Caroline Hooton
Of Counsel
Caroline is an experienced and knowledgeable transport lawyer, known for her commercial approach to managing concession, franchise and rolling stock agreements.
Of Counsel
Caroline is an experienced and knowledgeable transport lawyer, known for her commercial approach to managing concession, franchise and rolling stock agreements.
Language: English
Jurisdiction: England & Wales
Caroline specialises in helping public authorities and passenger operators procure and manage efficient, reliable and profitable rail and bus services. Clients appreciate the holistic approach that she brings to the negotiation and implementation of franchise and concession arrangements, particularly the insight she has on supply chain management – including facilities management, rolling stock and project works – that comes from more than 20 years of providing legal advice within the infrastructure and outsourcing sectors.
Analytical and able to communicate complicated legal and technical ideas in plain English, Caroline guides clients to the issues that really matter to them and then aids them in achieving their goals. Whether advising on procurement, mobilisation, contract interpretation, potential disputes and the settlement of the same or demobilisation and handover, her straight-talking, no-nonsense attitude reassures clients that she always has their back.
Solutions-focused and collaborative, clients value Caroline's practicality, candour and sharp sense of humour and know that she can always be relied upon to keep them on track.
Rail Concession and Franchise Agreements
Advising public transport authorities and private operators on all aspects of the procurement, negotiation and mobilisation of rail concession and franchise agreements, including in-life contractual interpretation, including UK National Rail Contracts and TfL Concession Agreements.
Demobilisation and Nationalisation
Advising private passenger operators on the demobilisation of franchise agreements and the transition from National Rail Contracts to nationalised ownership, including associated documentation and treatment and valuation of assets.
Rolling stock procurement
Advising both passenger operators and rolling stock manufacturers on the documentation for procurement of new train fleets, including compliance with relevant procurement legislation (including the Procurement Act 2023) and procurement strategy.
Rolling Stock disputes
Advising both passenger operators and rolling stock manufacturers and maintainers on resolution of contractual disputes, including strategy and settlement documentation.
Bus franchising
Advising private bus companies on bidding for UK bus franchising agreements, including reviewing all proposed franchising documentation and appropriate procurement strategy.
Supply chain management
Advising passenger operators on appropriate procurement, contracting and management strategies for rail supply chains, including providing forms of supply chain documentation and providing contractual advice in respect of in-life issues.
Procurement Act 2023
Advising contracting authorities on their obligations under the Procurement Act 2023, including contractual documentation and notices and the appropriate strategy for carrying out procurements under the same.
Facilities management
Advising contractors and authorities on facilities management contracts and all performance and parent support and ancillary documentation in the rail, health, finance, education, central and local government and defence sectors, including within project finance, PPP, PFI and BSF structures.
