27 October 2026

Two independent SMEs with UK-based teams and frontline industry experience have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to bring together their complementary expertise in property and transport operations, creating a joined-up offering to support the changing needs of the UK bus sector.

The partnership between SLC Property and Crescar aims to help transport authorities, operators and investors ensure that the infrastructure needed to support changing transport networks is operationally suitable, commercially viable and deliverable.

Bringing together Crescar’s expertise in bus operations, franchising and operational planning with SLC Property’s capabilities in property strategy, land acquisition, depot development and asset due diligence, the collaboration will offer a simpler, more integrated approach to transport infrastructure projects.

Russell Mills, Managing Director of SLC Property with Neil Micklethwaite, Director of Strategic Development at Crescar

Russell Mills, Managing Director at SLC Property, said: “The property implications of bus franchising and fleet decarbonisation should not be underestimated. Securing the right sites is only one part of the equation. Understanding their commercial potential, development constraints and long-term operational requirements is fundamental to making these projects deliverable.

“Property needs to be part of the conversation from day one, not something considered once operational decisions have been made. Our experience in complex property and regulatory environments, combined with Crescar’s operational knowledge, means we can take a more joined-up approach to unlocking opportunities, managing risk and delivering infrastructure that works for operators, investors and the communities they serve.”

Neil Micklethwaite, Crescar, added: “Transport, community regeneration and economic growth are directly linked. Crescar and SLC Property have already worked on a couple of transport projects together and having two UK SMEs working even closer to support local communities seemed a logical next step. We hope that by working closer together we can continue to find innovative solutions to achieve those better local outcomes”.

The partnership will also support community transport hubs, regeneration opportunities and projects that improve integration between transport services, with a focus on delivering wider social value for local communities.

To find out more about the partnership or discuss a potential project, please contact: SLC Property – enquiries@slcproperty.co.uk or Crescar – contact@crescar.com.