About Ben

Ben Murcott, is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and founder of Murcott Energy Ltd. He leads the design and development of the Murb Wind Turbine, a deployable power wind turbine serving the utilities, offshore, and rail sectors. Based in Worcestershire, Ben combines 15 years of hands-on wind turbine innovation with a passion for making them more accessible and sustainable.

How did you start your career in the rail industry? 

My route into the rail industry began when Nick Matthews of Network Rail approached me and my company, Murcott Energy, to design, develop, and produce a transportable wind turbine. The goal was to create a renewable power solution that could be deployed quickly and reliably for remote or temporary rail operations. That collaboration marked the start of our journey into applying wind technology to support more sustainable rail infrastructure. 

Tell us a little about your career experiences to date.

My career began in the defence industry, where I gained a solid grounding in mechanical design and systems engineering. I then moved into the offshore sector, overseeing the design and analysis of cable lay equipment – complex machinery that demanded both precision and reliability in challenging environments.

In parallel, I began experimenting with small-scale wind turbines as a personal project, a hobby that gradually grew into a side venture, then a business, and ultimately a viable engineering company. That journey led to the founding of Murcott Energy, where I now combine my industry experience with a passion for renewable technology. I’m also a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, which underpins the technical and professional standards that guide all our work.

What does an average day look like for you? 
As both director and chief engineer, I can go from CAD modelling and testing new designs in the workshop one moment, to discussing commercial partnerships or project logistics the next. I also spend time working closely with clients in the rail sector to understand their on-site power needs. Every day is a mix of hands-on engineering, problem-solving, and a fair bit of multitasking.

Why did you want to present in a PWI technical seminar? 
The PWI seminars bring together the people who are shaping the future of rail infrastructure, and that’s exactly where renewables have a big role to play. I wanted to share what we’ve learned about how wind technology can provide clean, reliable, and cost-effective temporary power for rail projects, and hopefully inspire new collaborations to make rail more sustainable.

What’s the best bit of advice you have for someone looking to work in the rail industry? 
My advice would be to network and build relationships. While the rail industry spans the entire UK, it has a remarkably strong sense of community. People are genuinely keen to work together, share knowledge, and support innovation. That collaborative spirit, teams pulling in the same direction, is what really drives progress in this industry.

What are some of the biggest challenges of your current role? 
The biggest challenge in my role is multitasking. As part of a micro company, I wear many hats -managing engineering, operations, and business development all at once. On top of that, the challenges that come with innovation, particularly in manufacturing and supply chain management, have been a real eye-opener. Balancing creativity with practical execution is demanding, but it’s also what keeps the work exciting.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?  
Seeing an idea move from concept to reality. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching a turbine you designed spin for the first time, or knowing it’s powering a remote rail site without a diesel generator in sight. I also enjoy working with a small, passionate team where every person’s contribution makes a visible impact.

Thank you, Ben, for generously sharing your journey and experiences. We’re excited to welcome you to the Track Seminar and look forward to your valuable presentation.