Esh Construction has been appointed as the sole delivery partner for Northumbrian Water's Wastewater Networks Framework, a major contract covering planned and reactive repairs and maintenance across the utility's regional wastewater network.

The eight-year framework, valued at up to £20 million per year, builds on a 25-year partnership between the two organisations. Esh will deliver a 24/7, 365-day service across the sewer network, providing essential maintenance and rehabilitation works while prioritising a seamless customer experience.

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 framework will cover a wide range of essential services, from trenchless and traditional sewer repairs to emergency response, pipework rehabilitation, manhole replacement, and sewer blockage clearance. Around 200 personnel will support the contract, delivered in partnership with Jet Aire, Esh’s primary delivery partner.

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David Jarvis, Managing Director at Jet Aire, said: "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."

Esh will deliver the contract through a regional model, operating from offices in County Durham and Cramlington, with support from a local supply chain and workforce. The appointment follows Esh's previous selection for Northumbrian Water's Ecosystem Framework and the Esh-Stantec joint venture’s inclusion in the 12-year Living Water Enterprise Framework.

Stephen Wilkie, Deputy Chief Executive at Esh, said: "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."

As part of the contract, Esh will further invest in local skills, recruiting additional apprentices, including new wastewater drainage operatives—as well as trainees and graduates in delivery and commercial roles. The company has also pledged to support decarbonisation through innovation and sustainable practices.

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 upgrade its fleet to more efficient models, aiming to cut emissions through reduced idling times and improved fuel efficiency. The company is also trialling composite materials, contributing to the National Underground Asset Register, and deploying AI-powered technology such as Vyntelligence to enhance on-site data capture and project delivery.