JN Bentley is proud to have earned a gold medal from EcoVadis   - the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings – ​placing us for the first time in the top 5% of companies assessed worldwide on sustainability and carbon management. The independent rating process measures the quality of a company’s sustainability management system via three management pillars: policies, actions, and results. Sustainability performance is assessed against four key areas – environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement – and we are pleased to have improved in all four areas, building on our silver rating success in 2022 and 2023. This reflects how we are continuously prioritising sustainability in our policies, taking actions and reporting and monitoring to ensure we are making improvements. We have also been rated 'Leader' for carbon management - the highest achievable level. This score demonstrates our strong Greenhouse Gas (GHG) management system and best-in-class decarbonisation commitments, actions, and reporting capabilities. Shaped by six pillars that span environmental and social elements, our sustainability approach sees us proactively go beyond regulatory compliance when it comes to managing our impact at organisation level, by engaging collaboratively with our people, clients, and supply chain to implement our approach across all aspects of the business. As part of our strive for ongoing improvement in 2024, we have made progress to enhance and inform our decision-making using real-time data, by utilising advanced digital delivery tools to automate our data collection and reporting. A continued focus area for us is taking action to ensure our people have the knowledge, skills, and tools to inform sustainable decision-making in our operations and how we deliver our projects. Knowledge sharing and learning is a key aspect of our approach when it comes to driving continuous improvement. Rebecca Mann, Sustainability Lead at JN Bentley, commented, “Achieving a gold rating and carbon leader status from EcoVadis symbolises our ongoing, collective efforts to implement impactful sustainability practices into everything that we do, every day. Operating sustainably in collaboration with our key stakeholders is a core value at JN Bentley and we are dedicated to our responsibility to help protect our environment and society. Looking ahead, the insights provided from the assessment will support how we look to continuously improve.” View our EcoVadis gold rating . Find out more about our 6-pillar approach to sustainability.

Mott MacDonald Bentley, hosted their annual networking event for early career professionals (ECPs) – ECP Day – in October, in Leeds.  The company’s third ECP Day event, initially launched in 2022, was held at The Studio event space in Leeds, a short walk from MMB’s Leeds office. Attended by over 80 ECPs, the day provided an opportunity for colleagues to connect with peers from across the company, learn more about the wider business; engage with directors and senior management teams and have some fun. Throughout the day, delegates participated in workshops, collaborating with colleagues and subject matter experts on topics including automation, sustainability, and procurement-led design. These sessions served as a catalyst for meaningful discussions and creative problem-solving to drive innovation and business improvement. Ana Garland, Project leader and regional ECP lead said: “The third ECP Day brought together early career professionals from JN Bentley, MMB and JBAB for our biggest event yet. It was truly inspiring to see the ECPs so engaged with the sessions we prepared. We had insightful workshops on future-proofing the business and empowering ECPs, making it a day full of learning, networking, and a lot of fun. “For the first time, we introduced our new ECP Awards, celebrating excellence across several categories. We were thrilled to receive 175 nominations, highlighting the incredible work ECPs are doing across the business.” ECP Awards New for 2024, the ECP Network launched their own Awards, recognising individuals’ outstanding contributions to the wider network and the business.  Congratulations to this year’s award winners: Most involved in the ECP Network Award Winner: Elizabeth Walker, Graduate engineer Elizabeth was recognised for her commitment to supporting her fellow ECPs by ensuring they are aware of events and initiatives, encouraging them to get involved, and for her efforts to organise initiatives as one of the networks sustainability leads. Elizabeth commented “I am very proud to have been awarded the winner of the Most Involved in the ECP Network. "As an ECP, I am passionate about sharing knowledge, making connections and learning from others - in what is an excellent community at JN Bentley/MMB.” Biggest LinkedIn Show-off Award Winner: Sophie Murray, Graduate process engineer A lover of social media, Sophie was named the biggest LinkedIn Show-off, always finding time to showcase the brilliant work happening across the business and the network – Sophie is a true MMB ambassador. Biggest supporting ECP buddy/mentor Award Winner: Aimee Hindle, Design lead Aimee was recognised for always going the extra mile with younger, less experienced ECPs in the network. Her peers said “she is fantastic role model and lifts everyone around her.” Most likely to go into senior management Winner: Betty Solomon-Assefa, Civil engineer Betty was nominated for being fantastic at getting things done, great communication with clients and stakeholders and being instrumental in driving a scheme to takeover. People’s Choice Award Winner: Fraser Thompson, Project leader Receiving multiple nominations, Fraser was celebrated for always being proactive, positive, and up for a challenge. Beyond project work, Fraser has great commitment to the sports and social culture in the office and is a fantastic team player.  Commenting on this award win, Fraser said “I feel really lucky to be a part of a business where we celebrate the effort of our colleagues and highlight the success of one another. I am very proud to be awarded with the People Choice award, but there is no doubt that it is deserved by many of us at MMB.” Pictured: 2024 ECP award winners (L-R) - Elizabeth Walker, Sophie Murray, Aimee Hindle, Betty Solomon-Assefa, Fraser Thompson Connecting early career professionals across the country Mott MacDonald Bentley’s ECP Network spans the whole business and as part of the Mott MacDonald Group connects individuals across the globe. It is an inclusive and diverse network that aims to connect individuals across the business who are in the early stages of their career. It provides a platform for colleagues to s hare ideas, knowledge and skills to support their career goals, provide development opportunities and influence the future direction of the business.   Interested in building your career at with us? Applications for placement and graduate roles are now open, closing on Friday 22nd November 2024.   Click here to view all our current opportunities and apply.   Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn  and X  to keep up to date with the latest news.

National engineering design and construction company Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) has secured a new framework with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water that will last up to eight years. Awarded following a competitive tender process, the new framework will see MMB tackle projects across the Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCC) region covering both clean and wastewater treatment sites, as well as below ground assets, reservoirs and nature-based solutions. One of the largest regulated water and sewerage companies in the UK, DCC is responsible for providing water and wastewater services to over three million people. After securing its first framework with DCC at the beginning of AMP6, MMB’s presence in Wales has grown significantly. It directly employs over 270 colleagues in the country across all roles, from frontline construction to design and management positions. It boasts strong links with local supply chains, which have been integral to the company’s growth allowing delivery of over £300m of work in the region since 2015. Upon contract award, director David Marsh, said, “We are delighted to secure this new long-term contract with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. “Since MMB started working with DCC ten years ago, we’ve established a collaborative working relationship and set down strong roots right across Wales. “We’ll continue to focus on providing affordable, innovative solutions for DCC and their customers and are fully committed to meeting the challenges facing the sector head-on through AMP8 and beyond.” News of MMB’s success with DCC means the company now holds framework agreements with nine of the UK’s largest water and sewerage companies.  JN Bentley - the construction arm of MMB - also delivers work for DCC through the major capital delivery framework. With major programmes of work to deliver over the next five years, there are opportunities to join MMB’s growing team across the UK in design, operations and frontline construction roles. Please visit the MMB website  for more details.

A huge congratulations to Luke Anthony (quantity surveyor at JN Bentley) who has been awarded ‘Apprentice of the Year’ by Leeds College of Building for his Level 6 Quantity Surveying Degree Apprenticeship. Following the presentation of the award on Thursday 19th September, Luke’s tutor praised his hard work and dedication, commenting: “Luke is highly respected by his Employer and has produced an exemplary portfolio - which showcases his work as a quantity surveyor with JN Bentley. He's always well prepared and ready to learn, achieving great grades at college. A rising star!” L-R: Jonathan Mitson (quantity surveyor), Luke Anthony (apprentice quantity surveyor), Dan Oliver (commercial manager) One of JN Bentley’s early apprentices, Luke joined the company back in 2018 and has since gained a wide amount of knowledge which shines through in his portfolio. Luke has now progressed through his Level 3 and 4 apprenticeships and is due to complete his degree apprenticeship next year. Celebrating his win, Luke stated: “I am very happy and grateful for being chosen for this award. I would like to thank my colleagues, managers and university lecturers I have worked with throughout my time at JN Bentley, who have all had involvement in my career so far. The awards evening was great, I really enjoyed the whole experience.”   Our apprenticeships JN Bentley have a long-standing history of investing in apprenticeships to provide hands-on learning from day one across many aspects of the businesses. Our apprenticeship opportunities cover civil, mechanical, electrical and process (MEP) engineering, quantity surveying and a range of business support roles including finance, IT and construction health and safety. Apprenticeships at JN Bentley allow individuals to gain valuable experiences and learn from experienced mentors who provide one-on-one support every step of the way. Apprentice enrolments open in February 2025 at JN Bentley. Visit our careers website for more details.

JN Bentley have supported Herefordshire Council with the construction of three new integrated wetlands in Luston, a nature-based solution which is lowering the levels of phosphate in the Rivers Wye, Lugg, and Usk to improve the water quality and boost local biodiversity and wildlife, safeguarding the natural environment. Construction began in 2022 and involved multiple stages. Initial site surveying and modelling was carried out and a temporary works surface installed to allow digging of the individual cells. Clay excavated on site was used to line the wetland cells, creating an impermeable layer to reduce infiltration and risk of groundwater contamination. The wetland cells were then planted using a variety of 14 different natural plant species, and the pipeline made operational to test the water treatment process. Finally, the surrounding site was landscaped with the planting of native trees and wild meadow species to support biodiversity. In the year since the Luston Wetlands project began, the phosphate levels have dramatically reduced – and in some cases removed altogether – and will continue to remove around 300kg of phosphate from the water system every year, a process nicknamed 'the earth kidneys'. The scheme will also provide a biodiversity boost of 183%, thanks to the planting of 85,000 species that will further aid nutrient removal. Every week, water samples are taken to track the phosphate levels at the start and end of the cells to ensure the process is working and making a difference to the rivers and wildlife. In 2019, Natural England advised Herefordshire Council that the high levels of phosphate in the River Lugg meant that any new housing development must fully offset its phosphate load; thus, the Luston Wetlands project was developed and the works have permitted the development of 600 new homes. The integrated wetlands were officially commissioned in July this year, where key project stakeholders, including JN Bentley, were invited to celebrate the official opening of the scheme. The launch event included a welcome from Paul Walker (Chief Executive) and Councillor Swinglehurst (Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Environment) alongside a guided tour through the town of Luston to the Wetlands. This was followed by afternoon tea and a keynote speech from a very special guest, Kevin McCloud (MBE) -  known for the internationally acclaimed Channel 4’s Grand Designs and renowned for his ambition to enhance the built environment. Read more about the scheme on the Herefordshire Council website . One year on since the site became operational, key project stakeholders came together to celebrate the official opening of the innovative scheme. The completed wetlands at Luston, Herefordshire.

Engineering design and construction company Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) has been awarded its first ever long-term framework agreement with Wessex Water. Following a competitive tendering process, MMB has been named a capital delivery partner on two multi-million-pound ‘lots’ that will see the company deliver projects across the region through to 2030 - with the potential for a five-year extension into AMP9 thereafter. The framework enables MMB to use its extensive design and construction experience to deliver a scope of work including the construction of new assets and refurbishment, modifications, and maintenance of above and below ground infrastructure. Wessex Water serves 2.9 million customers with water and sewerage services across the south west of England. Set for record investment in AMP8 – more than double that of AMP7 – MMB will bring its strong track record of innovation and direct-delivery to drive a programme of work to improve water and wastewater treatment, water and wastewater networks, storm overflows, flooding resilience, and bioresources. Director for MMB, Jonny Burton, said, "We are delighted to sign our first AMP framework with Wessex Water. "The framework gives us the opportunity to champion the values we share with Wessex Water - collaboration, digital innovation, excellent health and safety practices, and environmental and social responsibility – as we tackle an important programme of works over the next five years. "This new partnership will allow us to continue our significant investment in the region that is already generating employment opportunities on nearby frameworks with South West Water and Thames Water. We are excited to get going." In securing these new contracts with Wessex Water, MMB now holds framework agreements with nine of the UK’s largest water and sewerage companies. For details of all opportunities to join MMB’s growing team across the UK – in design, construction and on site - please visit the MMB careers website .

Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) celebrates its 25th anniversary on 17th August 2024. Formed in 1999, MMB is a truly integrated design and build organisation combining the global consulting expertise of Mott MacDonald with the contracting experience of JN Bentley. A history of growth Founded in August 1999 , MMB secured its first AMP3 design-and-build framework with Yorkshire Water. By the end of 2000 over £800,000 of work had been delivered and a year later the business had secured its first £1 million pound project. Now, 25 years on, over £800,000 of work is delivered every day, with multi-million-pound water sector projects across the country. In 2005 , MMB  moved into its first co-located offices with Yorkshire Water, in Bradford, ready for AMP4. In recent years the company has successfully co-located with clients all over the country, from Newport to Durham to Peterborough – now with eight offices nationwide.   The 2010s  saw MMB secure its second water sector client – Severn Trent – and establish co-located offices in Shifnal, after being named a core contractor on the water company’s AMP5 non-infrastructure works. The relationship with Mott MacDonald strengthened further in 2014  when MMB joined the Mott MacDonald Group; a move that has only served to enhance MMB in the years since. To date, over £2bn of work has been delivered together. 2015  introduced new clients including United Utilities, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, Anglian Water, and Northumbrian Water to MMB’s growing list. Strong performances saw framework extensions with Severn Trent and Yorkshire Water. This period also signified a period of significant growth, seeing MMB double in size to become a £300 million+ business. Despite the challenges of Covid-19 in 2020 , MMB added a seventh water company to its client base – Thames Water – the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, and in 2023 the business secured a framework extension into AMP8. MMB also joined a second alliance with Anglian Water – the Strategic Pipeline Alliance (SPA) – set-up to deliver one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects. SPA is engineering a new network of clean water pipelines and associated assets across the East of England. In 2024, MMB added its eighth water client to the list, after successfully securing a new AMP8 framework with South West Water, seeing the company further expand its national coverage in the South. Learn more about the projects MMB deliver in the water sector in their latest Annual Review and on UK Water Projects online . Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) in 2024 Today, MMB delivers work for eight of the UK’s largest water companies. Whilst the water industry faces some big challenges as it heads into AMP8, MMB is uniquely placed to deliver, with a workforce of over 2,200 directly employed staff and construction operatives, supported by a trusted supply chain, dedicated to building and maintaining the country’s critical water sector infrastructure.   Mott MacDonald Executive Chair, James Harris who spent a large portion of his career working at MMB commented on the company’s 25th anniversary: “I'm absolutely thrilled to see MMB get to this milestone of, of 25 years, it's been an absolutely fantastic journey. I think MMB can be immensely proud of what it's done, what it's delivered and the impact it's had on the communities we all serve. The business continues to go from strength to strength. Here’s to the next 25 years.” - Interested in building your career at MMB? Visit our careers site  to view all our current opportunities. Find and follow us on socials to keep up to date with the latest news from across the business too. LinkedIn , Twitter .

The first cohort of apprentices and graduates have successfully completed Mott MacDonald Bentley's (MMB’s) early careers development programme (ECDP). Over 100 colleagues came together for the last module of the programme (team building) and to attend a celebration event to mark the end of their journey on the development programme.   Pictured : One group of apprentices and graduates who successfully completed the ECDP The event, hosted at Aston University in Birmingham, saw delegates take part in head-to-head team challenges, putting theory learnt in the classroom into practice. Rounding off the event was an awards evening, which recognised the outstanding achievements of MMB’s apprentices and graduates and the contribution that the mentors make to support the business’ early careers programme. Congratulations to the award winners: The 'Going Above and Beyond' Award: Winner : William Ryden Highly Commended: Mohammed Sala Uddin 'Rising Star' Award: Winner : Ethan Bulcock Highly Commended : Evan Price 'Apprentice of the Year' Award: Winner : Leah Wild Highly Commended : Joshua Walker 'Graduate of the Year' Award: Winner : Rob Loveridge Highly Commended : Charlie Grant 'Early Careers Champion' Award: Joint Winners: Leah Southan and Jonny Winkley Helen Bradford, Learning and Development Lead said:  “What a great way to celebrate our first cohort completing the Early Careers Development Programme. It was wonderful to see everyone come back together for a brilliant two days. These events are only as good as the delegates that attend, and I can’t fault the level of enthusiasm and passion that everyone showed throughout. “Seeing and hearing how every person has developed over the programme is testament to everyone’s hard work and commitment, including that of our training partner, FutureProof . Congratulations to all!” Pictured: Award winners About the programme Launched last year, the structured programme provides a framework to help develop our apprentices and graduates and build strengths to start to prepare them for their future with the business.   The programme enables colleagues to develop key personal and professional skills that supports their progression and provides support towards professional qualifications  for their chosen discipline. Learn more about early careers and current opportunities on our careers site . - Follow MMB on LinkedIn  and X (formerly Twitter)  to keep up to date with the latest news.

JN Bentley’s MEP Development Scheme was established in 2015 and exists to support the career development of JN Bentley’s MEP community, enabling them to gain the experience, training, and opportunities to become a competent ‘Professional Mechanical, Electrical or Process Engineer’. The company actively encourages new graduates to join the development scheme, as well as experienced Mechanical, Electrical and Process Engineers, who can enrol onto the full programme or take a ‘career appraisal’ route using a gap analysis to identify development needs. The scheme also promotes Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and reflective learning. It links closely to the development objectives of the relevant professional institutes, allowing colleagues to complete the programme whilst gaining a professional qualification at the same time. The Institution of Engineering Technology (IET) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) accredited the scheme following an assessment by the Professional Development Committees, highlighting a number of strengths, including: A high level of senior management support for the scheme. The Scheme Management Processes are comprehensive, well established, and effective. The scheme is properly resourced, structured, and documented with excellent scheme administration. Mentors are enthusiastic, engaged and well-versed in UKSPEC requirements, and the support network is evident. Developing Engineers are articulate, motivated, enthusiastic, and professional. The scheme is inclusive and open to experienced staff and graduates wanting to upskill and achieve Chartership.   Following the good news, Peter Brodie and Helen Bradford, MEP Development Scheme Administrators, commented, “Well done and thanks to all who took part in the accreditation assessment of our MEP Development Scheme. We are delighted that the Professional Development Committees accredited our scheme. We are very proud of all those who have achieved qualifications and those who are currently on their journey, alongside the fantastic support provided by the scheme mentors.”   Josh Sparks, Contracts Manager at JN Bentley (previously Electrical Commissioning Engineer), has progressed through the scheme and achieved Chartership:   “The MEP Development Scheme played a key role in meeting the competencies required by the IET for me to become a Chartered Member (CEng). The scheme has broadened my understanding of the projects which JN Bentley take on from a commercial, design and build perspective, and I’ve had the opportunity to play a key part in flagship projects across the business.” David Marsh, Director at JN Bentley, commended the achievement:   “Congratulations to all involved for such well-deserved recognition. The hard work of the scheme administrators, mentors and all MEP Engineers showcases the very best of our passion for learning and development at JN Bentley.   We strive to support our colleagues in their professional development and long-term growth to ensure we are developing talent to support the future of both the company and the industry. Our focus is on enhancing our people’s capabilities and potential through the provision of learning experiences, preparing them for future roles and to fulfil career aspirations – and our MEP Development Scheme is just one example of this.”    Find out more about careers at JN Bentley: Join the team at JN Bentley - Careers with JN Bentley ( mottmacbentley.co.uk )

Integrated design-and-build company Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) has scooped a prestigious award at the 2024 Ground Engineering Awards. MMB’s ‘Newthorpe and Heanor Milnhay Sewage Treatment Works AMP7 Upgrades’ project was named best ‘UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of £500k-£1M’ at a ceremony attended by almost 900 ground engineering professionals at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London. Collecting the trophy L-R: Category sponsor representative, Jamie Beech (Contract Manager), Paul Wilkinson (Site Agent), Harry Ollerton (Geotechnical Engineer), Mark Edmondson (Regional Geotechnical Practice Lead), Fiona Eady (Ground Engineering Lead, Severn Trent Water), Nia Kajastie (Editor, Ground Engineering Magazine). The awards recognise the industry’s top achievements and identified the MMB scheme as ‘stand out’ in terms of innovation, quality, sustainability, health and safety and value engineering. Delivered with Severn Trent, the infrastructure upgrades to the aging Heanor Milnhay Sewage Treatment Works (STW) in Nottingham involve repurposing the existing STW to create additional storm storage which will reduce storm spills to the nearby River Erewash. This will provide increased resilience to the local community to account for future population growth, by transferring flows to a new treatment works extension at Newthorpe STW. The project has faced several significant geotechnical challenges, including legacy coal mining risks, management of high groundwater, and construction on problematic alluvial soils. Close collaboration between MMB and Severn Trent Water initiated early discussions with The Coal Authority about mitigating the risks associated with the legacy mineworks, resulting in consent given to install pipework in a high risk area which was carried out successfully by MMB. From the earliest stages of the project, steps have been taken to significantly reduce embodied carbon using PAS2080 principles, as well as deliver commercial savings. The client delivery team proactively worked with MMB to identify opportunities to reduce carbon, such as lessening the thickness of flotation slabs (typically concrete-heavy) by 65% in order to manage the high groundwater risks. MMB has successfully delivered a ‘build better’ solution by re-servicing existing structures, utilising digital solutions to best develop ground models in order to design out risk and adopting site won materials for reuse to construct biodiverse wildlife habitats, avoiding unnecessary carbon-heavy and costly off-site disposal. Read a detailed case study on our project at Newthorpe and Heanor Milnhay in MMB’s latest annual review [pg. 22] . The judges were impressed by the team’s “successful challenges and deviations from the client’s standard practices and MMB’s back-to-basics pragmatic approach, delivering a sustainable value engineered solution.”   Mark Edmondson, Regional Geotechnical Practice Lead for MMB, commented, "Winning this award is a fantastic result: not only is it the first national award for the project and first GE award for MMB, but it reflects how our Geotechnical Practice (and other Practices) can deliver real value for our projects and clients.” MMB’s Practices are networks that bring together colleagues via common areas of interest, to learn and share knowledge and best practice ideas and drive our excellence agenda. The Geotechnics Practice comprises geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists and other specialist disciplines, all skilled in managing ground risks and creating opportunities. Collaborating with key project stakeholders, the Practice helps to enable efficient, innovative and sustainable solutions that support the management of common ground risks. Learn more about JN Bentley, MMB and JBA Bentley on our website . Follow us on socials: LinkedIn ,  X , Facebook