OCU Group is reporting a 45.2% rise in revenues to £886.5 million ((FY24: £610.6m) and a 69.3% increase in adjusted operating profit to £98.9 million with the publication of its latest annual results today for the year ended 30 April 2025.
The Group successfully completed a further three strategic acquisitions during FY25, and five acquisitions during FY24. The acquisitions contributed £301.4 million and £84.0 million of revenue in the years ended 30 April 2025 and 30 April 2024, respectively. Excluding this impact, Group revenues grew year on year by 11.1%, reflecting strong organic growth across both the Utilities and Energy businesses.
With a c5,000- strong workforce operating out of over 50 operational depots and service hubs across the UK, OCU Group serves the UK’s regulated and non-regulated infrastructure markets, providing services across renewable energy, digital infrastructure, regulated water and regulated power.
Accelerating change with strategic acquisitions
This year, the Group says it has made substantial strides in solidifying its leadership across the energy and utilities markets through a series of strategic acquisitions. The acquisitions have added new operational capabilities, geographical coverage, clients and presence in key target markets.
The acquisitions in 2025 comprise:
RJ McLeod
The acquisition has been transformational, significantly strengthens OCU’s presence in the Scottish market and bolstering capabilities in energy transition markets in the UK.
Purestream
Purestream specialises in advanced water treatment and management solutions, aligning with OCU’s expansion goals in the water sector. The acquisition of Purestream in September 2024 has further enhanced OCU Utilities’ capability in the water market, bringing specialist expertise in water and wastewater process design. Purestream’s services include concept design, feasibility studies, detailed design and project support across water and wastewater treatment assets. OCU says the new capability strengthens its end-to-end offering in the water market enabling OCU Utilities to not only deliver infrastructure on site but also to shape the earliest stages of project development for clients. The integration of Purestream supports the Group’s strategic ambition to be a partner of choice across the full lifecycle of water infrastructure delivery, from design through to build, commissioning and maintenance.
McCormack Drilling
Known for its work in trenchless technology, the acquisition of McCormack Drilling has allowed OCU to extend its reach into specialised trenchless construction methods, crucial for minimising
environmental impact and enhancing efficiency. OCU says it is now the clear market leader in horizontal drilling in the UK; a critical service which it offers clients across multiple sectors.
Strategic investments in regulated markets
In the water sector, OCU Utilities supports the upgrade, maintenance and renewal of both water and wastewater assets - work includes pipeline construction, reservoir construction, network maintenance, leak detection, asset replacement, and process improvements.
The report says OCU has seen “significant advancement in the water sector” through its active involvement in the AMP8 phase. The strategic engagement has allowed the Group to support and drive substantial upgrades and sustainability initiatives, crucial for the futureproofing of water infrastructure across the UK.
OCU said its efforts here are part of a broader strategy to enhance service delivery and infrastructure reliability, particularly in the areas of regulated power and water, where it sees continuous opportunities for growth and innovation.
The integration of Purestream supports its strategic ambition to be a partner of choice across the full lifecycle of water infrastructure delivery, from design through to build, commissioning and maintenance.
OCU Group CEO Michael Hughes commented:
“OCU Group delivered consistently strong strategic and operational progress this year, underpinned by three acquisitions, organic contract wins, and continued investment in technology and talent. Our diversified position across essential UK infrastructure markets provides a robust platform for sustained, long-term value for clients and stakeholders….
“The UK’s commitment to net zero by 2050, combined with significant regulatory investment cycles, underpins growing demand across our core markets. Ofgem’s RIIO-ED2, Ofwat’s AMP8, Project Gigabit, and Scotland’s ScotWind program each represent multi-billion-pound investment frameworks aligned to OCU’s capabilities…
“Our strategic expansion efforts, both organic and through targeted acquisitions, have been effectively integrated into our core operations. This integration has significantly broadened our geographic and operational reach, enhancing our ability to serve diverse market needs efficiently.”
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