The water giant recently confirmed seven partners who will help to deliver major infrastructure projects for the company between 2025 and 2030.

The 18 announced today are detailed design and build organisations who will be working with United Utilities on projects to improve its network infrastructure and process treatment facilities.

The winning firms are AE Yates, Barhale, Bethell, Eric Wright Civils, Forkers, Murphy, Network Plus, Sapphire, United Living and Ward and Burke will be working on network infrastructure.

Avove, bWGM, Eric Wright Water, Ross-Shire, Glanua, Lagan Infrastructure, Mott MacDonald Bentley, and Stonbury will be working on process treatment facilities.

The value of the work is around £2.75bn and will help to reduce storm overflow activations as well as upgrading water and wastewater treatment plants across the North West.

United Utilities has submitted a £13.7bn investment plan for 2025-2030 to Ofwat that would deliver cleaner rivers, more reliable water supplies and improvements to services for customers, communities and the environment.

The company will be making further announcements on partners from the local supply chain in the coming months.

Jane Simpson, Capital Delivery Director at United Utilities, said: “We’re really pleased to have chosen 18 great partners who will complement the seven partners that we have already announced to help deliver our ambitious plans and transform our infrastructure across the region.

“For the first time we’re engaging directly with these partners who will do the work, rather than through large management contractors. This will allow us to be more agile and ensures we have a mix of partners able to deliver at speed, whilst securing the best value for our customers.”