IES is delighted to announce that we have been successfully appointed to the Cadent Delivery Framework, under Lot 3 – Multi‑Discipline Complex Capital Delivery Projects and Programmes.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for our business.
The Lot 3 award covers the delivery of complex capital projects supporting Cadent throughout the RIIO‑GD3 period, with the Framework running until 31 March 2031, and with the possibility of two additional one‑year extensions.
Securing a place on this Framework reflects both the strength of our technical capability and the trusted relationship we have built with Cadent through our existing portfolio of works. It also represents a major step forward in our long‑term growth strategy, reinforcing our position in the UK gas infrastructure sector and enabling us to expand our contribution to critical network investment programmes.
“This success is a testament to the hard work, expertise, and commitment of our teams across the business. We look forward to working collaboratively with Cadent and our partners to deliver high‑quality, safe, and efficient outcomes across the complex projects portfolio.”
David Rodwell – IES Director of Gas
A significant achievement. A strategic step forward, and a proud moment for IES.
This Christmas, we joined forces with Salford Step Into Action to make sure no child wakes up to an empty tree. Through the Giving Tree initiative, colleagues at IES came together to donate gifts for local children who might otherwise go without.
The response was incredible, with so many presents bought that we had to ask for more tags! Thanks to the generosity of our team, hundreds of pounds worth of gifts have been collected, ensuring every child receives something special this festive season.
Breandan Flynn, Executive Chair said:
“I’m so pleased with the incredible response from our colleagues. This has been a great success — we even had to ask for more tags! It’s fantastic that we could help, and I hope the children are delighted with their gifts. We look forward to doing more Giving Trees in the future.”
Some of our colleagues will meet the children and see first hand the joy these gifts bring.
Sam Healey who attended the event in Manchester said: “It was amazing to see the impact of everyone’s generosity. Meeting the children and seeing their excitement reminded us why initiatives like the Giving Tree matter so much. It’s a privilege to be part of something that brings real joy to families in our community.”
Every gift matters. Every smile counts. Together, we’ve made a real difference.
Our growth depends on having the right people in the right roles. To support this, we’re looking at a range of resourcing options to help talented individuals build rewarding careers.
As part of our wider ESG strategy and commitment to inclusion, we’re focused on creating opportunities that enable everyone to reach their full potential—especially those who may have faced barriers to employment in the past.
Today marks the beginning of an important journey as we collaborate with Lance Harris, Senior National Employment Manager, to explore how we can provide employment opportunities for individuals ready to rebuild their lives and careers.
With over 14 million people in the UK living with a past conviction, inclusive employment practices are more than socially responsible—they are essential to unlocking untapped potential. By embracing these practices, we can help talented individuals contribute meaningfully to society while strengthening our workforce.
Through our ESG Commitments and our focus on inclusivity, we are committed to finding responsible, impactful ways to make a difference. Second-chance employment is not just about giving opportunities—it’s about creating a culture where growth is shared, and success is accessible to all.
Because true growth happens when everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.
It’s been 18 months since Cameron Duignan began his placement year as part of his university studies.
At its core, this experience with IES has been about gaining real-world industry insight and developing professional skills beyond the classroom. We caught up with Cameron to hear more about his journey so far and how the placement has shaped his perspective on working life and his future goals.
Working Towards a Business & Marketing Degree
Cameron is currently in his final year studying Business and Marketing at Northumbria University in Newcastle, having spent his placement year with IES in a business development role. Whilst the title suggests a specific focus, Cameron has embraced opportunities to work across a variety of projects, gaining a broad understanding of the utilities industry.
“While my role is technically in business development, I’ve had the chance to get involved in a wide range of projects across the company. That variety has been one of the most valuable parts of the placement as I’ve not been restricted to one area.”
Motivated by a strong belief in the value of real-world experience, Cameron saw the placement year as a crucial step in bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application. With a particular interest in exploring new industries, Cameron was drawn to the utilities sector, a field he hadn’t previously considered.
“I’ve always felt that hands-on learning is more important than anything. You can only get so much from lectures and being in a real business environment teaches you things you’d never pick up in a classroom.”
“My goal for my placement is that I wanted work in an industry completely new to me, and IES have really opened my eyes. I got to attend the Northumbrian Water Innovation Festival as an exhibitor, which was a huge highlight as well as visiting some of our business partners in Germany.”
The experience has opened Cameron to the potential of a career in utilities, especially after learning about the industry’s resilience and long-term job security.
Reflecting on the journey, Cameron says, “If you don’t plan on doing a placement year or a year abroad, you’re robbing yourself of an experience that’ll last a lifetime.”
Describe your experience of working at IES
“My first role during my placement was in the business development part of IES, where I learnt a lot about the initial stages of bidding / tendering on opportunities that our clients publish. Since then, my role has been ever changing, giving me the best possible opportunity to show off my skills and see what I work best with.”
“Having an early start and set working times, helped me put together a solid routine meaning I’m always busy but not overwhelmed.”
Like many students, Cameron had concerns about what a placement year might involve “Based on some other people’s experience on placement, I was scared I was going to be making cups of tea for the bosses for a year but thankfully that hasn’t happened, instead I’ve been able to learn more about the utilities industry that I expected. Turns out it’s so much more than just pipes in the ground or cables above your head, there is so much more that goes into keeping people connected than I ever appreciated.”
IES Utilities Group are currently looking for highly motivated individuals to join our upcoming future careers pathway. If you or someone you know could be interested.
Check out our careers page at https://www.careers-page.com/ies-utilities-group-ltd to see our latest opportunities.
On Scotland’s northeast coast, the St Fergus Gas Terminal provides access to gas from the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) and Norway, which it feeds into the gas National Transmission System (NTS), regularly supplying between 25% and 50% of the country’s natural gas.
Behind the scenes, IES Utilities is helping ensure this site continues to operate safely and reliably for decades to come.
Our teams are delivering specialist coating works to safeguard critical pipework and structures against corrosion. Working under strict COMAH and HSE standards, every task is carried out with safety, precision, and environmental care in mind.
From full PPE and air-fed helmets to sealed scaffolded habitats that prevent contamination, our 25-strong specialist workforce combines technical expertise with a safety-first culture to protect both people and infrastructure.
Here’s a closer look at how IES delivers safety and quality, every step of the way.
Corrosion is one of the biggest threats to gas infrastructure. Left unchecked, it can compromise both safety and performance. By carefully blasting away old coatings and applying advanced protective finishes, our work is extending the lifespan of vital equipment, reducing risk, and helping ensure uninterrupted supply for the UK.
To do this, we use cutting-edge techniques. Abrasive blasting with garnet removes every trace of rust and old paint, while sealed scaffolded habitats prevent contamination and protect both the environment and the workforce. State-of-the-art airless spray systems apply durable coatings that can withstand Scotland’s notoriously harsh weather.
At St Fergus, IES has a dedicated team of 25 trained specialists, supported by a Project Manager, Construction Manager, and expert safety and planning staff.
From scaffolders and blasters to permit holders and safety officers, everyone is part of a tightly coordinated operation where precision and discipline are essential. Workers undergo rigorous training in confined spaces, working at height, and IES’s own in-house safety programmes to ensure that every task is carried out without compromise.
Before setting foot on site, every member of the IES team must complete a COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) induction – a critical requirement for working in such a high-hazard environment. Once inducted, workers wear a full suite of personal protective equipment (PPE), including:
This equipment isn’t just precautionary; it’s lifesaving in an environment where flammable gas and high-pressure systems are part of everyday operations.
Some tasks come with additional risks that require specialist precautions.
Every member of the team is Confined Spaces and Working at Height trained, ensuring that no task is undertaken without the skills and knowledge to do it safely.
In northeast Scotland, the weather isn’t just a talking point, it creates challenges every day. Paint application is highly sensitive to temperature, so this needs to be managed to meet the right paint specifications for the job. In the cold, it has to be warmed up for the team to be able to apply it properly, while in the rare Scottish heat, it can become too thin and runny, so more coats need to be applied.
Delivering high-quality protective coatings requires the right tools and techniques:
Before a single coat is applied, surfaces are grit-blasted with garnet, removing all traces of old paint and rust. An independent inspector then checks the steel surface to ensure it meets the exact profile required for the paint to properly adhere. Only when this inspection is passed, can painting begin.
For IES, safety extends beyond people to the wider environment. All blasting and painting takes place inside sealed scaffolded habitats, ensuring that no dust, debris, or fumes escape into the surrounding area.
The blasting medium, garnet, is a natural mineral. However, once mixed with old paint and coatings, it becomes classified as hazardous waste. IES ensures that all used material is safely collected and disposed of according to strict environmental regulations.
This approach means energy infrastructure can be maintained without compromising the natural landscape around St Fergus.
While the world moves towards low-carbon alternatives, natural gas continues to play a vital role in the UK’s energy security — and St Fergus is set to remain central to that effort. With the potential to evolve into a hub for carbon capture, hydrogen transport, or other future technologies, the site is as much about tomorrow as it is about today.
IES’s Head of Gas, with more than 40 years’ experience in the sector, believes the future is bright: “I believe natural gas will be as important in 20 years as it is today. With projects like this, we’re not just maintaining St Fergus — we’re preparing it to play a key role in the UK’s low-carbon transition.”
At St Fergus, IES isn’t just repainting pipes — it’s helping to safeguard the UK’s energy future. Through expertise, innovation, and an unwavering focus on safety, the IES team is ensuring that this facility remains ready to power the nation for decades to come.
We’re proud to announce that our International Resource Programme has been named a finalist for the Attraction, Recruitment Campaign or Initiative of the Year at the Energy & Utility Skills Awards 2025, sponsored by National Grid.
Whilst we didn’t win this time, this recognition celebrates the innovative work our team has done to address workforce challenges across the energy and utilities sector. Through the International Resource Programme, we’ve built a forward-thinking approach to attracting global talent, bridging skills gaps, and creating inclusive opportunities that support the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Being shortlisted is a testament to the dedication and impact of our people, and to our commitment to driving meaningful change in workforce development.
Thank you to Energy & Utility Skills for this honour. We’re excited to be part of a community that’s shaping the future of energy and utilities.
We’re delighted to announce that Breandan Flynn, Executive Chair of IES Utilities Group, has been recognised as one of the UK’s Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2025 by LDC, in partnership with The Times.
Now in its eighth year, the LDC Top 50 programme honours the vision, resilience, and ambition of Britain’s most inspiring entrepreneurs. With nearly 700 nominations received this year, the award highlights leaders who are driving growth and innovation across the UK.
Breandan’s inclusion in this prestigious list reflects his outstanding leadership and the values that define IES Utilities Group.
He joins a select group of leaders who are:
Neil Kirkby, CEO of IES Utilities Group, commented:
“On behalf of the entire leadership team, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Breandan on this well-deserved recognition. His strategic insight and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in shaping IES’ success.”
John Garner, Managing Partner at LDC, added:
“This year’s cohort has shown remarkable resilience and ambition. Their success stories are only just beginning, and we’re excited to see where their journey takes them next.”
We’re proud to celebrate this achievement and the continued growth of IES Utilities Group under Breandan’s leadership.
This weekend marked another outstanding team effort as our IES crews stepped up once again to support communities across the UK.
Following the successful restoration of power supplies in areas served by SP Energy Networks, ScottishPower, and UK Power Networks, our teams were swiftly redeployed to assist Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) as their recovery operations continue.
Our terms are now headed to Perth, where they will undergo induction before deployment alongside the SSEN team. This rapid mobilisation reflects the strength of our partnerships and the shared commitment to restoring vital services as quickly and safely as possible.
In total, more than 200 linesmen & supported by dedicated operational staff, have worked tirelessly across multiple regions over recent days. Their unwavering professionalism, resilience, and teamwork have made a real difference to thousands of customers.
Chris Burchell, Managing Director at SSEN, thanked our own Conor O’Neill on Linkedin
We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved. Your efforts embody the spirit of collaboration and service that drives our industry—and ensures the lights keep coming back on when it matters most.
It’s been 18 months since the South Africa Overhead Lines (SA OHL) Programme got off the ground. At its heart, the initiative is about strengthening the UK’s workforce by welcoming experienced professionals from overseas. We sat down with programme coordinator Liam Kildunne to find out how the journey has unfolded so far.
In its early stages, recruitment drives were held almost monthly. As the programme matured and a reliable pipeline of candidates was established, the frequency naturally decreased.
Today, the process is much more structured. We do a CV screening, followed by interviews, and finally a practical, hands-on pole assessment, in South Africa. This ensures that only candidates with the right skills and confidence working at height progress successfully through the process.
“The UK is facing a serious shortage of skilled workers, with nearly half of our current workforce due to retire in the next decade,” Liam explained. “This programme is essential at the moment. Not just to fill today’s gaps, but to protect our networks for the future.”
When it comes to recruitment, Liam believes success rests on three key qualities:
While climbing techniques in Africa differ from those used in the UK, adaptability and resilience have proven to be more important than style. Once selected, new recruits undergo a full week of intensive training, covering company induction and certifications such as Pole Top Rescue, to ensure they are site-ready from the outset.
Adjusting to life in the UK has been a challenge at times for some of our colleagues particularly with the weather. “A cold November day can be a tough welcome,” Liam laughed, “but our recruits are resilient and have quickly adapted.”
The sense of community has been vital in supporting integration. Recruits arrive in groups, which means they can lean on one another while navigating homesickness and adjusting to a new culture. At the same time, the wider team has played an active role in making them feel welcomed and appreciated.
(13)/2336648272-Michael_Interview1.jpg)
Michael Chihabve
Since its launch, the programme has recruited more than 100 skilled workers from Africa, beginning with the first 50 in October 2024, a milestone that gained coverage in Construction Enquirer and Nairametrics. Most recently, IES marked the one-year anniversary of the very first recruits on 19 August.
Stories like Michael’s bring the programme to life. “Michael is an incredible lad and a pleasure to work with,” Liam shared. “During his probationary review, he told us he’d never experienced such a thorough process. It made me realise that we aren’t just filling roles – we’re genuinely changing lives.”
Although it’s still early to measure long-term outcomes such as retention and career progression, the programme has already demonstrated its value in building a skilled, diverse, and future-ready workforce.
Looking five years ahead, Liam is clear about what success will mean: “We’ll have the people we need to keep our networks running and to upgrade them for the future. Just like our veteran linemen, many of our poles are over 60 years old, so it’s time for both to enjoy a well-earned retirement, while the next generation takes us forward.”
IES Utilities Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Neil Kirkby as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective today. Neil joins the business with more than two decades of senior leadership experience across utilities, infrastructure, and energy, with a proven track record of driving growth, transformation, and operational excellence. He will be partnering with former CEO Breandan Flynn, who today takes on the role of Executive Chairman, continuing to play a key role in shaping the company’s strategic direction.
About Neil Kirkby
Neil joined SSE Enterprise as Managing Director in January 2017, helping transform it into SSE Energy Solutions, a leader in distriuted energy solutions supporting customers to decarbonise. He also served as a Board Member for SSE’s 50% owned Telecoms business. Before SSE, Neil was Managing Director, Global Power Networks at Balfour Beatty plc and previously served as CEO of Enterprise Ltd. With more than 23 years of senior leadership experience in listed and private equity environments, including 19 years at Main Board and Executive Committee level, Neil brings extensive expertise in strategic development, mergers & acquisitions, operational efficiency, and major infrastructure projects across multiple sectors.
Neil Kirkby, CEO of IES, said:
I’m delighted to join IES at such an exciting point in its journey. The company has a strong foundation and a clear opportunity to play a leading role in delivering sustainable, future-ready solutions for customers. Building on the fantastic work delivered by Breandan Flynn and the team, I’m excited to partner with Breandan in his new role as Executive Chairman as we guide the business through its next stage of development and growth. With turnover continuing to increase, this is a pivotal moment to take IES to the next level and strengthen its position as a leader in the utilities and energy infrastructure market. I look forward to working with the team and the Board to drive further growth, development, and innovation.”
Breandan Flynn, IES Executive Chair, commented: “It has been a privilege to lead IES and see the business grow from strength to strength, and I am delighted to welcome Neil as our new CEO. His appointment is a clear endorsement of the strength of the IES business and its leading position in the market. I look forward to partnering with Neil in my new role as Executive Chairman, continuing to support the business as it enters its next stage of expansion and development. Together, I am confident we will see IES reach new milestones under his leadership.”
To talk to our project management team call 0161 791 1496
or email info@iesutilities.co.uk