Liverpool city centre is becoming a showcase for how sustainable drainage can help cities adapt to climate change, with The Environmental Protection Group (EPG) playing a key role in the design and delivery of a series of innovative rain garden projects in partnership with United Utilities.

Working alongside Liverpool City Council and project partners, EPG has designed a number of retrofit sustainable drainage (SuDS) schemes across the city centre, helping to reduce pressure on the sewer network whilst creating greener, more attractive public spaces.

The programme includes raingarden design schemes at:

• Thomas Steers Way
• Paradise Street
• Derby Square
• Upper Pitt Street

In addition, EPG, part of STRI Group, provided both the design and build solution for the recently completed rain garden delivered at Blundell Street, with construction undertaken by Group colleagues at Carrick Construction.

The projects form part of a wider strategy to manage rainwater where it falls, slowing flows entering the combined sewer network and helping to reduce the risk of sewer overload during periods of heavy rainfall.

Greening the city whilst reducing flood risk

Located within some of Liverpool’s busiest retail and public spaces, the rain gardens demonstrate how sustainable drainage infrastructure can deliver multiple benefits.

As well as capturing and treating surface water runoff, the schemes introduce new planting and green infrastructure into highly urbanised areas, helping to create cooler, more attractive environments for residents, workers and visitors.

The projects highlight how retrofit SuDS can play a vital role in improving climate resilience within existing city centres, where traditional drainage infrastructure is often under increasing pressure from more frequent and intense rainfall events.

Showcasing Liverpool’s SuDS success at Flood & Coast

EPG will be exhibiting alongside United Utilities at this year’s Flood & Coast conference in the heart of Liverpool, where attendees will have the opportunity to see the projects first-hand through the “Scouse SuDS Stroll”.

The guided walk will take visitors through Liverpool city centre, showcasing how rain gardens and green infrastructure have been successfully integrated into existing streetscapes to manage water more sustainably.

As part of the tour, EPG Managing Director Phil Williams will be helping to showcase the installations to key stakeholders and representatives from across the region.

Phil Williams, Managing Director at EPG, said: “These projects demonstrate what can be achieved when water companies, local authorities and specialist designers work collaboratively to rethink how rainwater is managed in our cities.

Rather than treating rainfall as a problem to be moved away as quickly as possible, these schemes show how it can become an asset, reducing pressure on infrastructure, creating greener public spaces and helping cities adapt to a changing climate.

Liverpool is becoming a fantastic example of how retrofit SuDS can be delivered successfully within complex urban environments, and we’re looking forward to sharing that story with attendees at Flood & Coast.”

Delivering climate resilience through partnership

The Liverpool programme reflects a growing shift towards nature-based solutions that work with the environment to tackle flooding, improve water quality and create more liveable urban spaces.

By combining engineering expertise, landscape-led design and practical delivery, EPG continues to support clients across the UK in developing sustainable drainage solutions that deliver long-term environmental and community benefits.

Vacancy: Senior Contracts Manager

This is not a standard contracts manager role.

We are looking for someone to accelerate the continued growth of EPG’s new integrated SuDS design and build business.

The right person will not just deliver projects. They will shape the business, influence how it grows, and become a key part of its future.  This isn’t a role with a fixed structure and a narrow remit, it’s an opportunity to build something that will make a positive, long-term difference to the UK’s sustainable water management infrastructure. Working with two established, industry-leading brands, with the support of an international Group of businesses on and area with proven market potential, this is a role for someone looking to make an immediate impact.

EPG is one of the UK’s leading specialist SuDS consultancies and co-author of the CIRIA SuDS Manual. Carrick delivers specialist sports and environmental construction projects across the UK. Together, we are creating a genuine design and build SuDS business focused on technically challenging projects that most contractors and consultants cannot deliver alone.

We are already delivering integrated projects with water companies, local authorities and major private sector clients, including rain gardens, SuDS retrofit schemes, schools’ programmes and complex urban drainage works. The market is growing quickly. AMP8 investment, Biodiversity Net Gain, tightening planning policy and increasing flood resilience requirements are creating major demand for specialist SuDS delivery capability.

The Role:

The Contracts Manager is the operational backbone of EPG’s D&B service. You will manage the full lifecycle of SuDS design and build projects from contract award through to handover and adoption, acting as the single point of accountability for programme, cost, quality and client relationship on every scheme you run.

You will work at the intersection of EPG’s design team and Carrick’s construction workforce, translating design intent into site delivery. You will represent the business to water company asset managers, local authority officers, school business managers and tier-1 contractor programme teams. You will be the face of the business on-site and in client meetings and will be fully supported by our technical and professional support teams.

Responsibilities:

• Manage multiple concurrent SuDS D&B projects from contract award to handover, typically 3–8 live projects at any time in the £60k–£2m range
• Act as Principal Contractor representative under CDM 2015 on delivered schemes Construction Phase Plans, site welfare, H&S compliance
• Manage client relationships from post-award to completion: water company asset managers, LLFA officers, DfE schools programme leads, tier-1 contractor contacts
• Coordinate between EPG’s design team and Carrick’s site workforce, ensuring design intent is understood and delivered, not just followed on paper
• Procure and manage specialist subcontractors where Carrick’s own workforce is at capacity or a specialist trade is required
• Manage NEC contract administration: early warnings, compensation events, payment applications, programme updates
• Attend and chair site meetings, progress reviews and client milestone meetings
• Support EPG’s ambitious business development plans: attend client introductions, contribute to tender submissions, build relationships in the water company and LLFA market
• Oversee project financials: cost plans, valuations, margin reporting, final accounts
• During Carrick’s peak sports construction periods, provide project management resource to Carrick’s sports build programme, contributing to the group’s year-round capacity

What We’re Looking For:

Essential

• NEC3 or NEC4 contract experience, specifically ECC (Engineering and Construction Contract) Options A, B or C; and/or JCT Design and Build or Minor Works contract experience.
• Proven track record managing construction projects from award to final account, with full financial ownership
• Experience managing subcontractors and supply chain on civil or environmental construction schemes
• CDM 2015 competency: experience as Principal Contractor or supporting PC on notifiable projects
• SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) or equivalent
• Full UK driving licence and genuine willingness to travel nationally
• The commercial and interpersonal confidence to manage client relationships independently with water companies, local authorities or equivalent institutional clients
• Working alongside Carrick to deliver premium and elite sports facilities (including but not limited to football, golf, cricket, rugby), during peak sports construction periods.
• Minimum 5 years’ construction project management experience in civil engineering, environmental construction, drainage, water/utilities or related sector

Preferred

• Experience in SuDS, sustainable drainage, rain gardens, bioretention systems or surface water management
• Water company supply chain experience: working within or alongside UU, Anglian, Severn Trent, Yorkshire Water or equivalent
• Experience on LLFA or local authority-funded drainage or flood risk schemes and familiarity with LLFA drainage adoption processes and Section 38/278 agreements
• NRSWA supervisor qualification or experience managing NRSWA-notifiable highway works

SuDS knowledge is preferred but not a barrier.

About us

EPG
The Environmental Protection Group is a leading geoenvironmental engineering consultancy specialising in sustainable water management, contaminated land remediation and gas protection, environmental monitoring and structural waterproofing.

With a team of multi-disciplinary experts, EPG provides clients with innovative solutions and a comprehensive design service. Combining regulatory compliance with complementary ideas and technologies, our priority is to deliver robust, leading edge, cost-effective design solutions.

Carrick
Carrick Construction is a leading provider of construction services to the sports and environmental sectors. Bringing together like-minded professionals with skills in construction, project management and engineering, we’re committed to delivering high quality projects, safely and efficiently.

Job Type: Full-time and permanent
Pay:  competitive salary plus car and group benefits
Work Location: Preferred base: Northwest (Daresbury, Warrington or Bingley, West Yorkshire: EPG offices) or Southwest (Pershore, Worcestershire: Carrick base). Remote working is available for the right candidate.

To apply, please send your CV to recruitment@epg-ltd.co.uk

The Environmental Protection Group strengthens Board to enhance delivery for clients and support next phase of growth

The Environmental Protection Group (EPG) has announced the expansion of its Board of Directors, marking a significant milestone in the consultancy’s continued growth and long-term development, further strengthening its ability to support clients with complex development challenges across the UK.

Founded by Paul Culleton and Diane Leigh and shortly after joined by Steve Wilson, EPG was established at a time when sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and vapour and ground gas mitigation were not widely recognised within UK development. From the outset, the founders challenged conventional practice, helping to shape industry understanding and setting a strong technical foundation that continues to underpin the business today.

Since becoming part of STRI Group, EPG has experienced sustained growth, expanding from a team of ten to nearly 40, following the recent acquisition of Hafren Water. This has added further depth to its expertise and ability to provide agile responses to client needs.

To support the next phase, EPG has appointed three new Directors to its Board:

Phil Williams, Managing Director
Amy Juden, Director
Leo Phillips, Director

Phil Williams commented, “As EPG moves forward, the strengthened Board provides a robust platform to support continued growth, technical excellence and long-term value for clients across geoenvironmental engineering, structural waterproofing and sustainable water management.  We have a great team surrounding us and we’re looking forward to what the future holds.”

These appointments recognise the leadership, technical capability and long-standing commitment Phil, Amy and Leo have demonstrated in helping to build and shape the business, ensuring clients continue to benefit from technical leadership, responsive service and ongoing innovation. 

The Environmental Protection Group strengthens Board to enhance delivery for clients and support next phase of growth

The Environmental Protection Group (EPG) has announced the expansion of its Board of Directors, marking a significant milestone in the consultancy’s continued growth and long-term development, further strengthening its ability to support clients with complex development challenges across the UK.

Founded by Paul Culleton and Diane Leigh and shortly after joined by Steve Wilson, EPG was established at a time when sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and vapour and ground gas mitigation were not widely recognised within UK development. From the outset, the founders challenged conventional practice, helping to shape industry understanding and setting a strong technical foundation that continues to underpin the business today.

Since becoming part of STRI Group, EPG has experienced sustained growth, expanding from a team of ten to nearly 40, following the recent acquisition of Hafren Water. This has added further depth to its expertise and ability to provide agile responses to client needs.

To support the next phase, EPG has appointed three new Directors to its Board:

Phil Williams, Managing Director
Amy Juden, Director
Leo Phillips, Director

Phil Williams commented, “As EPG moves forward, the strengthened Board provides a robust platform to support continued growth, technical excellence and long-term value for clients across geoenvironmental engineering, structural waterproofing and sustainable water management.  We have a great team surrounding us and we’re looking forward to what the future holds.”

These appointments recognise the leadership, technical capability and long-standing commitment Phil, Amy and Leo have demonstrated in helping to build and shape the business, ensuring clients continue to benefit from technical leadership, responsive service and ongoing innovation. 

The Environmental Protection Group (EPG) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hafren Water, a respected environmental consultancy specialising in hydrology and hydrogeology services.

This acquisition marks another exciting milestone in EPG’s continued growth, with Hafren Water’s hydrogeology expertise complementing EPG’s existing services and strengths with the ability to deliver integrated water and geoenvironmental management solutions across the UK and beyond.

Hafren Water brings a highly skilled team of specialists with extensive experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, water resource management, and flood risk assessment. Their technical excellence will further enhance EPG’s elite capabilities, enabling the development of groundwater and piling works risk assessments in addition to risk assessments for infiltration systems on high-risk sites, providing guidance from inception to completion of a project.

The acquisition introduces new clients and sector opportunities for EPG, especially within the quarrying industry, where Hafren Water has built a strong reputation.

Hafren Water will continue to operate under its well-respected brand, maintaining its base in Shrewsbury, and will work closely with EPG to share knowledge, expertise, and to continue delivering excellence for clients. The two businesses are committed to long-term collaboration, stability, and sustainable business development for both brands.

“We’re delighted to welcome Hafren Water into the EPG family,” said Phil Williams, Director of EPG. “Their hydrology and hydrogeology expertise will significantly strengthen our services and help us deliver even greater value to our clients. This acquisition is about long-term growth and building strong foundations for the future.”

“Joining EPG allows us to build on our existing strengths while collaborating to expand our capabilities and reach,” added Chris Leake, Director of Hafren Water. “We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for our clients, our people, and the wider industry.”

EPG looks forward to a successful partnership with Hafren Water, expanding its ability to deliver innovative, sustainable, and technically robust environmental solutions.

The Environmental Protection Group (EPG) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hafren Water, a respected environmental consultancy specialising in hydrology and hydrogeology services.

This acquisition marks another exciting milestone in EPG’s continued growth, with Hafren Water’s hydrogeology expertise complementing EPG’s existing services and strengths with the ability to deliver integrated water and geoenvironmental management solutions across the UK and beyond.

Hafren Water brings a highly skilled team of specialists with extensive experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, water resource management, and flood risk assessment. Their technical excellence will further enhance EPG’s elite capabilities, enabling the development of groundwater and piling works risk assessments in addition to risk assessments for infiltration systems on high-risk sites, providing guidance from inception to completion of a project.

The acquisition introduces new clients and sector opportunities for EPG, especially within the quarrying industry, where Hafren Water has built a strong reputation.

Hafren Water will continue to operate under its well-respected brand, maintaining its base in Shrewsbury, and will work closely with EPG to share knowledge, expertise, and to continue delivering excellence for clients. The two businesses are committed to long-term collaboration, stability, and sustainable business development for both brands.

“We’re delighted to welcome Hafren Water into the EPG family,” said Phil Williams, Director of EPG. “Their hydrology and hydrogeology expertise will significantly strengthen our services and help us deliver even greater value to our clients. This acquisition is about long-term growth and building strong foundations for the future.”

“Joining EPG allows us to build on our existing strengths while collaborating to expand our capabilities and reach,” added Chris Leake, Director of Hafren Water. “We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for our clients, our people, and the wider industry.”

EPG looks forward to a successful partnership with Hafren Water, expanding its ability to deliver innovative, sustainable, and technically robust environmental solutions.

SuDS rain garden and planter which were installed at Estcourt School, designed by EPG and installed by Group company, Carrick Construction

How EPG can support your application:

• Assistance in Securing Match Funding: Securing the required 50% match funding may be a challenge for some applicants. However, third-party contributors, such as local water companies, are eligible sources. EPG can support your case by modelling sewer networks alongside surface water flooding scenarios to demonstrate the potential reduction in flows to the public sewer system. This can help justify a financial contribution from the water company.
• Flood Evidence and Performance Standards: The application requires primary or secondary evidence of surface water flooding (e.g., photos or media reports). EPG can strengthen your application by interpreting Environment Agency flood risk maps and undertaking hydraulic modelling to substantiate your evidence. We can also determine and validate the required level of protection the proposed SuDS features will deliver through performance calculations.
• Demonstrating Project Readiness: Applicants should show that their project is significantly progressed and ready for delivery. EPG can prepare necessary technical reports, calculations, and drawings to support this. We can also assist with surveys, data modelling, final design work, and tender preparation, although these additional services may incur costs that are not covered by the funding.

Key Deadlines:

• Applications must be submitted by 09:00 AM on Monday, 20 October 2025.
• The window for submitting questions or seeking clarification closes at 5:00 PM on Friday, 8 August 2025. We strongly recommend beginning the application process as soon as possible to allow ample time for queries and technical preparations.

Together, we can deliver SuDS that not only meet technical standards but also bring lasting flood alleviation and environmental benefits to your area.

The gov.uk website details all requirements on eligibility and suitability Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in Schools 2026/27 – GOV-UK Find a grant. Once reviewed, EPG would be delighted to talk to you about supporting your application. Please email enquiries@epg-ltd.co.uk or call 01274 565131.

The Environmental Protection Group (EPG) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hafren Water, a respected environmental consultancy specialising in hydrology and hydrogeology services.

This acquisition marks another exciting milestone in EPG’s continued growth, with Hafren Water’s hydrogeology expertise complementing EPG’s existing services and strengths with the ability to deliver integrated water and geoenvironmental management solutions across the UK and beyond.

Hafren Water brings a highly skilled team of specialists with extensive experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, water resource management, and flood risk assessment. Their technical excellence will further enhance EPG’s elite capabilities, enabling the development of groundwater and piling works risk assessments in addition to risk assessments for infiltration systems on high-risk sites, providing guidance from inception to completion of a project.

The acquisition introduces new clients and sector opportunities for EPG, especially within the quarrying industry, where Hafren Water has built a strong reputation.

Hafren Water will continue to operate under its well-respected brand, maintaining its base in Shrewsbury, and will work closely with EPG to share knowledge, expertise, and to continue delivering excellence for clients. The two businesses are committed to long-term collaboration, stability, and sustainable business development for both brands.

“We’re delighted to welcome Hafren Water into the EPG family,” said Phil Williams, Director of EPG. “Their hydrology and hydrogeology expertise will significantly strengthen our services and help us deliver even greater value to our clients. This acquisition is about long-term growth and building strong foundations for the future.”

“Joining EPG allows us to build on our existing strengths while collaborating to expand our capabilities and reach,” added Chris Leake, Director of Hafren Water. “We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for our clients, our people, and the wider industry.”

EPG looks forward to a successful partnership with Hafren Water, expanding its ability to deliver innovative, sustainable, and technically robust environmental solutions.

The Environmental Protection Group (EPG) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hafren Water, a respected environmental consultancy specialising in hydrology and hydrogeology services.

This acquisition marks another exciting milestone in EPG’s continued growth, with Hafren Water’s hydrogeology expertise complementing EPG’s existing services and strengths with the ability to deliver integrated water and geoenvironmental management solutions across the UK and beyond.

Hafren Water brings a highly skilled team of specialists with extensive experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, water resource management, and flood risk assessment. Their technical excellence will further enhance EPG’s elite capabilities, enabling the development of groundwater and piling works risk assessments in addition to risk assessments for infiltration systems on high-risk sites, providing guidance from inception to completion of a project.

The acquisition introduces new clients and sector opportunities for EPG, especially within the quarrying industry, where Hafren Water has built a strong reputation.

Hafren Water will continue to operate under its well-respected brand, maintaining its base in Shrewsbury, and will work closely with EPG to share knowledge, expertise, and to continue delivering excellence for clients. The two businesses are committed to long-term collaboration, stability, and sustainable business development for both brands.

“We’re delighted to welcome Hafren Water into the EPG family,” said Phil Williams, Director of EPG. “Their hydrology and hydrogeology expertise will significantly strengthen our services and help us deliver even greater value to our clients. This acquisition is about long-term growth and building strong foundations for the future.”

“Joining EPG allows us to build on our existing strengths while collaborating to expand our capabilities and reach,” added Chris Leake, Director of Hafren Water. “We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for our clients, our people, and the wider industry.”

EPG looks forward to a successful partnership with Hafren Water, expanding its ability to deliver innovative, sustainable, and technically robust environmental solutions.

The Environmental Protection Group (EPG) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hafren Water, a respected environmental consultancy specialising in hydrology and hydrogeology services.

This acquisition marks another exciting milestone in EPG’s continued growth, with Hafren Water’s hydrogeology expertise complementing EPG’s existing services and strengths with the ability to deliver integrated water and geoenvironmental management solutions across the UK and beyond.

Hafren Water brings a highly skilled team of specialists with extensive experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, water resource management, and flood risk assessment. Their technical excellence will further enhance EPG’s elite capabilities, enabling the development of groundwater and piling works risk assessments in addition to risk assessments for infiltration systems on high-risk sites, providing guidance from inception to completion of a project.

The acquisition introduces new clients and sector opportunities for EPG, especially within the quarrying industry, where Hafren Water has built a strong reputation.

Hafren Water will continue to operate under its well-respected brand, maintaining its base in Shrewsbury, and will work closely with EPG to share knowledge, expertise, and to continue delivering excellence for clients. The two businesses are committed to long-term collaboration, stability, and sustainable business development for both brands.

“We’re delighted to welcome Hafren Water into the EPG family,” said Phil Williams, Director of EPG. “Their hydrology and hydrogeology expertise will significantly strengthen our services and help us deliver even greater value to our clients. This acquisition is about long-term growth and building strong foundations for the future.”

“Joining EPG allows us to build on our existing strengths while collaborating to expand our capabilities and reach,” added Chris Leake, Director of Hafren Water. “We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for our clients, our people, and the wider industry.”

EPG looks forward to a successful partnership with Hafren Water, expanding its ability to deliver innovative, sustainable, and technically robust environmental solutions.

The Environmental Protection Group (EPG) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hafren Water, a respected environmental consultancy specialising in hydrology and hydrogeology services.

This acquisition marks another exciting milestone in EPG’s continued growth, with Hafren Water’s hydrogeology expertise complementing EPG’s existing services and strengths with the ability to deliver integrated water and geoenvironmental management solutions across the UK and beyond.

Hafren Water brings a highly skilled team of specialists with extensive experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, water resource management, and flood risk assessment. Their technical excellence will further enhance EPG’s elite capabilities, enabling the development of groundwater and piling works risk assessments in addition to risk assessments for infiltration systems on high-risk sites, providing guidance from inception to completion of a project.

The acquisition introduces new clients and sector opportunities for EPG, especially within the quarrying industry, where Hafren Water has built a strong reputation.

Hafren Water will continue to operate under its well-respected brand, maintaining its base in Shrewsbury, and will work closely with EPG to share knowledge, expertise, and to continue delivering excellence for clients. The two businesses are committed to long-term collaboration, stability, and sustainable business development for both brands.

“We’re delighted to welcome Hafren Water into the EPG family,” said Phil Williams, Director of EPG. “Their hydrology and hydrogeology expertise will significantly strengthen our services and help us deliver even greater value to our clients. This acquisition is about long-term growth and building strong foundations for the future.”

“Joining EPG allows us to build on our existing strengths while collaborating to expand our capabilities and reach,” added Chris Leake, Director of Hafren Water. “We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for our clients, our people, and the wider industry.”

EPG looks forward to a successful partnership with Hafren Water, expanding its ability to deliver innovative, sustainable, and technically robust environmental solutions.

Severn Trent don’t do things by halves, and this was evidenced at the open event this week, where SuDS enthusiasts and professionals were invited to learn about the successes and challenges of the UK’s biggest SuDS retrofit scheme. In just three and half years, Seven Trent achieved delivery of getting 353 small and distributed SuDS interventions, through a supply chain that involved engaging numerous consultants, contractors and universities: no small feat herding that many big cats along with the smaller ones!

The day started with a visit to see a humble 3% of the SuDS interventions delivered throughout the town. Our group, led by SuDS champion nominee, Angus Smith, started with the scheme in the town centre. With nature coping well with the dry weather, and witnessing local workers enjoying the public space, our group were enlightened by Zac Tudor, the landscape architect behind Sheffield’s Grey to Green, about the secrets to the success of the vibrant and thriving planting scheme. It was clear that these city centre SuDS had turned a redundant car park, whilst intercepting drainage from the bus station, into a functional and well-loved public space.

From there we went to a raingarden build-out in a spot that was previously notorious for water to pool and cause a nuisance to highway users, as well as flooding the nearby low-lying garages. Our guide for this raingarden, the contractor from Kier, showed us photos of the historic flooding precisely at the location of the raingarden, and no one can negate that this opportunity to change a space where water pools and is a nuisance, into an attractive build-out by the highway, that can capture the nuisance water as part of its function, is a no-brainer.

The morning took us to see a number of larger interventions ranging from detentions basins that took advantage of housing estates with separate systems going into combined systems, that were plumbed into a retrofit basin, through to those collecting primarily highway drainage alongside green spaces converted into functional SuDS off the highway, to solutions which won the buy-in of allotment tenants by providing enhancements to their experience.

Heading back to the council chambers for an afternoon of talks, the air was charged with excitement. Witnessing firsthand what had been accomplished in Mansfield, and with several flood risk management authorities in attendance, there was a palpable sense of inspiration. Everyone seemed eager to return to their own regions and apply the same drive to make a difference.

With notebooks open and pens poised to take down the gold nuggets of success, we learnt more about the commercial design and delivery processes, key metrics, and the innovation and research resulting from this project. Reflecting on what I heard, my personal view is that Mansfield, as the demonstrator project that it was, has proven the possibilities and clear benefits of catchment wide retrofitting of SuDS.

These small interventions, dispersed throughout a huge watershed, all add up to provide a noticeable cumulative effect. To quote former SuDS champion, and in my eyes one of the founders of the SuDS movement in England, Sue Illman, Mansfield “got nibbling”, and by goodness did it nibble away at the flood risk by delivering a whopping 31 million litres of storage, by finding the undeniable opportunities to intercept overland flow and use up that storage.

The only saddening aspect about it, is the cost and funding stream. Mansfield was funded by a one-off funding stream created by Ofwat following the pandemic, to build-back better and

greener, known as Green Recovery. This funding stream allowed a bespoke cost benefit assessment to be developed which enabled the delivery at pace by speeding up the initial project stages of evidencing a business case before construction can commence.

Financial success and governance were provided by a cost-benefit ratio which was seen to be quick and dirty, and called the “rule of thumb”, which negated the need for a long, drawn-out process developing reliable hydraulic models to demonstrate upfront that the interventions will provide flood risk alleviations. In Mansfield, a pragmatic approach was adopted using the “rule of thumb” which in essence was an excel based SuDS volume calculator. If it could be demonstrated, using knowledge of the topography and how water will flow, that an intervention can intercept a minimum amount defined by a cost beneficial threshold of overland flow, then the SuDS intervention could proceed.

I found myself asking, and posed the question to the panel, whether this pragmatic approach should be advocated and allowed within the flood risk funding decision makers such as the FCERM (Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk management) funding streams provided by Treasury. It could fast track projects into delivery by avoiding excessive model-building by the rightly so, perfectionist hydraulic modelling community, who often take great pride, at the expense of time and cost, in developing the best and closest model they can to represent reality, before they put their name to it and allow decision makers to use it as a basis to unlock precious construction funding.

Finally, the only downside to the Mansfield project I heard discussed, amongst the excitement of these beautiful green and functional spaces, was the cost. You could the sense the cash-strapped local authorities’ hearts sink as they learnt about how inflation in recent times had seen the total cost of these scheme soar.

Is there anything in the commercial strategy adopted by a multi-national listed company, that maybe the smaller authorities don’t necessarily have to follow, to deliver more cost-effective solutions. As mentioned in my introduction, Severn Trent engaged a large number of supply chain partners, with multi-tier contracting and complex project management and governance arrangements. I am hopeful that this aspect of Mansfield doesn’t necessarily have to be emulated by smaller authorities wanting to copy Mansfield’s approach.

Could an alternative approach be to work through a single source supplier, potentially with a local connection, appointed to a dedicated single intervention or group of interventions connected by the community (e.g. a street). Could this offer a cost-effective solution that would also go some way to addressing one the points raised by Mansfield about the need for successful community engagement and buy-in?

I look to the future with great anticipation on how the learnings from Mansfield will influence the future of retrofit SuDS. I’m committed to continuing to pursue the effective implementation of SuDS alongside like-minded colleagues and feel that there is no better time than now to really push the boundaries.