Mid Kent Holdings plc Companies – Halcrow Water Services

Since its formation in 1995 HWS has grown substantially, now employing over 50 staff and with sales outside the Mid Kent group of over £1m a year.

Although its main areas of work are in water infrastructure, covering distribution systems, pumping stations and treatment works, HWS has developed particular niche skill areas which include gas network modelling and three-dimensional virtual reality modelling, as well as ‘soft’ skill areas such as programme management.

Last year, external work undertaken included distribution network modelling for Southern Water, three-dimensional virtual reality modelling for Thames Water, gas network modelling for Transco and water distribution network modelling in Venezuela.

Meeting the need for change
Since April 2000, HWS has a new and challenging remit. Market assessments have confirmed that there is a large and growing worldwide demand for private sector involvement in the management and operation of water supply systems. HWS has responded to this by establishing an Operations division to complement the existing Consultancy division, thus offering clients a ‘one-stop-shop’. HWS has also been designated the centre of excellence for water distribution engineering, network modelling and non-revenue water (NRW) reduction for the Halcrow Group.

The Operations division will concentrate on distribution system and NRW consultancy contracts, where desirable sharing the risks and rewards of leakage and NRW use reduction with clients, as well as general operational management, audits and advice related to water services.

Through the Operations division HWS is building an international business based on the established management and operational skills of Mid Kent Water and the international reputation and experience of Halcrow.

The Consultancy division now comprises two departments separately servicing Mid Kent Water’s requirements and those of external clients. A range of consultancy work is undertaken, including traditional direct consultancy, design and build with contractors, and other specialist services.

A positive future
With the ability to draw upon the strong operational experience of Mid Kent Water and the well-respected consultancy profile of Halcrow, HWS is able to offer attractive solutions to meet the needs of today’s demanding water sector clients. In addition to constructing new works, environmental and cost pressures are increasingly leading clients to focus on achieving the best performance from their existing assets. The company is well placed to support them in this vital and fast growing area. HWS has positioned itself to meet the challenges and benefit from the opportunities that a rapidly changing world will bring.

Halcrow Water Services has engineers with a strong operational background who have supported the Halcrow Group both in Buenos Aires and Venezuela.

The continuing development of tourism in the West Indies is putting increasing pressure on the water infrastructure. Halcrow Water Services is using its expertise to assist clients in reducing leakage.

Recent innovations and technological developments now enable designers to create sophisticated 3D images for engineering and architectural use. Senior CAD technician Simon Fryatt has recently been constructing a 3-D model of a major Thames Water pumping station adjacent to Victoria Railway Station. From initial study of record drawings Simon has developed a model that is not only an accurate 3-D representation, but also simulates water levels under different operating conditions.