BEAMA has launched an Electricity Networks Infrastructure Services Group to represent contractors delivering Britain’s grid upgrades, with United Infrastructure, Balfour Beatty and M Group among its founding members.
United Infrastructure will chair the group, which covers civil engineering, construction, design, specification and related services. Its priorities include workforce development, procurement reform and clearer visibility of future contracts to support supply-chain investment.
The launch follows the Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan, which sets out £181 billion of network investment by 2035. The plan identifies a need to recruit, train and retain an estimated 71,000 people for direct roles over that period.
Contractors gain route into growth partnership
The group gives services companies direct participation in the Electricity Networks Growth Partnership, established by BEAMA and the Energy Networks Association to implement the sector plan.
It expands BEAMA’s representation beyond manufacturers and suppliers of electricity network systems to include companies responsible for infrastructure delivery.
Griff Thomas, Executive Director of Energy Transition at United Infrastructure and Chair of the ENI Services Group, said:
“A contractor’s perspective is critical if the UK is to deliver this infrastructure as efficiently as possible. By bringing leading delivery partners together, we will have a single voice on policy and regulation, so we can shape it rather than just be on the receiving end of it.”
Workforce and procurement lead agenda
The group will help develop a national training programme and inform proposed changes to procurement rules and industry standards. It will also work with network operators, government and Ofgem on the conditions needed for companies to expand UK capacity.
Tony Wilson, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission and Distribution business, said:
“The scale of investment required to upgrade the UK’s electricity network represents a significant opportunity for our industry, but delivering it will require close collaboration across the entire supply chain.
Through BEAMA’s new Electricity Networks Infrastructure Services Group, we can bring together the experience of those delivering this critical infrastructure to help tackle some of the key challenges facing the sector, from developing the skilled workforce we need to creating greater certainty and visibility across the pipeline. By working collectively, we can help build the capacity and capability needed to deliver the UK’s future energy infrastructure.”
Andy Smith, Managing Director, Distribution and EV, at M Group, said:
“The growth in the electricity networks sector not only brings a shared challenge but also a fantastic opportunity to create and shape lifelong careers in an exciting industry, including for many young people looking to make that first step.
This is the first time we have had the opportunity to bring together infrastructure delivery organisations under a single banner to support the electricity network sector at a time of significant investment.
We are delighted to be a founding member of this group and take our opportunity to shape how the industry tackles the growth in skills needed, as well as other shared challenges. I would love to see other organisations in this sector join the group and contribute to its success.”
BEAMA expands representation across delivery chain
The sector plan identifies potential to support more than 210,000 jobs and unlock £58 billion for the UK economy. Those estimates cover the wider network investment programme, rather than activity attributable to the new group.
Yselkla Farmer, CEO of BEAMA, said:
“This is the largest electricity network upgrade in a generation, and the scale is unprecedented. With the launch of the Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan, we now embark on an ambitious programme of work that requires decisive action and collaboration. Bringing together the full supply chain, from manufacturing and systems design to services and delivery, is essential.”
“There are huge benefits for the power grid infrastructure services industry in having a dedicated representative trade body at a time of such significant market change. BEAMA already has strong representation across other key markets including construction and transport. I am excited about the work we can now take forward with the new members joining us, as part of this historic move to expand our scope. We’re delighted to welcome United Infrastructure, Balfour Beatty and M Group, and we’d encourage other firms to join them.”
