• A New Approach

Northern Gas Networks Case Study

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) began working directly with small, local engineering firms in 2011 to deliver the bulk of its mains replacement work rather than relying on big, national contractors, which is the gas industry’s usual approach. All of NGN’s replacement works are now delivered by local companies, known as Construction Services Colleagues, pumping around £70million a year into the regional economy.

The scheme, which sees around 600 people employed as Construction Services Colleagues across the network, has not only changed the way NGN carries out its essential gas main replacement works, but it has also made a considerable impact on the services provided by companies such as M A Utilities (MAU).

NGN’s head of construction services, Dean Shepherdson, said: “Local firms have a great understanding of the areas they’re working in and know our stakeholders really well. The model has resulted in efficiencies improving by 10 per cent, while dramatically improving customer service and site safety.

“M A Utilities is a fantastic example of a firm being able to grow, upskill its workforce and stimulate the local economy with employment opportunities through our relationship with them.”

The scale of this model is unique in the gas industry.