Mott MacDonald Bentley recently hosted a Quality, Cost and Efficiency (QC&E) Fortnight, bringing together teams from across the business to share how standard products are improving delivery for clients. The fortnight saw participation from colleagues across the business from support functions to project teams, to share examples of how standard products are already delivering benefits in quality, cost and efficiency. The sessions highlighted a clear, consistent message: when we design once and reuse well, we reduce complexity, improve safety, accelerate delivery and provide better value for our clients. Understanding standard products Standard products are pre-designed solutions that are ready to use across MMB projects and frameworks. They typically include approved drawings and calculations, and for some products, additional resources such as design guidance, installation instructions and programme information. MMB’s unique position in the regulated water market enables the business to bring engineers, procurement professionals, other support teams and the supply chain together to develop a growing library of standard products and embed them across project delivery. Standard products is one of MMB’s QC&E commitments, reflecting the role that standardisation plays in delivering speed, quality and value. With affordability one of the key challenges facing clients, utilising a growing suite of standard products is helping MMB deliver better value – reducing design time and shortening construction sequences to deliver quicker. Standardisation examples MMB’s use of standard products continues to grow. Progress in 2025 included the development of a prefabricated plastic draw pit chamber, alongside a parallel thermoset plastics option for clients who prefer this material. The product has been deployed across multiple clients including Thames Water, Northumbrian Water and Yorkshire Water. With many settlement tanks to deliver throughout AMP8, MMB has developed a product to standardise MMB’s procurement, design, construction and commissioning. The pre-cast concrete Sealwall tank – developed with Naylor Concrete Products – was deployed with the likes of Severn Trent and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. MMB’s partnership with Naylor has seen the business obtain sample panels that are being used to train internal teams, ensuring ‘right first-time’ installation on site. This commitment to standardisation improves efficiency, boosts productivity and enhances site safety – helping to deliver better outcomes for both project delivery teams and clients. Read our annual review to learn more about standardisation in our projects.

Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) is proud to have supported a brand-new Green Skills Academy, alongside other @one Alliance partners working with Anglian Water, to help build a long-term pipeline of talent equipped with practical environmental skills. Based in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, the new training facility celebrated its formal opening in April. The £4.2m project has been funded in partnership by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority’s Recycled Growth Fund, Anglian Water and their 15 @one Alliance partners (of which MMB is one), and the College of West Anglia. The centre provides a space for local people keen to pursue a career in the environment, helping them develop key skills in water and resource efficiency, carbon reduction, renewable energy and environmental technologies. Designed with sustainability in mind, the building is powered by solar panels and includes rainwater harvesting technology to reduce water use. Not only will the Academy help bridge the construction skills gap in the UK, but it will support the critical transition to sustainable infrastructure needed to meet the country’s net zero targets. Training is now underway, with the first full cohort of learners set to start in September 2026. John Greenwood, operations director at MMB, commented: “As a key partner on Anglian Water’s @one Alliance and the Strategic Pipeline Alliance (SPA), MMB is committed to supporting local skills development, and we are delighted to have invested in the new Green Skills Academy which will benefit many people in the years to come. This important initiative marks a huge step forward in the journey to delivering fully sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure. We look forward to continuing to collaborate as part of the @one Alliance and SPA and seeing the impact of the Academy across the region.” Pictured: funding partners, including MMB (above left) and the new Green Skills Academy in Wisbech (above right) You can find out more about the Green Skills Academy on the Anglian Water website.

JN Bentley, the UK contracting arm of the global employee-owned engineering consultancy, Mott MacDonald Group has entered into an agreement to acquire Leed Engineering & Construction, a privately owned civil contractor delivering projects in metropolitan, regional and remote areas of Australia. Leed is a multi-disciplinary engineering and construction company, specialising in complex infrastructure projects. Founded in 2001, the business has grown rapidly to become a national infrastructure contractor with a team of over 350 people and offices in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. The company has extensive civil construction experience across water, dams, environmental works, roads, bridges and general earthworks as well as related engineering, construction methodology, planning and design. Paul Bentley, JN Bentley managing director said: “Leed has built an impressive reputation across Australia for delivering high quality, technically challenging projects, and their expertise is well aligned with our own commitment to safe, reliable and innovative delivery. This acquisition is an opportunity to strengthen Mott MacDonald’s contracting offering, supported by JN Bentley’s 53-year construction heritage and the success of our design and build business, Mott MacDonald Bentley.” The partnership will enable Mott MacDonald to strengthen its contracting business in Australia, mirroring the success of its UK-based design and build construction business – enhancing the integrated delivery of water projects through the specialist expertise brought by Leed’s talented team. Adrian Jones, Mott MacDonald’s regional managing director for Asia Pacific, New Zealand and Australia said: “There is a significant demand for new and upgraded infrastructure across Australia and particularly in the water sector. By combining the capabilities of Mott MacDonald and Leed it takes our technical expertise to the next level, enabling us to provide a fully integrated design and construction offering to our clients in this space.” Craig Laslett, Leed managing director said: “Leed is pleased to be joining JN Bentley at a time of significant investment in water and civil infrastructure across Australia. With a shared focus on delivering quality outcomes for clients, our combined capabilities will support the delivery of complex water infrastructure projects across Australia.” Pictured (L-R): Steve Tetlow (director, JN Bentley), Andrew Millar (chairman of the board, Leed), Adrian Jones (regional managing director, Asia Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, Mott MacDonald) and Craig Laslett (managing director, Leed)

Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) has been confirmed as a partner for a new joint enterprise with Scottish Water that will transform the country’s water and wastewater infrastructure. Seven companies will collaborate with Scottish Water on the joint enterprise, which represents the biggest ever programme of investment for the publicly-owned utility company. Set to enhance Scotland’s water and waste water assets over the period from 2027 to 2033, the enterprise will help preserve the nation’s world-class water quality, protect the environment, and ensure services continue to meet the needs of the utility’s customers. The initial six-year delivery period of the joint-enterprise is part of a proposed £8bn investment outlined in the recently published 2027-33 Business Plan. Ian Bester, operations director at MMB, commented: “We’re delighted to be confirmed as a partner on this important new enterprise with Scottish Water. "Drawing on more than 25 years of experience, we will play a key role in supporting Scottish Water’s ambition to enhance and protect vital public assets, ensuring resilient water services and a healthier environment. "The enterprise presents a significant opportunity to strengthen water and wastewater infrastructure across Scotland, and we look forward to working closely with Scottish Water, partner organisations and the local supply chain to deliver lasting value." Rob Mustard, director of capital investment at Scottish Water, said: "The Enterprise is part of the most significant programme of investment and way of working we have ever implemented. It supports our goals of financial sustainability, service excellence, and going beyond net zero, all while contributing to a flourishing Scotland. "We’re moving to an 'advanced partnering' model, shifting from traditional contracting to a more collaborative approach. This model brings partners together through agreed outcomes, ensuring we deliver value for our customers and innovation in every project. "It represents a significant evolution in how we approach capital investments. It's designed to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, aligning with our long-term goals of environmental stewardship and community enhancement. We’re eager to partner with others to achieve these ambitions." The initial six-year investment programme will support job creation, including new roles resulting from increased investment and opportunities for young people. The Enterprise will enable MMB and its fellow partners to contribute to local communities and prioritise social value through 6,000 volunteering days, 400+ educational visits, and other community engagement. Come and shape the Enterprise Following MMB’s success in securing a place on Scottish Water’s exciting new enterprise, we’re looking for talented people to come and join our team. You might already be in Scotland or be open to relocating – but if you have water sector experience or experience in the following roles then MMB would love to hear from you: Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, MEICA) Design and site engineering Contracts and site management Quantity surveying/commercial You’ll be part of a collaborative, people‑focused business delivering projects that improve communities, protect the environment, and drive sustainability. Interested? Get in touch with Pamela Wray-Slack for an initial chat or submit your CV directly through the MMB careers site.

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.