Innovation in water and wastewater infrastructure, nationally recognised
ESP has been named NAV of the Year, recognising our commitment to delivering practical, innovative and environmentally responsible water infrastructure for developers and communities.
The award reflects the expertise of our people, the strength of our customer partnerships and our ability to develop solutions that help unlock complex sites and keep development programmes moving.
Water and wastewater infrastructure can be among the most challenging elements of a development. Capacity constraints, drainage requirements, approval timescales, adoption processes and commercial pressures can all affect project viability and delivery.
As a New Appointments and Variations company, ESP works alongside developers from the earliest stages of a project to identify these challenges and develop practical, commercially informed solutions.
“Winning NAV of the Year recognises the technical expertise behind our approach to network design, drainage strategy, phased delivery and asset adoption. Since launching our water business in 2021, more than 150,000 connections have been awarded to ESP. Through early engagement and flexible adoption models, we help developers resolve infrastructure constraints, reduce delivery risk and create resilient, adoptable water and wastewater solutions.”
Mike Connell, Head of Water Networks, ESP Utilities Group
Supporting development through greater flexibility
Our approach combines in-house technical expertise with a clear understanding of the pressures facing the development sector.
Early engagement enables our teams to identify risks, challenge conventional approaches and develop solutions that support programme certainty, reduce unnecessary costs and create long-term value.
ESP can provide a range of flexible adoption models, including direct adoption, parcel-by-parcel adoption and the early adoption of strategic infrastructure. This gives developers greater flexibility across phased and complex developments.
We also help customers maintain momentum through:
- Fast and responsive design approvals
- Free legal support
- No sewer bonds
- No inspection fees
- Early technical engagement
- Practical support throughout the adoption process
This is not a standardised approach. Our teams work with each customer to understand the specific requirements of their development and identify the most appropriate solution.
Building more resilient and sustainable infrastructure
The award also recognises ESP’s contribution to more sustainable infrastructure.
Water efficiency, wastewater treatment, surface water management, water reuse and sustainable drainage will all play an increasingly important role in supporting future development.
ESP works with developers, consultants and delivery partners to explore integrated solutions that reduce pressure on existing networks, encourage responsible water use and improve long-term resilience. Our approach to sustainable drainage systems helps developments manage surface water more naturally and effectively. Through technical support and flexible adoption options, we can help customers deliver SuDS strategies that reduce runoff, support placemaking and create wider environmental value.
Innovation is central to this approach. We look beyond individual utility assets to consider how water, wastewater, drainage, reuse and wider infrastructure can work together.
For complex developments, this joined-up approach can help overcome technical and regulatory barriers that might otherwise delay or constrain delivery.
Recognition for the people behind ESP
NAV of the Year is also recognition of the people behind our success. We continue to invest in technical training, apprenticeships, professional development and leadership programmes, building the expertise needed to support customers and operate resilient networks over the long term.
As part of ESP Utilities Group, our water specialists also work alongside colleagues across electricity, gas and heat. This multi-utility capability gives customers a more coordinated view of their infrastructure requirements and access to expertise across multiple utility disciplines.
It is this combination of technical capability, commercial understanding, customer focus and long-term ownership that distinguishes ESP.
Winning NAV of the Year is a significant achievement for everyone involved. It recognises the work our teams do every day to support developers, improve outcomes for customers and deliver infrastructure that is sustainable, resilient and built for the long term.
We would like to thank our colleagues, customers and partners for their contribution to this success.
ESP is proud to be named NAV of the Year — and even prouder of the people, projects and partnerships behind the award.
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