Severn Trent Water is preparing to launch a pre-market engagement notice to initiate early engagement with the supply chain for a new generation of capital delivery framework(s), representing up to £25bn of investment over the next 8–15 years across the Midlands.

The framework(s) will act as Severn Trent’s primary commercial and delivery vehicle, supporting the delivery of future regulatory outcomes across AMP9, AMP10 and AMP11, while providing a flexible platform to respond to evolving customer, environmental and resilience requirements.

The programme forms part of England’s Big Upgrade: the largest investment in water and wastewater infrastructure for a generation. Through this investment, Severn Trent aims to improve resilience, meet growing demand, protect the environment and deliver better outcomes for customers and communities across the region.

The notice forms part of Severn Trent's ongoing procurement and market engagement activities in support of its previously communicated long-term investment programme and does not represent the announcement of additional investment.

In parallel with the capital delivery framework procurement, Severn Trent will also be undertaking the Design Services tender process. This is a critical and integrated component of the overall project lifecycle, ensuring a joined-up approach to design, delivery and supply chain collaboration from project inception through to construction.

Procurement is expected to commence in early 2027, with the framework(s) designed to engage a diverse range of partners; from major international contractors to regional and local SMEs; ensuring the capability, capacity and innovation required to deliver one of the most significant infrastructure investment programmes in the UK water sector.

The framework(s) will be structured to support all AMP9 transition activities and associated expenditure, enabling continuity of delivery as Severn Trent moves between regulatory periods. The approach will also ensure that the majority of AMP8 investment continues to be delivered through incumbent partners, maintaining programme momentum, preserving critical capability and providing stability for customers and the supply chain during the transition.

As part of this engagement, potential partners will be invited to attend a dedicated market engagement event, where they can learn more about Severn Trent’s plans, pipeline and evolving commercial approach. Organisations will be able to express interest and follow updates via the pre-market engagement process.

Severn Trent is keen to work collaboratively with the market to help shape its future delivery model, exploring approaches that support earlier supplier involvement, innovation, improved outcomes and long-term value creation for customers, communities and the environment.

The new framework model will build on the success of Severn Trent’s existing delivery approach, strengthening long-term partnerships, encouraging early supplier involvement and advanced procurement, and supporting investment in skills, innovation and capacity across the region.

Paul Baxter, Capital Delivery Director at Severn Trent, said:

"This is a major opportunity for the market to partner with Severn Trent on one of the UK's most ambitious water infrastructure programmes. We've achieved strong results with our existing partners, and we're now looking to build on that success through a more integrated and collaborative delivery model that creates better outcomes for customers and communities. Through this framework, we are creating a long-term platform that will support delivery across AMP9, AMP10 and AMP11, while providing the flexibility, resilience and innovation needed to meet future challenges."

Daniel Foster, Head of Capital Commercial at Severn Trent, added:

"Our ambition is to create a high-performing supplier ecosystem that combines the strengths of established partners with the innovation and capability of new market entrants. The framework will support the AMP8 to AMP9 transition, provide certainty for the supply chain and create opportunities for suppliers to invest in people, skills and innovation over the long term. We want this to be more than a procurement exercise. We want to create a platform for collaboration, regional growth and lasting value that delivers benefits for customers, communities and the wider Midlands economy."

The framework(s) will be structured to promote long-term strategic relationships, with performance, capability and capacity central to future work allocation, providing greater certainty for suppliers and supporting the development of regional skills and supply chain resilience.

Through this programme, Severn Trent aims to deliver essential infrastructure while also creating lasting economic, environmental and social benefits across the Midlands.

There will be  UK2 notices issued to the market shortly, which will set out full details of the forthcoming market engagement day.