Safety first for new Group partnership

BGS Group has appointed Sphere Risk Health and Safety Management (RHSM) as its new health and safety partner operating nationwide, supporting its two businesses BGS Utilities and Utilities Direct (UDL).

Sphere’s role will focus on enabling a holistic approach to the health, safety and wellbeing requirements for the multi-utility infrastructure provider, and will work alongside the Group’s existing technical compliance advisors.

The opportunity to engage a new health and safety partner arose following the acquisition of UDL by BGS Group in January 2026 – with the appointment made following an assessment process, performance review and engagement from teams spanning all aspects of BGS’ operations.

Jonathan Hopkins, BGS Group Managing Director, said: “Health, safety and workplace wellbeing are important in any business, and while site safety and technical compliance will always be critical to our operations, we wanted to find a partner who could support us holistically across all our activities.

“We’ve spent some time getting to know the team at Sphere and given their national reach and knowledge of the utilities and infrastructure sectors, we felt they were the right fit for us.”

Sphere’s team will start by carrying out a formal review of BGS’ existing systems and processes. This will include a gap analysis and site visits along with a comprehensive review of all risk assessments before mapping out recommendations and a plan to support the Group’s strategic growth plan.

Steve Smith, Sphere RHSM Managing Director, added: “We provide responsible and realistic health and safety advice to businesses based on their individual risk – and this model works for BGS Group. Formalising our partnership means we can work on prioritising the health, safety and wellbeing of their employees as they grow, which is an exciting journey to be part of.”

Jonathan concluded: “The appointment of Sphere RHSM has the full support of our leadership team and reflects our shared commitment to continually strengthen health, safety and operational excellence across BGS Group.”

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Sky’s no Limit for BGS Group

National multi-utility infrastructure installer BGS Group has appointed experienced finance director Louis McCumesky to its senior team, bolstering its ambitions to be the supply-chain partner of choice to developers in the industrial, commercial and residential construction markets.

The announcement follows the Group’s acquisition of Northampton-based Utilities Direct earlier this year, which saw it expand its operations from a North-West base to provide a multi-utility infrastructure service to clients across the Midlands and South.

Fresh into his new post, Louis joins the Group from a previous role as finance director for an SME working in the renewable energy sector. This combination of industry specialism and business development was a key attraction for BGS, making him the ideal candidate to help steer the Group’s future direction both in terms of revenue generation and service delivery options.

Louis said: “BGS feels like a business which is just getting started. The team has already achieved a great deal, but the opportunities to grow our client base, develop our service offering and build our team further to achieve the next stage of our journey, are exciting.

“I’m impressed by the ambition and positivity of the people I’ve met so far and when you have a leadership team which is focused on growth, it creates possibilities. I’m looking forward to seeing how we can build on the foundations which are already in place and take advantage of what lies ahead.”

Louis will work alongside Group Managing Director, Jonathan Hopkins. He added: “This has been a critical role for us to fill and I’m pleased to have found the right person in Louis. Qualification, capability and experience are obviously important, but being the right fit for our growing team is a deal breaker for me.

“I’m pleased to say Louis seems to have fitted right in – and now the hard work starts. We’ve set ourselves some ambitious targets across the next five years and I’m looking forward to Louis telling me how we’re going to hit them. It’ll be a fun journey.”

BGS Group employs around 50 people across its two businesses BGS Utilities and Utilities Direct. During the last year the Group has secured significant contracts including high profile regeneration work in central Manchester and a 376-plot new homes development in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.

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The power to educate

When a Main Contractor is appointed to deliver a new school building, 12 months can pass before the full award is granted and work starts on site. In that time, power availability secured for the project can expire meaning they’re left with a problem. Jonathan Hopkins, Managing Director of BGS Utilities explains what can be done.

“To make the lights come on in a building, you need a power supply. This is something which is currently in high demand in the UK, so to help manage the situation Network Operators are required by Ofgem to put expiry dates on connection agreements. This ensures no one is holding the queue up with what’s known as ‘zombie projects’, but also means if your development doesn’t meet certain timeline milestones, you’ll lose your Point of Connection (PoC).

“This can be a problem in the education sector. In a typical scenario, Main Contractors will go to the relevant Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for whichever part of the country they’re in to obtain a power supply quote which they can submit as part of their tender to the Department of Education. But what’s tending to happen, is this quote expires before the contract has been awarded – meaning the Contractor has to go through the whole process again with the risk of price increases or no power at all.  

“What then often happens following initial contract award, is Main Contractors will turn to an Independent Connections Provider (ICP) to value engineer the original DNO connection quote for them. But what this sequence of events does, is add risk. For an ICP to provide an accurate quote and if the PoC has expired through waiting for the final contract award, they will have to reapply. There is no guarantee with this approach that the PoC will still be available, leaving the project without power.

“So that’s all quite challenging – what are the alternatives? The key is to keep the PoC live. And to do that, you need to work with a connections provider who’s fully invested in your project.

“As an example, we’ve delivered a number of school building projects with a Tier 1 Contractor based in the North of England. Because we’ve spent time developing our relationship with them, we’ll work together during that 12-month lead in, but are mindful of keeping their outlay to a minimum. Over that time, we can review their build plan, location details and other key information, to can help them understand the infrastructure logistics, look at power availability and even see where delays could be experienced with offsite cabling routes.

“What this approach does is simplify the whole network connection process. It gives them insight into key dates, helping them plan their programme of works. We can also go one step further when a contract is awarded, by ensuring our design team is proactively keeping the utilities arm of a project moving and getting the legals started which is all part of the critical pathway to project delivery.

“So, my advice for ensuring your project can go live, is to understand what’s involved in delivering its utility infrastructure. If you can get ahead at tender and contract stage with a thorough knowledge of the site and begin to mitigate against its challenges, you can put yourself in the driving seat rather than risk being caught out and potentially losing money if you don’t meet your deadline.”

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Driving Regeneration – From Ambition to Delivery

BGS Group Managing Director Jonathan Hopkins, recently took part in a roundtable discussion organised by Insider Media to explore how development and regeneration can be accelerated in practice.

Read the full article here: https://www.insidermedia.com/roundtables/driving-regeneration-from-ambition-to-delivery#0

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New national footprint established for BGS Group

Northern multi-utility infrastructure provider BGS Group has acquired Utilities Direct Ltd (UDL) and with it, the opportunity to expand its business operations into the Midlands and South.

As the first acquisition for BGS since it was founded in 2003, the Warrington-based business has signed terms for the agreement which will see its operational teams work hand in hand with Northampton-based self-lay provider, supporting existing contracts and developing its multi-utility reach.

The announcement follows a series of recent business development initiatives by BGS: Its portfolio in the industrial and commercial sector has gained momentum over the past 12 to 24 months which in turn has led to a recruitment drive, the opening of a second office, investment in its lead generation activities and the introduction of new operational systems.

Jonathan Hopkins, BGS Group Managing Director, said: “This is a story about our growth. I’m very clear about where I want to take the business and if we’re to achieve our ambitions of being the first-choice multi-utility infrastructure provider for the sectors in which we operate, then we needed to achieve a national footprint.

“UDL is an excellent fit for BGS. It’s a well-respected business, has a loyal client base, an experienced team and a credible reputation. I see this acquisition as an opportunity for both companies to build on their knowledge and work collaboratively, expanding service capabilities across all our clients and working together as one team.”

UDL has been operating out of Northampton since 2007 as a self-lay provider, designing and installing infrastructure for water networks to service new residential developments.

Bryan Lamont, UDL Operations Director, added: “The opportunity presented with BGS Utilities was ideal for us. They want to expand their multi-utility footprint for the industrial and commercial market, and to be able to offer electricity as an option for our existing housebuilding clients, it made sense.

“We’re clear about what BGS’ plans are and there’s a journey ahead for all of us but it’s something we’re excited about, and I look forward to seeing where this partnership takes the business.”

Mat Sheppard and Bryan Lamont will retire from their positions as Managing Director and Operations Director respectively following the acquisition, with all remaining UDL employees becoming part of the BGS family.

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BGS Managing Director named as Finalist in Leadership Awards

Jonathan Hopkins, Managing Director of BGS Utilities has been shortlisted in two categories in the 2026 North West Leadership Awards, run by media outlet TheBusinessDesk.com

As a Finalist in the ‘Emerging Entrepreneur Leader’ and ‘Company Leader (under 50 employees)’ categories, Jonathan’s entry was recognised by a panel of judges made up of previous Award winners and chaired by joint Managing Director of TheBusinessDesk.com, Alex Turner.

For the Warrington-based business with a strong network across the North West, this is the first time the utility-infrastructure company has entered the Leadership Awards. But with Jonathan’s recent listing in Insider Media’s 42 Under 42 for the North West and evidence of how the Company is becoming a provider of choice for Developers and Main Contractors across the region, putting a submission forward seemed a logical next step.

Jonathan’s entry talked about growing up as part of the business which was founded by his Dad, to now being its Managing Director and steering its future success as an employee and client-focussed organisation.

Jonathan said: “I entered these Awards for my team. Personally, I feel a bit uncomfortable being singled out in this way, but if my presence on the shortlist and in the room of Finalists means there is opportunity for the BGS Utilities team, then that’s what this must be about. I’m honoured to be included, but my team are the ones who deserve the recognition.”

Alex Turner added: “Our judges faced difficult decisions and had to leave out some high-performers, but the shortlist is packed with impressive individuals who are exemplars for us all.”

The winners will be announced at an Awards dinner to be held at the Midland Hotel, Manchester on 5th March.

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BGS Utilities growth journey boosted by NPIF II investment

Multi-utility infrastructure provider BGS Utilities has received a six-figure investment boost to assist the firm’s future growth.

Based out of its offices in Birchwood Park, Warrington, BGS Utilities works across the industrial and commercial, and house building sectors across the North West and surrounding areas. The investment from NPIF II – FW Capital Debt Finance, which is managed by FW Capital as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) is assisting the firm’s financial planning strategy providing a solid platform to help meet its growth targets and facilitate further new contract wins.

BGS Utilities employs around 40 people. During the last year the firm has secured a significant volume of new contracts including Manchester City Centre regeneration projects for Renaker, new homes developments for Wain Homes, Ecclestone Homes, Belway and Vistry, and the Animate Studios in Preston.

Jonathan Hopkins, Managing Director at BGS Utilities said: “The utility infrastructure market is incredibly competitive but we’re focussed on finding innovative ways of working which deliver better engineered solutions for our clients. The backing from FW Capital has been key to our growth plans and we’re proud to be able to secure funding through NPIF II knowing our sector isn’t typically favoured for this support.”

Caroline Turley, Investment Executive at FW Capital added: “BGS Utilities is innovative in the work it delivers for its clients and has created a well-established, expanding business. Its vision for future growth and commitment to offering groundbreaking utility infrastructure services has impressed us. Through NPIF II we are able to address the funding gap that businesses like BGS Utilities can encounter, breaking down barriers to accessing much needed finance for growth.”

Sue Barnard, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank said: “As cities across the North West continue to expand and grow, it’s important they have the infrastructure and providers to fulfil this potential. That’s why supporting businesses like BGS Utilities is essential in unlocking infrastructure projects across our region. It’s something that NPIF II is continuing to support, ensuring we’re providing funding that doesn’t just support the growth of individual businesses, but of our entire regional economy.”

The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIFII) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for the North’s smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance. FW Capital will provide debt finance options from £100,000 to £2million to businesses based in the North West of England, with some flexibility to lend across the North.

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How we’re breaking ground in I&C

Jonathan Hopkins, Managing Director, BGS Utilities

When our new website launched in the summer, the page with by far the most hits was our service offering for the Industrial and Commercial (I&C) sector. I think our expertise in I&C may have come as news to some.

Truth is, we’ve been working in the I&C sector for years but have never really shouted about it. Anyone who follows our social feed will have seen a rising number of projects such as high rise residential, logistics parks and school building contracts being talked about, and these now account for a significant amount of our portfolio. But this industry is competitive, so what are we doing that’s different? How are we ‘breaking ground’ in I&C?

I’ll start with inhouse design.

There are very few multi-utility infrastructure providers operating at scale whose design function is entirely inhouse. Running this as an internal function brings huge benefits to the operational and delivery capabilities we can offer our clients. I&C is riddled with complexities and challenges, but thanks to the knowledge we hold across our teams, we’ve been able to deliver time and again for clients where other providers have failed.

Keeping design inhouse also means we can get properly under the skin of a project, which brings me neatly to the strong link between our design and ops teams. These departments sit alongside each other, enjoying a type of collaboration which can’t be matched when work is outsourced. I know how valuable a resource this is, so it’s one in which I’m prioritising investment.

And while we do run a close-knit team overall, we’ve focused on separating out our I&C and housebuilding specialisms. This is really important to us and to the people we work for. Designing, estimating and delivering an I&C project is completely different to how housebuilding works, so we’ve made sure the right people are working on the right projects and while we share knowledge, we’re focused on providing a specialist service.

And taking that approach one step further, it sounds cliché, but we’re small enough to care.

BGS Utilities is just us. We’re not owned by anyone else. We don’t have shareholders chasing us on targets and some of our most experienced team members chose to join us because we keep it ‘personal’. We’ve got ambition of course and are doing well, but as the owner of this business, I always want the strength of our capabilities to be reflected in our work and in how our clients view us.

All these elements are reasons why I&C developers are choosing to switch their multi-utility infrastructure contracts to us, but I also think there’s another factor at play.

Even though we’ve been working in I&C for a while, we’re perceived as the ‘new kid on the block’. We don’t yet have the budgets of some bigger multi-utility providers, so our marketing, recruitment and networking haven’t been at scale yet. But we’re making waves and have started to win significant contracts that are paving the way for our future.

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BGS Utilities listed in new multi-utility framework for Barratt Redrow

Barratt Redrow launches sector-leading multi-utility framework across its 32 operating divisions.

Barratt Redrow, the country’s largest homebuilder, is launching a new multi-utility framework, bringing together 20 approved suppliers to support delivery across all of its 32 operating divisions around the country. The framework covers design and build delivering electric, water and gas utility networks.

The new framework is designed to streamline procurement, drive consistency, and deliver best-in-class multi-utility solutions for Barratt Redrow. This is the first time such a multi-utility framework has been agreed by a major national homebuilder, and by combining expertise, innovation, and collaboration, it sets a new benchmark for how utilities are delivered across the whole of the housebuilding sector.

Gavin Thorne, Group Head of Infrastructure and Utilities, said: “The scale and ambition of this framework reflects our commitment to working smarter with our supply chain partners. With 20 approved suppliers, each bringing specialist expertise, we are ensuring our developments benefit from efficient, sustainable, and future-ready utility infrastructure. This is a step-change for the industry and a model we are proud to lead.”

The launch of the framework was marked by a networking event at The Hilton Hotel East Midlands Airport attended by all 20 of the suppliers, highlighting the collaborative approach at the heart of the framework. This engagement ensures shared standards, innovation, and a commitment to long-term value for Barratt Redrow customers, the communities it builds, and the wider industry.

Jonathan Hopkins, Managing Director of BGS Utilities, added: “Having this framework in place means the terms and conditions across all 20 multi-utility utility providers are aligned, creating a level playing field from which to bid for work. Designing, constructing and connecting multi-utility infrastructure for the housebuilding industry has been our bread and butter for many years and we’re excited about the potential which now lies ahead of us, working with the UK’s largest housebuilder.”

The framework reinforces Barratt Redrow’s position as a sector leader in delivering integrated solutions that support growth, sustainability, and operational excellence. This is the third framework it has launched in the last 3 years, having previously announced new agreements covering the provision of fibre optic networks and the design and build of new pumping stations.

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BGS Shortlisted for Project of the Year at Construction News Specialist Awards

The shortlist for the 2025 Construction News Specialist Awards has officially been announced and utility infrastructure specialist BGS has been named as a Finalist.

The Warrington-based business has been recognised in the Project of the Year category for specialist contractors working on projects worth up to £2m.  Its submission was for works it delivered for the One Port Street development in Manchester, a high-rise residential project which is part of the £740million Northern Quarter regeneration project.

BGS chose to enter the Awards for the first time this year, recognising them as one of the most highly regarded in the construction industry. With entries judged by more than 60 industry peers and professionals, BGS knew the quality of its work would be scrutinised and even to be awarded Finalist status, is evidence of respect from within the sector.

Managing Director, Jonathan Hopkins, said: “I feel extremely proud of the team. One Port Street was a challenging project to deliver and it’s only down to their expertise that we overcame the obstacles in our way and delivered for our client. This recognition, and who knows, maybe the Award as well, are theirs and they deserve to take the glory.”

Award entries were received across 24 categories across every aspect of life in the construction industry. BGS’ submission will now be reviewed alongside 12 other finalists in with Jonathan attending an in-person judging panel in London in July, ahead of the Awards presentation evening in September.

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