The seven successful bidders are Esh-Stantec, Avove, Farrans Construction, Costain, Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB), BAM Nuttall and MWH Treatment.

They will provide design and construction services within the water company’s frameworks, joining five consultant firms signed-up at the start of last year, as the company builds towards its £3.6bn AMP8 workload.

Together with Northumbrian Water, the dozen partners form the Living Water Enterprise, which will deliver the transformational investment plan

LWE is a new-style collaborative partnership, an innovative vehicle developed to deliver large-scale construction programmes in AMP8 and beyond.

While positions have been awarded on specific frameworks focusing on treatment and infrastructure, the flexible nature of the LWE means the partners will be available to work across the complete programme. This will ensure the best resources are used for each project.

The awards are for up to 12 years, starting immediately.

In February 2023, Northumbrian made the first five appointments: new technical partners, Stantec and Jacobs, as well as lead commercial consultants Turner & Townsend, with support from Aqua Consultants and Long O’Donnell Associates.

The LWE set-up will consider the complete life cycle of assets to ensure smarter spending and risk-based planning for the long-term.

Alongside this total expenditure 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 at Northumbrian Water Group, said: “The market has never been so competitive, when it comes to adding the best partners and people to our team in the run-up to AMP8.

“We have brought on board some of the most capable and innovative partners in our sector, each of whom will bring their energy and passion with them for the journey ahead. These partnerships aren’t just going to build more resilient services for our customers, they will build reputations and careers along the way.

“The level of integration that we will build with all of our partners requires a lot of work, and we are excited to get started.”