JN Bentley has published its 2025 annual review. The review looks back on the last 12 months in JN Bentley and its fully-integrated design and build companies, Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) and JBA Bentley. The review reflects on what was another positive period for the organisation – and its busiest ever – with a record £600m in revenue delivered with clients across the UK. The business welcomed new people and clients and made real progress where it matters most: health and safety. The launch of the company’s control of high energy hazards programme, alongside continued investment in new technology, is helping to make sites safer places to work – taking the business to a place where zero injuries will be a reality. The annual review covers core areas of the organisation – including a focus on people, safety and money - plus case studies that demonstrate the very best of JN Bentley, MMB and JBA Bentley. Please enjoy the read. We have a small number of printed copies of the annual review available. To request a copy, please email communications@jnbentley.co.uk.

The Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) project team responsible for delivering the UK's largest integrated constructed wetland (ICW) proudly took home the Centenary Award for projects valued over £5m, at the annual Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Yorkshire and Humber Awards. On behalf of Yorkshire Water, and working in partnership with Stantec, the pioneering 'first-of-its-size' scheme at Dearne Reach, Yorkshire, is now a benchmark for delivering low-carbon, nature-based solutions to support stormwater management and deliver water quality improvements. MMB designed and built thirteen adjacent wetland cells - housing over 350,000 plants of 52 different species - engineered to naturally treat effluent to improve 4km of the River Dearne. Using natural processes such as sedimentation, filtration and biological uptake, the ICW removes pollutants including ammonia, biological oxygen demand (BOD) and suspended solids. The solution is a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete infrastructure - which would have entailed 7,000 m³ of storm storage - and is creating many new thriving habitats. As the largest ICW of its kind in the country, Dearne Reach showcases the capability of the UK construction industry to deliver low-carbon, climate-resilient infrastructure at scale. Lessons learned from both design and delivery are already being shared across the industry, helping to drive continuous improvement and innovation in sustainable water management. In doing so, the project not only improves river water quality and biodiversity today but also strengthens the evidence base and confidence needed to accelerate adoption of nature-based solutions nationwide. Commenting on why the project deserved the award, the ICE judges said: "The Dearne Reach scheme is an exemplar for using nature-based solutions to respond to water challenges while delivering enhanced biodiversity and catchment-wide water quality benefits.” The judges were further impressed by the project’s use of digital tools and AI to optimise how the earthworks were managed, congratulating the team for their commitment to excellence every step of the way, from feasibility through to construction. Aerial view of the integrated constructed wetland cells at Dearne Reach Thanks to its innovative, industry-leading and sustainable approach, the project is now a triple award winner. In 2025 the team achieved National Gold at The Green Organisation International Green Apple Environment Awards, and also received the win for 'Going the extra mile' at the Civil Engineering Contractor's Association (CECA) Yorkshire and Humber Awards.

JN Bentley has passed 3 million hours worked without a reportable injury. The milestone – which includes all JN Bentley, Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) and JBA Bentley sites and offices – reflects the success of the company’s control of high energy hazards programme and ongoing commitment to achieving zero injuries and preventing occupational ill health. It is the second time in company history the milestone has been reached. The programme The high energy hazards programme focuses on identifying and controlling the most significant risks present on construction sites. Stemming from a research paper published by the Edison Electric Institute, the approach identifies the sources of high energy, those with the potential to cause serious injuries, and introduces the requirement to implement either a direct, or a minimum of two secondary controls to prevent harm. Over the last six months, the programme has been rolled out to 2,800+ colleagues – covering front-line, operational, commercial, design and business support staff – as well as client teams and the supply chain. JN Bentley site teams participate in a 'hazard spotting' exercise during the programme's roll-out Since then, the business has seen excellent engagement across all operations. The programme has been well received by clients, with some beginning to integrate this into their own operations. Recently, MMB achieved a 100% score from Yorkshire Water via their SIF (serious injury or fatality) prevention maturity report, which assesses contract partners on how well embedded high energy hazards and their controls are within operations. The business was recognised for three areas of best practice, resulting in an overall maturity rating of 'Innovating' – the highest level. Across the supply chain, increased collaboration and innovative thinking has led to the development of solutions that eliminate, reduce and isolate high energy – making site operations safer. JN Bentley hosts a supplier safety engagement day as part of the high energy hazards programme The control of high energy hazards is now fully embedded into business as usual across all operations, with colleagues continuing to share ideas that spark discussions around effective hazard identification and controls. Creating a great safety culture The engagement with the high energy hazards programme has been central to maintaining a great safety culture at JN Bentley – one where colleagues demonstrate their commitment by choosing safe behaviours, creating safe habits and constantly looking out for each other. Colleagues across the business demonstrate safety engagement by: Leadership – setting a positive example and discussing unsafe behaviours Knowledge – understanding company expectations and processes   Responsibilities – taking personal responsibility for controlling the hazards present Compliance – following the high standards required to keep everyone safe. In 2025 this engagement delivered record safety performance with the all injury frequency rate (AIFR) at its lowest ever level, and record numbers of positive intervention (PI) reporting, up 13% on 2024, and more individuals reporting than ever before. Since the roll-out, over 2,200 positive interventions reported relate to identifying and managing the risks associated with high energy hazards. These reports, known as ‘Talk Safes’ and ‘Made Safes’, keep people safe through positive safety conversations and by taking positive action, which both improve understanding, and influence behaviours. The company’s approach to high energy hazards was recently featured in the Environment Agency’s Current magazine (page 5)  – plus read more about JN Bentley’s safety strategy the company website .

JN Bentley has published its latest gender pay gap report.   For 2025 data, the company reported a mean gender pay gap of 7.5% (down 7.5% from 2024) and a median gender pay gap of 5.8% (down 10.3% from 2024). Over the last five years the company has seen a 9.6% reduction in its gender pay gap.  ​ JN Bentley's approach is to target improving diversity and inclusion as a whole, in addition to narrowing the gender pay gap. While the organisation is committed to attracting and retaining more female employees within the industry, it recognises that gender is not the only diversity metric that can have a sustainable impact on the success of its inclusion strategy. ​ This approach is expected to contribute to a reduction in the gender pay gap over time. The gender pay gap report sets out the data and the actions being taken to address gender-related issues across the sector.

In the past year, fifteen Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) projects have been featured in Water Projects Online , a platform dedicated to showcasing case studies and technical papers related to the water, wastewater, and flood alleviation sectors. The case studies demonstrate MMB’s technical capabilities across a wide range of design and build projects – from sustainable water treatment solutions to major infrastructure upgrades. Check out the project summaries below and click through to read the detailed technical papers. Newthorpe STW Major sewage treatment works expansion MMB collaborated with Severn Trent to deliver improvements at Newthorpe Sewage Treatment Works (STW) in Nottinghamshire. The project saw  the site’s treatment capacity doubled and flows consolidated from Heanor Milnhay to improve effluent quality, increase storm resilience and support future growth. Read more. Longbridge STW MMB's largest AMP7 project MMB’s largest AMP7 project with Severn Trent, the project will see the site’s wastewater treatment capacity doubled from 734 litres to 1,261 litres per second and improvements to meet tightened phosphorus and ammonia consents for the Warwick and Leamington Spa catchments. Read more. Killinghall STW Nature-based solution To improve phosphorus removal and increase treatment capacity, MMB is delivering a nature‑based aerated reed bed solution alongside new inlet, settlement, and sludge handling infrastructure to meet environmental and population growth demands in North Yorkshire. Read more. Witches Oak WTW: Green Recovery Decarbonising water resources In 2020, Severn Trent launched the Decarbonising Water Resources programme to deliver additional, resilient water supplies using low‑carbon, reduced‑chemical treatment MMB played a critical role in the refurbishment of the pumping station and installation of floating wetlands at Witches Oak Water as part of the programme. Read more. Whittle Dene WTW Backwash system replacement Working with Northumbrian Water, MMB replaced the site’s ageing backwash system by installing new treated‑water storage tanks and pumps, enabling the remaining service reservoir to be taken out of service for inspection while maintaining a reliable water supply. Read more. Wem STW Delivery of an innovative activated sludge process MMB upgraded the existing sewage treatment works with an innovative activated sludge process to boost capacity and meet stricter phosphorus and ammonia discharge permits under the Water Framework Directive. Read more. Towcester WRC An upgraded wastewater treatment process As part of Anglian Water’s @one Alliance delivery team, MMB contributed to the design and delivery of upgrades to the wastewater treatment process, including a new activated sludge plant, final settlement tanks, ferric dosing for phosphorus removal and expanded stormwater to ensure regulatory compliance and future capacity. Read more. Lower Cleeve WwTw Design and build of a mechanical belt filtration system MMB delivered the design and build of a mechanical belt filtration system to increase wastewater treatment capacity and enhance water quality on the River Wye at Lower Cleeve WwTW. Read more. Haxey Graizelound Construction of a new activated sludge plant To achieve tightening consents and provide treatment resilience MMB constructed a new activated sludge plant with enhanced biological phosphorus removal on the existing site. Read more . Derringham Aqua Greens Nature-based flood-alleviation solution Delivered by the collaborative Living With Water (LWW) Partnership, MMB installed  three aqua greens to provide nature‑based flood‑alleviation to a heavily residential area of west Hull. The solution  reduces surface‑water flooding using blue‑green infrastructure rather than traditional concrete drainage. Read more. Dearne Reach Integrated Constructed Wetland Nature-based water treatment solution An award-winning project, Dearne Reach is a large integrated constructed wetland in Yorkshire that uses a nature‑based, low‑carbon approach to improve water quality and manage storm flows along the River Dearne. Read more. Cross Hands WwTw Construction of an enhanced biological phosphorus removal plant MMB designed and constructed an enhanced biological phosphorus removal plant to improve water quality on Afon Gwili in South West Wales. Read more. Bolnhurst Water Recycling Centre A first-of-its-kind scheme using an algae-based treatment process Delivered in collaboration with Anglian Water’s @one Alliance, this first-of-its-kind scheme uses a greener, algae-based treatment process to reduce phosphorus levels in final effluent to below 0.5 mg/L. Read more. Bilton School Sustainable Drainage Systems Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) MMB delivered a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) project to reduce the volume of water entering the combined sewer system by providing storage during rainfall events. Read more. Bidford-on-Avon STW Increasing treatment capacity Working with Severn Trent, MMB is delivering upgrade works to increase treatment capacity, enhance effluent quality and safeguard sensitive downstream habitats. Read more.   Interested in a career at MMB?  Visit our careers website . Follow us:   LinkedIn , Facebook , X

Meet one of our brilliant people: Ruoqi Lin, a design lead based in the South of England. Ruoqi speaks about her work on Mott MacDonald Bentley's (MMB) Thames Water framework, and how she strives to create an inclusive, collaborative environment. Tell us about your role and where you are based. Currently, I'm based in London and part of the MMB team delivering a number of clean water non-infrastructure schemes including a service reservoir project in the Thames Valley, as part of MMB's Thames Water framework. How do you deliver excellence in your role? I believe at the core of MMB is the team delivering excellence, not the individual. One standout example of a collective approach to excellence was my team's work on a series of new service reservoir jobs in the Thames region. At the time, this was a new client, relationship and type of job. However, the collective pulled together and was able to deliver successfully. First, by drawing from previous experience from similar jobs to complete a lessons learnt review, and second, adapting the solution to the needs of the client. By getting out of our comfort zone to build a strong relationship with the client and taking them on a journey, we can ensure their expectations were met. Describe life at Mott MacDonald Bentley in three words. Excellence, challenge and collaboration. How do you strive to create an inclusive, collaborative and supportive environment at Mott MacDonald Bentley? My career path is quite unique: I grew up in Shanghai and moved to the UK for study at a young age and was inspired to follow a career in the water sector after volunteering in Tanzania, where I learned the value of water infrastructure and the challenges you can face. I find that, thanks to my multi-cultural background, colleagues sometimes reach out to me and share their thoughts. That's why I think, to create an inclusive environment we should have a safe space to speak up and take time to listen. I also aim to be a bold person, who asks questions and sets an example for others, especially those who are just starting their career at MMB. What advice would you give to your younger self? Keep curious about things, keep asking questions and find out what you are passionate about, as that will fuel you through life! What has been your proudest achievement? I have two. The first is being able to build a strong team feeling in my work, achieving this by fostering the relationship with Thames Water and building a strong relationship within my team. The second is outside of work, I enjoy playing football and started a women's football team in 2023 - starting with just 16 people, it has grown to become a big community, which brings people together and created a real community feel around the game.

Working on behalf of Yorkshire Water, Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) have delivered a pioneering nature-based wetlands scheme at Dearne Reach, West Yorkshire, that received a Green Apple National Gold Award 2025 for Sustainable Development . Established in 1994, the International Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice have since become one of the most respected global campaigns for sustainability, recognising projects across the world that demonstrate innovation in reducing environmental impact. They also celebrate schemes that deliver resource efficiency and support long-term ecological wellbeing. MMB designed and constructed the low-carbon stormwater management solution, engineered to harness the power of natural pollutant removal, ultimately improving 4km of the River Dearne. Thirteen adjacent wetland cells - covering 44,000m 2 – are housing 350,000 plants to naturally treat effluent, delivering a sustainable alternative to concrete infrastructure and creating many new thriving habitats. The plants have been specifically selected for the treatment capacity, and alongside the enhancement of existing hedgerows across the site, has enabled a staggering 38% biodiversity net gain in terrestrial habitats.   As the largest integrated constructed wetland scheme developed in the UK, its unique design and successful results will contribute to driving continuous innovation in nature-based solutions for storm management across the water industry. The project represents an excellent example of the power of collaboration between civil engineering and nature-based solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote sustainable development. Aerial view of the constructed wetland cells at Dearne Reach

Close to some of our live sites working on behalf of Severn Trent, we identified an opportunity to support social care charity, Bethphage. Set on 12 acres of farmland, their Blossom Barns facility supports adults with learning disabilities and autism, providing a dedicated space for residents to participate in skills-based activities. They currently offer 92 placements per week to 32 adults, with plans to expand. This opportunity allowed us to support a cause meaningful to some of our site-based colleagues, as well aligning to our approach of offering our time, skills and expertise to make a difference to the communities local to our operational areas. Following discussions and a site visit to Blossom Barns, we collaborated with our supply chain to resurface the muddy access road and create a safe, durable route to better facilitate more residents and visitors. Simson Aggregate Solutions Ltd  donated the aggregate, FRAZER provided Terram, L. Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage provided plant, and Welfare Hire  provide the welfare unit. Our site team cleared and prepared the road, installed new security fencing and welfare facilities, laid geotextiles and finished with stone placement and compaction – all completed in just one week! L-R: Residents and workers at Blossom Barns are given a guided tour of the site whilst works were underway; the completed road; the MMB team who made it all happen Ceri Burgess, Service Manager at Blossom Barns, commented: “The Mott MacDonald Bentley team took the time to explain the construction process to all of us at Blossom Barns, which was a fascinating experience, especially for the people we support who loved watching the stone being laid and rolled. The finished driveway is a huge improvement and puts us in a great position for the future developments happening on site.” Our engagement with Blossom Barns continues; bird box donations are enhancing biodiversity on sites; their handmade produce is sold in our Shifnal office; and our STEM team have invited Blossom Barns for a site visit and guided tour to learn more about our plant and machinery up close. For more information about Blossom Barns, visit their website: www.bethphage.co.uk

JN Bentley has once again been awarded Van Excellence Operator status following a recent audit from Logistics UK. Managing a fleet of 415 vehicles – from Ford Couriers and Transits to 4x4 Rangers – requires consistently high standards, and this accreditation reflects the strength of those operations. The Van Excellence scheme sets out clear expectations for safe, efficient and responsible van management, defining the benchmark for best practice across the industry.  Developed by Logistics UK in collaboration with leading van operators, the scheme is designed to lift standards, improve confidence in van operations and support organisations in running their fleets professionally.   To earn accreditation, organisations undergo a thorough review by logistics UK auditors, who assess their processes against the Van Excellence Code. This code outlines the essential requirements for safe fleet operation, covering driving licencing, competence and behaviour, as well as vehicle standards, equipment and maintenance.  Nicola Wilson, plant manager at JN Bentley said: “The scheme has been instrumental in keeping our team focused on effective fleet management, while also reinforcing to our drivers the importance of operating safely and efficiently. Having achieved the accreditation before, we’re proud to have met the standard again.”  Through our participation in the scheme, JN Bentley continues to show its commitment to safe, efficient and sustainable fleet operations.

At Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB), we’re committed to investing in our Early Career Professionals (ECPs).  Whether you join us as an apprentice, placement student or graduate, you become part of our wider early careers network, designed to support your development from day one. The Early Career Professionals committee About the network Our ECP Network spans the whole business and, as part of the global Mott MacDonald Group, connects individuals across regions to share ideas and support development to create an inclusive and diverse community for those who are in the early stages of their career. It provides a platform for colleagues to share ideas, knowledge and skills to support their career goals, provide development opportunities and influence the future direction of the business. 2025 highlights Every year, MMB’s ECP community hosts a range of activities for ECPs, including networking events, knowledge share workshops, and opportunities to get involved in sustainability initiatives and STEM outreach, plus an annual ECP day and awards. Early Career Professionals engaging in a workshop ECP Day In October, MMB welcomed over 100 early career professionals to its annual event in Birmingham. The event was an opportunity for colleagues to interact with their peers from across the business, take part in interactive workshops, and engage with directors and senior managers. During the day, delegates took part in a range of workshops – from artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability to procurement-led design, finance 101 and safety - working collaboratively with colleagues and subject matter experts to deepen their knowledge and share ideas for best practice. This year, managing director Paul Bentley, design director Jamie Colwell, commercial manager Jasdeep Dhari, and procurement manager Jake Parker participated in a senior leader Q&A panel, where ECPs had the opportunity to ask questions about the business and seek career advice. “The event offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the country and broaden our knowledge through engaging and diverse workshops.” Sandeep, project manager. Senior leader Q&A panel Celebrating excellence: ECP awards The ECP network brought back their awards for the second-year running, recognising individuals’ outstanding contributions to the network. Congratulations to this year’s award winners’ Best Mentor – Alison Jackson STEM Ambassador – Laura Harvey Sustainability Champion – Elizabeth Walker Site Safety Advocate – Adam Brooks Network Builder – Mia Fitton Digital Innovator – Olly Ward 2026 career opportunities Join the team and our early careers community. Applications for our 2026 intake of apprenticeships are now open! Apprenticeships have long been integral to MMB’s history and our culture of promoting from within. They provide a gateway into the construction and civil engineering industry. From day one, you’ll earn while you learn, with dedicated mentors supporting your development throughout the course. You'll gain valuable experience and insight into the real world of work, helping you build a successful career in the industry. Ready to start your career? Apply now 👉 Join the team at JN Bentley - Careers with JN Bentley