Water sector

The UK water industry is heavily regulated and is facing significant change. We have extensive experience of advising water utilities and regulators.

We work with our clients to identify the best and most appropriate procurement strategy and contractual mechanism to ensure projects are delivered economically and efficiently. We provide practical and commercial legal advice and guide multi-disciplinary teams through complex procurement, negotiation and due diligence processes.

We have advised on:

  • Direct procurement for customers
  • Procurement under the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016
  • Construction matters for major water infrastructure
  • Service agreements to support water
  • Submissions to regulators as part of regular price control processes
  • Application of competition law
  • Economic regulatory issues
  • Bulk supplies
  • Bespoke major schemes including Thames Tideway Tunnel

Our team has advised on some of the most significant and complex infrastructure deals to close in the last decade including on Thames Tideway Tunnel. The team has an enviable reputation nationally.

We advise on all the core areas relevant to water projects, including procurement, real estate, planning, construction contracts, structuring and funding of projects.

We can also support you on related aspects, including environmental regulation and dispute resolution.

Case highlights

  • We acted for Thames Water supporting and developing the £4.2 billion Thames Tideway Tunnel project.
  • We advised Bazalgette Tunnel Limited (Tideway) on their construction arrangements and post licence award procurement and commercial issues.
  • We represent a regulatory body developing a new form of private financing solution in the water sector for major infrastructure.
  • We are advising a water utility company developing a c.£100m new reservoir – including developing construction and procurement documents.
  • We are advising a water utility company putting in place an innovative form of bulk supply agreement – including regulatory and commercial agreements.
  • We have assisted a number of water companies in providing submissions to Ofwat at multiple Price Reviews.

What others say

Very professional and consistent with the people they have on projects. The quality of advice you get back is top-notch.

Chambers UK 2020

They are very professional and clearly demonstrate a desire to deliver the best possible outcome for their clients.

Chambers UK 2020

Sound experience and knowledge of regulated utilities and a unique set of legal and regulatory characteristics through working with government departments, economic and environmental regulators and the companies themselves.

Legal 500 - 2020 edition

Sharpe Pritchard has an excellent knowledge of market trends and precedent on government infrastructure projects. Their advice is pragmatic and straightforward even when the underlying issues are complex.

Legal 500 - 2020 edition

Excellent advice. They feel like they are part of our team when they are working for us – they integrate very well.

Client

Their commitment to the project and client is second to none. They stand within and support the whole team and do not deliver legal advice from the sidelines.

Client

Everyone involved has done amazing things to get us to a place where these procurements have been able to be released to the committed and very demanding timeline. Thanks are due to all involved, …shown unbelievable ownership and commitment above and beyond what could reasonably be expected. I am, and [the project] is, very grateful and indebted for your efforts – awesome and inspiring professionals – thank you.

Client
Steve Gummer
Partner
Roseanne Serrelli
Partner, Head of Projects
Nicola Sumner
Partner, Head of Infrastructure

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Water sector