Simon joins Knights Brown with extensive experience of the UK water sector and will head the newly formed Water Division. His appointment finalises a reorganisation that established four independent divisions: Water, Energy, Southern & South East, and Wales. These divisions provide specialist sector focus where valuable while maintaining the agility and regional service for which Knights Brown is known.
The creation of a standalone Water Division positions the company strongly for the start of AMP8, the next regulatory investment cycle, under which it will deliver works for three key frameworks:
- Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) across Wales
- YTL Wessex Water (YTL) in Dorset, Somerset, Bristol, Wiltshire and parts of Gloucestershire and Hampshire
- Northumbrian Water (NWL) in Essex and Suffolk
With the restructure complete, Knights Brown will step up investment in expanding its capability in support of AMP8, including targeted recruitment within the Water Division and the continued development of specialist construction solutions. Mobilisation for AMP8 is underway across all three frameworks. Early contractor involvement and detailed design input are already notable features of work under DCWW, where mobilisation is most advanced.
Simon Osborne said:
“I’m thrilled to be joining Knights Brown at this important time. The company has built a strong reputation for delivery and collaboration, while the new divisional structure provides an excellent platform for growth. I’m looking forward to working with our teams and our customers as we begin AMP8 and continue to strengthen our presence across the water sector.”
Kevin Valentine, Group Managing Director, added:
“Simon’s appointment completes the leadership structure we set out to build last year. Our results for 2025/26 demonstrate the resilience and capability of our business and with Simon now leading the Water Division, we are exceptionally well placed for the opportunities ahead.”
Knights Brown posted strong financial results for the 2025 financial year, with pre-tax profit up 85% to £3.9m and a 15% increase in turnover to £116m. This reflects the company’s stable performance, disciplined management and commitment to sustainable, long‑term growth. It is further underpinned by demand in the onshore wind, battery storage and transmission & distribution sectors, while a healthy pipeline in coastal defence on the south coast and in Wales is bolstering regional civil engineering performance.
