreditation, noting a worrying trend of uncertified operatives in the field. “I’ve seen operatives working with rope access without IRATA certification. In 2024, this isn’t just unsafe; it’s irresponsible.” SEP Culant’s IRATA accreditation reassured Paul that he was joining an organisation committed to modern safety standards.
The Power of six
Paul’s experience has been highly valued by the companies he’s worked with, so why did he choose SEP Culant? His answer was clear: “I haven’t seen anyone do it better.” He continued, “The knowledge they have, the talent within the team, it’s unrivalled. Within my first week, I saw a significant investment in new equipment, including four new vans for an upcoming project. When a firm invests in the tools for the job like that, you know you’re in good hands.”
SEP Culant is part of the SEP Rail Group, a network of six organisations providing specialised multi-disciplinary services across surveying, design, engineering, geotechnical, and ecological support. Paul highlights the advantages of this in-house approach: “It’s fantastic. You can pick up the phone and collaborate with colleagues who are on the same page. If you need advice, you have it instantly. If you need support on-site, it’s there within hours.”
Paul continued, “Our Safety Stand Down Day in June brings together over 100 staff members to strengthen our close working relationships and learn from each other. Few firms can offer such a breadth of services while maintaining a cohesive and trusting work environment.”
Expanding horizons
Over the past year, SEP Culant has expanded into civils and construction. Paul’s direct experience in this field will be invaluable to the firm.
He explained, “This is my bread and butter. SEP Culant has made its mark and continues to lead the way with IRATA rope access and vegetation management. I’ve seen how in-demand we are, and I know we can replicate this same level of service across civils and construction. It’s not going to be an overnight thing; these things take time. But having seen the team in operation, it’s a very achievable goal indeed.”
Paul continued, “We’re working with various clients on civil and construction works, from full-depth construction to utility infrastructure installations. The demand is rising, and for good reason. SEP Culant provides an end-to-end service, and with support from the SEP Rail Group, clients can rely on us completely.”
SEP Culant’s track record speaks volumes. Recent works include the management of vegetation at Barnard Castle. Paul elaborated, “This is a 900-year-old piece of British history. Our team carefully scaled the walls using rope access and used hand tools to prune the vegetation, preparing the site to welcome thousands of visitors over the summer.”
With an expanded senior leadership team, focused development plans, and a team dedicated to the highest safe working practices, SEP Culant is ready for the next five years. Now, as SEP Ecology joins the family, the SEP Rail Group is in its strongest position yet to be the go-to contractor for the industry’s evolving demands.
To find out more about SEP Culant and its services visit: www.sepculant.co.uk.
