In a significant move for the water sector, Stantec has solidified its position as a Strategic Planning Partner (SPP) for Yorkshire Water, extending an already fruitful collaboration for another five years. This partnership, which began seven years ago, is a testament to the power of innovation and trust in the water industry. Yorkshire Water, which serves over 5.7 million residents across the region, operates a staggering 670 water and wastewater treatment works and manages more than 72,000 acres of reservoirs and countryside. With such a vast operational footprint, the need for strategic planning and execution has never been more critical.
The decision to extend this partnership isn’t just a nod to past successes; it’s a strategic move that positions both Stantec and Yorkshire Water at the forefront of an evolving industry landscape. The water sector is facing unprecedented challenges, from climate change to increasing regulatory demands and the need for sustainable practices. Stantec’s track record speaks volumes. Their innovative projects, like the integrated constructed wetland at Clifton Wastewater Treatment Works, showcase how nature-based solutions can deliver real results. By integrating 24,000 wetland plants into the treatment process, they not only enhanced wildlife diversity but also achieved significant operational carbon savings. This is the kind of forward-thinking that will be essential in the AMP8 period.
Moreover, Stantec’s design of the Hough Side Wastewater Treatment Works, the first in England to utilize non-groundwater storm treatment, exemplifies the innovative spirit that Yorkshire Water desperately needs as they navigate the complexities of modern water management. The partnership has reportedly secured around £200 million worth of efficiencies for Yorkshire Water, underscoring the financial benefits of strategic collaboration in this sector.
As Stantec gears up for its biggest recruitment drive in the UK and Ireland, the implications for the local job market are substantial. The firm’s investment in a new state-of-the-art office in Leeds signals a commitment not just to Yorkshire Water but to the region’s economic vitality. “Stantec and Yorkshire Water have enjoyed years of success, and the extension of this incredibly successful partnership will see us create many new purpose-led, highly skilled jobs across a variety of design and engineering disciplines,” said Ben Clark, Stantec’s UK regional director for the North. This commitment to local employment is crucial, especially in a time when many sectors are grappling with skills shortages.
Richard Stuart, director of asset delivery at Yorkshire Water, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of this partnership in achieving ambitious business plans amid challenging times. The water industry is at a crossroads, and the focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability will define its future. “We’re hitting the ground running for AMP8 by continuing this partnership, which has delivered a range of industry-leading projects over the last seven years,” he stated.
As we look toward 2030, the collaboration between Stantec and Yorkshire Water stands as a beacon of what’s possible when organizations commit to shared goals. The future of the water sector hinges on such partnerships, and the groundwork laid today will undoubtedly shape the industry for years to come. The ripple effects of this strategic alliance will extend beyond Yorkshire, influencing best practices and setting benchmarks for water management across the UK.
