IES Utilities Group is proud to announce its successful appointment to Wessex Water’s newly established Civils Support Framework, selected to support the delivery of vital civils, water and wastewater infrastructure works across the Wessex Water region for the duration of the AMP8 period and beyond.
“We are thrilled to have been awarded a place on Wessex Water’s Civils Support Framework,” said Ged Shannon, MD at IES Utilities Group. “This opportunity reflects our team’s dedication to delivering high-quality utility services and our commitment to supporting sustainable infrastructures. We’re excited to work alongside Wessex Water and contribute to the continued resilience and reliability of their network.”
The framework covers a comprehensive range of works, including:
• Site works, general civils, and groundworks support
• Delivery of new water mains and trenchless installations such as pipe bursting and slip lining
• Potable water infrastructure, including repairs, meter and valve installations, boundary boxes, and other clean water assets
• Wastewater infrastructure, from emergency and planned works on sewers, manholes, and rising mains to tidal flap repairs
The appointment to this framework marks a significant milestone for IES Utilities Group as it continues to expand its presence in the utility infrastructure sector, bringing its deep expertise across water, energy, and telecoms into new collaborative partnerships.
“A Manchester-based utilities and infrastructure service provider with strong ties to counties Mayo and Sligo recently had teams on the ground in the west of Ireland assisting the ESB with its response to Storm Éowyn.
IES Utilities Group was called upon to provide a rapid and skilled response to the destruction caused by Storm Darragh before Christmas and then Storm Éowyn in January. On the day after the storm on January 24, more than 750,000 homes and businesses were without power across the country.
In the aftermath of Éowyn, IES Utilities has had over 160 overhead linesmen and women deployed across north Wales, Scotland and England restoring electricity networks after critical infrastructure suffered from extensive damage. The company was eager to send teams to help the ESB in Ireland after seeing first-hand the challenges and destruction caused by the storm.
The firm has strong ties to the west of Ireland. Managing director Ged Shannon’s family is from Belmullet and group finance manager Mary McDonagh hails from Attymass. They were exceptionally proud to be helping the community in their native county.
CEO Brendan Flynn’s family is from Sligo and he said that he was proud of the work IES carried out in the West of Ireland over the past few weeks.
“When the call came we were more than happy to send our teams to provide help and given that we were helping in the west of Ireland, it was an added bonus,” he said.
Many members of the team were taken by the friendly welcome they received in local communities. One group took the time to assist the local community in Castlebar to clear debris caused by Storm Éowyn.
At another location in Mayo, a team met a 90-year-old man who was keeping himself warm in his car. When the team heard of this, upon reconnecting the area to the main supply, they returned to this customer’s property to ensure that his sockets and heating were powered as well.
“I am proud that the team has stepped up and were able to not only repair the power lines but also found the time to help the local communities they visited,” said Mr Flynn.
Originally, the company’s teams were deployed in Donegal and restored over 9,000 customers in the first days of their deployment. They then worked in Silgo, and finally in Mayo, where they restored over 20,000 customers.
Team leader Mark Barton said there was a vast amount of seemingly irreparable damage.
“There were electricity poles snapped in half, hanging off powerlines, poles in rivers, and large trees that blocked busy roads,” he said.
“We utilised tracked machinery and access equipment and were able to clear the dangerous defects and rebuild the powerlines.”
On February 12, after 14 days of providing support since the initial call to action, the crews from IES Utilities were officially stood down and sent back to England. IES Utilities were commended on their effort and hard work in supporting the wider restoration works for ESB Networks.”
Special thanks to Paul O’Malley for this story.
At the beginning of December, Storm Darragh battered the UK with wind and rain, with the met office issuing a red weather warning in parts of North Wales (Meaning potentially life-threatening weather is expected)
The teams at IES showed incredible skill and determination in order to get homes and businesses across the SP Energy Networks region of North Wales reconnected to the national grid.
At one-point, IES had over 200 Overhead line workers working day and night in order to help serve communities across North Wales.
Three IES Employees in particular received praise from SPEN for going above and beyond their duties in order to help serve the community. After coming across an elderly resident who had been cut off for a number of days, our team had her home reconnected to power. But not before ensuring “she was warming up and that she had a warm cup of tea and something to eat.” Furthermore, they later returned with a box of chocolates and flowers for the lady, completely at their own expense. These employees went above and beyond the call of duty to help ensure residents began to feel comfortable in their own home again after the events of storm Darragh.
IES would like to take the time to thank every employee who worked tirelessly with us throughout storm Darragh.
Last week was IES’s annual back to work safety stand down after the Christmas break. All operatives are required to attend workshops in order to help refresh on contract specific HSEQ policies and procedures.
Our annual safety stand down presentations are designed to reinforce IES’s safety-first culture and help create a safer working environment for all stakeholders.
The presentations also have sections dedicated for question and answers to help engage operatives. They allow for a dedicated time where anyone can raise issues concerning any aspect relating to HSEQ.
They are an essential opportunity to reflect on any incidents that may have occurred throughout the year. Not only do they give operatives the chance to reflect on past experiences, but they can help demonstrate what can be done to mitigate risks in the future creating a safer work environment for all involved.
We would like to thank all attendees for continuing to help reinforce our safety-first culture.
As of December 2024, IES have recruited over 100 highly skilled overhead lines workers from Southern Africa.
The company are excited to announce that we are still looking at recruiting an additional 500 workers across multiple electrical disciplines from South Africa and Zimbabwe over the next 12 months.
Working with our partners from these countries is allowing IES to experience growth at an unprecedented rate.
The benefits of hiring from these countries are that their infrastructure is already similar to that of the UK, as well as the majority of the workforce already speaking English to a good standard.
IES also provide further training to recruited employees ensuring that workers are aware of the specific standards & requirements for our various electrical work contracts.
The benefits of this were recently demonstrated after the events of storm Darragh where our teams worked around the clock to ensure houses were promptly reconnected to the national grid.
Article also available in the Pipeline Industries Guild October 2024 newsletter.
TWO MAJOR UK water companies have recently trialled an innovative pipe cleaning method developed by clean pipe experts Comprex and implemented by IES Utilities. This technique, which has been widely used in Europe for more than 25 years, offers a promising solution to maintenance challenges.
Impulse Cleaning uses computer-programmed pulses of medical-grade air, combined with a small amount of water flow, to create high-velocity waves that dislodge various types of build up in pipes.
The process is effective for pipes ranging from 25mm to 1200mm in diameter, covering most of the UK’s water distribution network. The technique involves minimal service disruption, requires no excavation (pipes are accessed through existing hydrants) and uses just 20% of the water compared to conventional techniques.
For more information about trial demonstrations & general information, please contact IES via info@integralenergysolutions.co.uk or the contact form on our website.
IES Utilities Group are thrilled to announce that we have secured a significant contract with Northumbrian Water and is proud to be selected as one of the key partners tasked with delivering the groundbreaking £3.6bn AMP8 capital investment program. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team at IES Utilities.
Ged Shannon, our Managing Director, said “We are delighted to be awarded a role within the prestigious Northumbrian Water Group on AMP8 framework. We are look forward to working Northumbrian Water and our esteemed partners.”
As one of the select partners, we are eager to bring our unique strengths and capabilities to the table, working in synergy with Northumbrian Water Group and their partner network to drive innovation and create sustainable solutions within the AMP8 programme.
The IES Overhead Line team had a particularly busy end to the week, providing invaluable support to our client, UK Power Networks (UKPN), as they managed the aftermath of Storm Ciaran.
The storm, which swept across the South-East region, caused widespread disruption, with fierce winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding.
Buildings were damaged, trees were uprooted, and many customers experienced power outages. In response, our dedicated teams were quickly mobilised and deployed across the South-East, with more than 30 skilled operatives attending various sites to carry out essential storm response work.
Their efforts were crucial in restoring power to homes and businesses, ensuring that communities had their lights and power back on just in time for the weekend and helping to minimise the impact of the storm in affected areas.
We would like to thank all IES employees involved reconnecting customers back to the National Grid.
In the picturesque region of Derbyshire, where the rolling hills and rugged landscapes define the beauty of the British countryside, a remarkable event took place that showcased the heart-warming commitment of IES Utilities to give back to their community. This story unfolds in the shadow of Mam Tor, a famous hill that stands as a symbol of both natural wonder and human benevolence.
The Company with a Heart
IES Utilities, a trusted provider of essential services nationally, has long been dedicated to ensuring that the lights stay on and the water keeps flowing. However, IES Utilities also believes in giving back to the community they serve, and this belief led to an initiative that saw employees and members of the company come together for a charity walk up Mam Tor.
Mam Tor, often referred to as the ‘Shivering Mountain,’ is a majestic peak situated in the Peak District National Park of Derbyshire. It’s famous for its panoramic views and unique geology. The hill has an intriguing history, as it has faced numerous landslides and erosion, making it a symbol of resilience and perseverance. Just like Mam Tor, IES Utilities is determined to withstand any challenge and contribute positively to the community.
The idea of a charity walk up Mam Tor was born from the desire to raise funds for the “Hughie & Freddie Play Appeal at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity.” This charity is dedicated to making the hospital experience better for children by providing play areas and support for young patients and their families. IES Utilities wanted to contribute to the great work being done by this charity.
The walk was planned meticulously by Tony McManamon, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. Employees from various departments of IES Utilities, from customer service to field technicians, along with their families and friends, eagerly participated in this heart-warming event.
The morning of the charity walk was filled with enthusiasm and excitement as participants gathered at the base of Mam Tor.
With Mam Tor’s stunning views acting as both inspiration and reward, the hikers embarked on their journey. The weather was on their side, just narrowly avoiding the rain. Providing a picturesque backdrop for this memorable event.
Supporting the Local Community
The charity walk was not just about scaling the heights of Mam Tor. It was also a symbol of solidarity, as IES Utilities collected donations from various sources, including the company itself, participants, and generous local businesses.
The raised funds to go to the “Hughie & Freddie Play Appeal at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity,” which would use the money to improve the hospital experience for young patients and their families. This contribution reflected IES Utilities’ commitment to improving the lives of its customers and neighbours, particularly those in challenging circumstances.
This walk embarks on one of many where IES will be raising money for a different charity each time.
As the participants reached the summit of Mam Tor, they were not only met with breathtakingly views but also the fulfilment of contributing to a noble cause. Their efforts symbolized unity, resilience, and community spirit, much like the enduring Mam Tor itself.
IES Utilities’ journey up Mam Tor reminds us all that every organization has the potential to make a significant difference in their community, and that giving back is a powerful way to strengthen the bonds that connect us all.
Donate now to the Hughie & Freddie Play Appeal at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity.
To talk to our project management team call 0161 791 1496
or email info@iesutilities.co.uk