GHD, one of the world’s leading professional services companies, has been appointed by the water sector regulator Ofwat on Lot 1A (Regulatory Economics) of its Consultancy Framework.

The framework will run for three years, with the option of a one-year extension. GHD will provide services in areas including cost assessment, economic appraisal and evaluation, behavioural economics and distributional analysis.

With a global network of water skills and experience that can be applied to local scenarios, the company also has extensive experience working with other regulated utility industries.

GHD supports water utilities and their construction partners in the design and delivery of capital projects, most recently securing a place on Galliford Try’s team on Thames Water’s AMP7 programme.

GHD is also active in the Middle East, where it is providing regulatory framework and price control advice for the Oman water and wastewater restructuring, and developing a water tankering management framework for the water/wastewater sector in Abu Dhabi.

Commenting on the appointment, Steve Scott, Executive Manager, GHD Advisory (UK), said: 

“This appointment to the Ofwat Consultancy Framework is an important milestone for GHD in the water sector, adding further weight to our credentials and capabilities in regulatory economics. We are committed to bringing new ideas and perspectives to the market and are delighted to have been entrusted by the water regulator for England and Wales to play a role in maintaining and improving this vital service we all rely on.”

John Hensman, UK Market Leader – Water at GHD, added: 

“The water sector is faced with operational, climate and political challenges, all whilst trying to deliver a great service for customers. It is a key area of focus for us, and we are very much looking forward to supporting Ofwat over the next few years to ensure lasting benefit for communities around the UK.”