AMP8 is one of the most ambitious programmes the UK water sector has undertaken, with water companies across England and Wales committing significant capital to modernise ageing assets, improve environmental performance and build long‑term resilience.
With business plans agreed and mobilisation now under way, the emphasis is shifting decisively from strategy to delivery. The real test of AMP8 will be how effectively that investment is translated into better outcomes for customers, the environment and the resilience of water and wastewater systems.
What’s driving AMP8?
Water companies are operating in an environment of heightened regulatory scrutiny and public expectation. AMP8 investment priorities reflect the need to demonstrate tangible improvements alongside value for money. Key drivers include:
- Reducing pollution and improving treatment performance, particularly in sensitive catchments
- Cutting leakage and improving network resilience in the face of climate change, drought and flood risk
- Lowering carbon and environmental impact, including greater use of nature‑based solutions
- Making better use of data and digital tools to improve performance, transparency and decision‑making
- Providing clear evidence of value to customers and stakeholders
Delivering against these priorities requires more than capital spend. It calls for delivery partners who understand regulated environments, can collaborate early in design, and have the capability to manage complex civil engineering programmes safely and efficiently.
Our role in AMP8
Knights Brown is supporting AMP8 programmes across Wales and England through framework appointments with:
- Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW)
- YTL / Wessex Water
- Northumbrian Water, covering Essex and Suffolk
Mobilisation is already under way, with early contractor involvement and design support forming a central part of how we contribute to our partners’ capital programmes. Within DCWW’s AMP8 plan, a substantial portfolio of civils work has been directly allocated to our teams, reflecting both the scale of the opportunity and the confidence placed in our delivery capability.
What we deliver
Across AMP8 frameworks, we are supporting a wide range of water and wastewater programmes, including:
- Treatment works upgrades and expansion
- Network improvements and resilience works
- Capital maintenance and refurbishment
- Environmental and sustainability‑led schemes
Much of this work is delivered through collaborative models, including two‑stage procurement enabling early engagement, better risk management and more predictable outcomes.
Our strengths align closely with AMP8 priorities:
- Design and build, build‑only and partnering solutions tailored to programme needs
- Proven experience in early contractor involvement and collaborative delivery
- Deep civil engineering and temporary works expertise in complex operational environments
- A local, multi‑skilled workforce embedded within the regions we serve
- A strong commitment to sustainability, including material reuse, digital monitoring and reduced site emissions
Looking ahead
AMP8 represents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to strengthen the UK’s water infrastructure and rebuild public trust in sector performance. Decisions made during this period will shape resilience, environmental outcomes and customer service for decades to come.
With established framework positions, a dedicated Water Division and a focus on innovation and continuous improvement, Knights Brown is well placed to support our water company partners through AMP8 delivery – and to carry those relationships and capabilities forward into AMP9 and beyond.
To discuss AMP8 delivery or speak to our Water Division team, please get in touch.
