Northumbrian Water Group has appointed five partners to new frameworks aimed at reshaping the way it delivers capital investment projects.
The water company will be working with the newly-appointed partners over the coming months to explore how improvements can be made to the management of infrastructure, co-creating new-look capital delivery processes and plans.
The appointments, made following a competitive tender process, create frameworks for the next eight years and include new strategic technical partners, Stantec and Jacobs, as well as lead commercial consultants Turner & Townsend, with support from Aqua Consultants and Long O’Donnell Associates.
This will look in greater detail at the complete life cycle of assets to ensure smarter spending and risk-based planning for the long-term.
Alongside this total expenditure (TOTEX) approach, the group will challenge existing methods and investment choices, allowing for a greater focus on alternative options, including the potential to reduce carbon through nature-based solutions to water and wastewater treatment.
Monisha Gower, Assets Director, said: “We want to really challenge ourselves as we look to the future of our capital plan and processes, recognising the need to evolve how we do business to deliver the best possible value for our customers in these challenging times. We also see a huge opportunity for greater sustainability and reduced carbon in our asset base by looking at our business through a TOTEX lens.
“While we have already made steps towards these goals, the appointment of our strategic and commercial partners brings expertise and experience to the table, and will really help shape the future of our asset management, investment planning and delivery.
“We look forward to working with them to co-create this exciting future.”
David Whysall, UK Infrastructure Managing Director, commented: “The water industry in the UK is responding to new pressures, from changing rainfall patterns and new demands on the network to responding to strengthened environmental protections. These are seismic challenges, requiring a rethink in how the sector approaches investment and ultimately manages its assets. This strategic appointment offers us the platform to drive this change through a long-term and collaborative approach – transforming performance on affordability, customer experience and the reduction of carbon emissions.
“Having worked with Northumbrian Water for twelve years, we are delighted to be able to further build on our special relationship. We will continue to invest in the local community creating the opportunity for home grown talent, whilst drawing in our global programme management learning for the benefit of Northumbrian and its stakeholders as the sector prepares for AMP8.”
