Northumbrian Water Group has confirmed a £400 million equity investment to support delivery of its business plan for the current five-year regulatory period (AMP8), its largest and most ambitious plan for customers and the environment.

CKI, together with KKR, has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the business and the regions it serves, enabling investment that will improve water and wastewater services for customers.

The funding contributes to the company’s AMP8 capital programme of over £4 billion across the North East, Essex and Suffolk, more than double the capital investment under AMP7. This programme focuses on strengthening infrastructure, improving environmental performance and enhancing services.

The equity injection builds on support shareholders have already shown by providing early funding in advance of AMP8. This allowed key preparatory work for AMP8 to begin ahead of regulatory approval, ensuring the business was able to maintain momentum from AMP7 and start the ambitious 2025-30 investment programme early.

Heidi Mottram, CEO of Northumbrian Water, said:

“Our priority is ensuring that the future service for our customers is protected and they continue to have a high performing water company they can rely on. Our shareholders have acted decisively, committing significant new funding that will accelerate improvements for customers and deliver real environmental benefits over the next five years. Having such supportive, stable long-term investors is hugely positive for our business and for the regions where we operate.”

Andrew Hunter, Co-Managing Director of CKI and Chair of Northumbrian Water, said:

“This equity injection reaffirms CKI’s commitment to Northumbrian Water and our confidence in the outlook for the UK water sector as a long-term infrastructure owner-operator. Since 2011, under the CK Group’s ownership and guidance, Northumbrian Water has consistently been a top-performing water company across financial and operational barometers. CKI is providing the financial resources and strategic stewardship to ensure this trajectory continues for Northumbrian Water into the future.

“The £400 million investment is paramount to future-proofing Northumbrian Water’s network and for continuously driving its operational excellence, efficiency, and financial resilience. These qualities are essential for ensuring service standards and operational resilience over the long term.”

Of the £400 million investment, £300 million is contributed by CK Group shareholders and £100 million from Northumbrian Water’s other shareholder, KKR, in line with their 25% stake.

Since its acquisition by the CKI-led consortium in 2011, Northumbrian Water has consistently delivered performance above sector benchmarks.