Bridging Networks. Delivering Solutions.
Strategic leadership, business growth, project delivery and innovation support built on more than 30 years of experience across rail, engineering, manufacturing and technology sectors.
Helping organisations turn ambition into practical, measurable outcomes.
About Mike Harmer
Who is Mike Harmer?
For more than three decades, Mike Harmer has worked at the intersection of commercial strategy, operational delivery and innovation.
Having held senior leadership positions across the UK rail sector, Mike has built a reputation for bringing people together, creating meaningful partnerships and turning complex challenges into practical solutions.
His experience spans:
Mike founded Qualistra to provide organisations with the benefit of executive-level experience without the cost and commitment of a permanent senior appointment.
Why Organisations Work With Qualistra
Clients Engage Qualistra Because They Need More than Advice.
They need someone who can:
Qualistra combines consultancy thinking with hands-on delivery experience.
Governance, Delivery, and Innovation Aligned
Strategic Leadership
Providing governance, strategic direction, and leadership support for confident decision-making.
Business Growth
Aligning commercial strategy, customer requirements, and operational performance to support sustainable growth.
Project Delivery
Supporting the successful planning, coordination, and delivery of complex programmes and projects.
Innovation Support
Helping organisations adopt new technologies, processes, and ways of working to improve performance.
Experience Across Multiple Sectors
While rooted in over 30 years of railway industry experience, Qualistra also supports organisations operating within:
How Qualistra Supports Organisations
Governance & Leadership
Strengthening operational oversight, accountability, and strategic direction.
Programme & Delivery Support
Creating structure, momentum, and delivery confidence across complex environments.
Commercial & Operational Growth
Aligning commercial performance with operational capability and customer expectations.
Innovation & Technology Integration
Helping organisations adopt emerging technologies with clarity and practical implementation.
Quality, Assurance & Compliance
Supporting stronger governance, operational discipline, and sustainable improvement.
Turning Strategy Into Meaningful Action
Successful organisations require more than plans and recommendations. They need leadership, alignment, and practical delivery support that transforms objectives into measurable outcomes.
Qualistra works alongside leadership teams and operational environments to identify challenges, create alignment, and support implementation where progress matters most.
This approach helps organisations:
- Understand how the business truly operates
- Identify root causes rather than symptoms
- Align leadership priorities with delivery capability
- Support implementation alongside teams
- Strengthen stakeholder confidence
- Create long-term operational momentum
Industry Experience
Mike Harmer has worked with and supported organisations across the rail, engineering, manufacturing, and technology sectors, helping leadership teams navigate complex operational, commercial, and delivery challenges.
Experience includes working alongside:
- Train Operating Companies (TOCs)
- Rolling Stock Companies (ROSCOs)
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
- Rail supply chain SMEs
- Infrastructure organisations
- Engineering consultancies
- Technology providers
- Innovation programmes
Mike has also served as SME Group Vice Chair for the Railway Industry Association (RIA), supporting collaboration, innovation, and growth across the wider rail industry.
Proven Experience Across Complex Programmes
Qualistra's experience spans strategic leadership, operational improvement, innovation deployment, commercial growth initiatives, and programme delivery across highly regulated industries.
Areas of experience include:
Strategic Business Development
Developing new market opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams within regulated and technical industries.
Rolling Stock Programmes
Supporting refurbishment, modification, fleet improvement, and programme delivery initiatives across rail environments.
Innovation & Technology Deployment
Implementing robotics, automation, and emerging technologies within rail, engineering, and industrial operations.
Operational Transformation
Improving governance, reporting, operational controls, and overall delivery performance.
Infrastructure & Stakeholder Engagement
Working alongside train operators, maintainers, OEMs, ROSCOs, supply chain partners, and public-sector stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
What Clients Say
I’ll have one all being well from my current client - This is one of the most powerful trust builders on a consultancy website.