Severn Trent to create 440 jobs in Midlands with plans to install 870 miles of new pipes

As part of its multibillion investment plan, which will create 440 jobs,  Severn Trent says it is spending £415m to benefit homes and businesses. 

 In Shropshire, there will be £46m invested delivering 119 miles of pipes and creating 49 new jobs while the investment will include £43 million spent in Staffordshire and the same figure more centrally.      

Severn Trent will begin recruitment of new team members this month to help replace  old water pipes by 2030. 

New pipes are made from modern materials that can last up to 100 years, meaning fewer leaks, better water quality, and a more reliable supply. 

Liv Garfield, Severn Trent CEO said: “This is a hugely ambitious project – one of the largest of its kind in decades. 

"We are pleased to be providing a massive boost to jobs, as well as laying miles of new water pipes across the region which will allow customers to enjoy the best water quality for years to come.    

 “Upgrading our pipes isn’t just about making improvements today; it’s about creating a more secure water future and investing in our communities for generations to come.    

 “We’re building a brand-new team to make this happen and we’re proud to welcome so many new people into the Severn Trent family in the next year.”   

The company said the  programme of new water pipes renewal will safeguard water supplies for millions of customer and, with new pipes, Severn Trent is aiming to cut down on water leaks by 16 per cent by 2030 and by 50 per cent by 2045.   

The business said that, by updating old infrastructure now, it is hoped costly repairs can be avoided.    

Customers in areas where pipes are being upgraded will get smart water meters, helping customers track usage and save money on bills.    

The news came as Severn Trent revealed half-year revenue have moved past the £1.21  billion mark  for the six months to  September 30,  which was up from £1.16 billion for the same period in 2023. 

Interim results also highlighted profits before interest and tax stood at £297.8m, which was up  from £255.1m. 

Ms Garfield added:  "I am proud of what we have delivered for customers, hitting our targets on leakage and blockages while also achieving the highest 4* status from the Environment Agency in each of the last five years. 

"We have continued to lead the industry on sustainability, pioneering carbon neutral technology and progressing our Green Recovery programme at pace, while committing to support 100,000 people out of poverty by 2033.

 "But we know there is more to do. The Outstanding rating we received for our plan gives us visibility and confidence to make a fast start on the biggest investment programme in our history. We are implementing the sector's most ambitious storm overflow improvement plan at pace, while also creating 7,000 jobs across our region, including a new 440-strong team of experts dedicated to our water pipe replacement programme. We are going further and faster than ever before and have a great platform to deliver huge benefits for our region in the years ahead." 

The utility company said it will fail the so-called compliance risk index (CRI), a metric which indicates whether firms are treating water in line with regulations.

Severn said it expects “to be in penalty” on the metric, mainly down to a treatment works in Strensham, Worcester, where it said it has introduced a new disinfection scheme.

The company, which serves about 4.6 million homes and businesses across the Midlands and Wales, said it was on course to meet the “vast majority” of its performance targets.