Northumbrian Water has named Esh Construction as its sole delivery partner for its Wastewater Networks Framework, a planned and reactive repairs and maintenance contract across the region’s wastewater network.

The framework appointment underpins a long-standing collaborative partnership between Esh and Northumbrian Water spanning more than 25 years.

The eight-year framework agreement is worth up to £20 million per annum and will see Esh deliver essential maintenance and rehabilitation works on a 24/7 365 days a year service across the sewage network, ensuring an excellent customer journey throughout.

David Pratt, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said:

“This framework is where it all started for Esh and Northumbrian Water – it is the bedrock of our relationship. It’s where our journey began more than two decades ago, and we’re immensely proud to have been chosen as the sole provider this time around.

“We are proud as a local contractor to employ local people and to procure using a local supply chain. The contract award is a real testament to the hard work, performance and expertise of our teams and our collaboration with Northumbrian Water.”

The contract will include a range of trenchless and traditional sewer repairs, including manhole replacement, pipework rehabilitation and reactive emergency responses, with the most common service being the clearance of sewer blockages. The works will be delivered in collaboration with Jet Aire – Esh’s primary delivery partner – with around 200 personnel expected to support the framework between the two organisations.

David Jarvis, Managing Director at Jet Aire, commented:

“We’re proud to be partnering with Esh Construction once again to deliver this vital framework for Northumbrian Water. With over 25 years of experience pioneering drainage solutions across the North East, our collaboration with Esh and Northumbrian Water has consistently driven innovation and efficiency.

“From advanced CCTV drainage surveys to trenchless lining and precision patch repairs, our engineering expertise has helped optimise underground utility assets for years. This new framework marks an exciting step forward and we’re thrilled to be the trusted delivery partner for such a significant programme.”

Operating from offices in County Durham and Cramlington, Esh will provide a regional delivery model, bolstered by a local supply chain and workforce.

Building on Esh’s appointment last year to Northumbrian Water’s Ecosystem Framework and joint-venture Esh-Stantec’s appointment to the 12-year Living Water Enterprise Framework, the contract ensures continued job security and progression opportunities for operatives, apprentices and graduates alike across Esh Construction.

Stephen Wilkie, Deputy Chief Executive at Esh, initially worked as a Quantity Surveyor on this framework when Esh was first appointed. He commented:

“This framework award brings Esh full circle in its relationship with Northumbrian Water and it holds a special place in our business. I started my journey on this framework as a quantity surveyor more than 25 years ago, and it’s where many of our people – including some of today’s leaders – began their careers.

“The reactive and planned repairs and maintenance framework has enabled us to build an expert reputation within the sector, and we are proud to have been appointed as sole delivery partner for another eight years.”

The framework will further expand Esh’s investment in regional skills, with plans to recruit additional apprentices – including new apprentice wastewater drainage operatives – trainees, and graduates across both delivery and commercial teams. It will also support innovation and investment in decarbonisation initiatives.

David Pratt added:

“Throughout the framework we will explore further avenues to reduce our carbon footprint by working smarter, utilising innovative methods, materials, processes and trenchless technologies, to support our delivery, along with a substantial investment in lower carbon vehicles.”

Esh has committed £2 million to upgrading its fleet to improve driver efficiencies and reduce idling times in a bid to lower its carbon footprint.

Alongside trials of new composite materials, the company is driving innovation through the National Underground Asset Register, while the AI-powered Vyntelligence solution enables teams to capture, analyse and share high quality on-site imaging using smart devices while completing activities and conducting site surveys/ investigations.

Northumbrian Water’s Cheryl Lang, Commercial & Contracts Manager for Wastewater Networks, said:

“Esh Construction has been our trusted framework partner in wastewater sewer repair and maintenance for a number of years now. In that time, we have seen our performance in sewer flooding and pollution reduction as well as customer satisfaction improve year on year and undoubtedly Esh have played a key part in this success.

“I am delighted that following a robust procurement process, Esh Construction have once again proven themselves to be a top performer throughout the tender, and have been awarded the Sewer Repair and Maintenance Framework for a further eight years. We face great challenges in the next few years as we build further on key successes and address new challenges in our bid to be national leader in the provision of water and wastewater services and I know our continued partnership with Esh Construction will help us deliver our ambitious goals and continue to provide excellent service to our customers.”