United Utilities line up partners for record investment proposals

North West water and wastewater group, United Utilities have announced a new partnership with seven top engineering and infrastructure firms to deliver “the largest investment in water and wastewater infrastructure in the North West in over a century”, as part of the upcoming AMP8 regulatory period.

The Warrington-based company has submitted a £13.7 billion investment plan for 2025-2030 to Ofwat, the economic regulator, aiming to deliver cleaner rivers, more reliable water supplies, and enhanced services for customers and the environment during AMP8.

This investment is set to support 30,000 jobs, including 7,000 new roles within United Utilities and its supply chain, boosting skills and opportunities in local communities and contributing £35 billion to the regional economy.

Following a competitive tender, United Utilities has chosen C2V (a VolkerStevin/Jacobs joint venture), Costain, Jacobs, Murphy, Kier Integrated Services, Mott Macdonald Bentley, and MWH Treatment as key partners. This collaboration brings together expertise from across the UK and Europe to deliver innovative and efficient infrastructure solutions.

The partnership will manage over £3 billion of major projects, including upgrades to wastewater treatment works and the UK's largest spill reduction programme, protecting more than 500km of rivers and bathing waters.

United Utilities is committed to investing in the North West and plans to create a lasting legacy. In addition to partnering with large suppliers, the company will engage the local supply chain and will announce further delivery partners soon, supporting local businesses across the region.

Jane Simpson, capital delivery director at United Utilities, said: “We’re excited to have secured strong delivery partners to help us achieve our ambitious plans for AMP8 to transform infrastructure and services in the North West. This is our most ambitious programme yet, and with these top design and construction companies, we can quickly start delivering the changes our customers want to see.”