UMi supports Northumbrian Water Group to drive biodiversity in new UK infrastructure projects
Every year the Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) Innovation Festival brings together thinkers, doers, and problem-solvers from across sectors to tackle water and environmental challenges through focused, high-energy design sprints.
At this year’s festival, one sprint was designed to push boundaries and explore creative, practical ways to deliver biodiversity net gain through construction, a challenge that is increasingly reshaping infrastructure projects across the UK.
Led by Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) and sponsored by construction partners BAM Nuttall and Farrans, the sprint brought together a cross-sector team of engineers, ecologists, and strategists, all focused on turning ambition into practical, scalable action.
For NWG’s Emily Johnson, the value of the sprint was clear from the start.
“It gave us the time and space to dig deeper into an idea and push it forward with real momentum,” she said. “We had a brilliant blend of experts and fresh perspectives, that has led to an excellent pitch to the exec team for further investment.”
The sprint’s focus on biodiversity reflected NWG’s wider commitment to environmental leadership, not just in meeting regulatory requirements, but in driving positive change across the supply chain.
Key to that impact was the involvement of sprint sponsors, who brought in specialists from across their businesses.
“These were people who don’t usually get to work together day-to-day,” said David Mellor, Contracts Director at Farrans. “Bringing them into a shared space like this, alongside voices from other disciplines, created real value, both for the sprint and for us as a business.” 
For BAM Nuttall’s Framework Delivery Manager, Andy Vipas, it was the blend of challenge and creativity that stood out.
“It was great to be in a space where we could be challenged constructively,” Andy said. “We came away with new thinking and a fresh appreciation of how diverse teams can approach challenges in ways that actually work on site.”
The group was supported by Sarah Cox, UMi’s Innovation Challenge Lead and an experienced sprint facilitator, who helped bring shape and direction to the process.
UMi makes it easier for businesses across the UK to access the best advice and funding solutions. Through the innovation arm of UMi, Innovation SuperNetwork, they help businesses do more and go further by bringing together the innovation ecosystem, enabling cross-sector collaboration and access to specialist innovation support, finance and market opportunities.
“This kind of collaboration works best when people feel supported to be bold,” said Sarah. “We had strong ideas in the room, but also uncertainty, which is normal. My role was to create structure, bring the energy, and keep us moving.”
That structure paid off. In just four days, the sprint team developed a clear concept that was pitch ready.
For NWG, the experience reinforced the power of cross-sector collaboration.
“When you bring the right people together, with shared intent and a bit of freedom to think differently, amazing things happen,” Emily said.
And for others thinking about approaching business challenges in the same way?
“Throw yourself into it,” said David. “It’s been a brilliant experience for everyone involved.”
Though the festival is over, innovation doesn’t end there. If you want to discover how challenge-led problem solving could support your business, get in touch with the UMi team.