Irish firm Farrans has expressed its delight after being confirmed as an Asset Delivery Partner for Scottish Water's largest-ever investment programme. The publicly-owned utility has announced the seven partner companies selected to collaborate on a joint enterprise designed to upgrade the country's water and waste water infrastructure.

Operating under the name The Enterprise, the joint venture will span an initial six-year delivery period from 2027 to 2033. This collaboration forms part of a proposed £8bn investment that was recently outlined in the 2027-33 Business Plan, with the core objectives of protecting the environment, preserving Scotland's world-class water quality, and meeting customer needs.

The seven organisations chosen to work alongside Scottish Water in this joint venture are:

• Stantec – Primary Designer

• Aecom – Primary Designer

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• M Group Water – Asset Delivery Partner

• Mott MacDonald Bentley – Asset Delivery Partner

• Farrans Limited – Asset Delivery Partner

• WGM Engineering – Asset Delivery Partner

• Ross-Shire Engineering – Asset Delivery Partner

Rob Mustard, Director of Capital Investment at Scottish Water, said: "The Enterprise is part of the most significant programme of investment and way of working we have ever implemented. It supports our goals of financial sustainability, service excellence, and going beyond net zero, all while contributing to a flourishing Scotland.

"We're moving to an 'advanced partnering' model, shifting from traditional contracting to a more collaborative approach. This model brings partners together through agreed outcomes, ensuring we deliver value for our customers and innovation in every project.

"It represents a significant evolution in how we approach capital investments. It's designed to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, aligning with our long-term goals of environmental stewardship and community enhancement. We're eager to partner with others to achieve these ambitions."

The initial six-year programme is expected to generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities throughout the supply chain, creating new positions due to the heightened investment and offering roles for young people.

Alongside job creation, The Enterprise will focus on delivering social value and supporting local communities. The partner companies are set to provide 6,000 volunteering days alongside community engagement initiatives, while the scheme also schedules around 426 educational visits over the six-year period to bolster education and community development.