We’re delighted to announce that IES Utility Solutions has won the Creativity and Innovation Award at the Northumbrian Water Group GEM Awards 2026 for introducing Comprex® Impulse Cleaning to the UK water sector. Recognised for its innovative approach, Comprex® also delivers impressive sustainability credentials, helping utilities reduce environmental impact while improving operational performance and supporting long-term ESG goals.
This award recognises the successful delivery of the UK’s first-ever deployment of Comprex®, introducing a proven and highly sustainable trenchless cleaning technology to UK water networks after years of successful use across Europe. As the only UK provider of Comprex®, IES is helping water companies adopt a safer, lower-carbon and less disruptive approach to restoring critical infrastructure.
By restoring water mains to near-new without excavation, chemicals or excessive water use, Comprex® supports a smarter approach to asset maintenance. The technology extends asset life, improves network performance and reduces the operational and environmental challenges associated with traditional cleaning methods.
Our award-winning project, delivered in partnership with Essex & Suffolk Water at Saxmundham, demonstrated the significant benefits that innovative cleaning technologies can bring to the UK water industry. The success of this first deployment has helped establish a new benchmark for sustainable, resilient asset maintenance.
“Winning this award is excellent recognition for the team and for Comprex®. It demonstrates the success of the project and the introduction of a proven, sustainable solution that helps water companies reduce environmental impact, supports ESG output and efficiency savings.” – Ged Shannon, COO
We would like to thank the teams at Northumbrian Water Group and Essex & Suffolk Water for their collaboration and support in delivering this pioneering project.
This award marks an important milestone, and we look forward to continuing our work with Northumbrian Water Group and water companies across the UK. By combining innovative technology with practical delivery expertise, we can help customers improve network performance, extend asset life and reduce environmental impact.
Discover more about the project here.
About the GEM Awards:
The GEM Awards celebrate outstanding achievements across Northumbrian Water Group’s supply chain, recognising partners who share its commitment to innovation, sustainability and customer service excellence. We are proud that our work has been recognised alongside organisations helping to shape the future of the UK water sector.
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