Maggie Simpson took a degree in Mathematics and Engineering at Loughborough University, graduating in 1992. She then worked as a consultant in the rail sector with Arthur D. Little, working there until 1998. She then moved to Office of Passenger Rail Franchising, serving until 2000 as Franchise Manager before working as Head of Freight Grants for the Strategic Rail Authority between 2001 and 2004. In 2005, she joined Rail Freight Group as Policy Manager and then from 2012 onwards has held the position of Executive Director of Rail Freight Group.