OCU Group - Annual Report 2025

Strategic report

OCU Group | Annual report and financial statements 2025

Governance

Financial statements

Operational review OCU Utilities review

Future strategy and opportunities Looking ahead, OCU Utilities is well positioned to capitalise on significant operational growth opportunities across all markets. In telecoms, the continued rollout and future maintenance of the UK’s gigabit networks will require long‑term, trusted delivery partners. In regulated power, the RIIO-ED2 period presents a sustained program of reinforcement, upgrade and connection work. In water, AMP8 is driving unprecedented investment in resilience, environmental performance and asset renewal, supported by our strengthened capability in water design following the acquisition of Purestream. Our strategy is built around disciplined delivery, operational excellence and trusted relationships, creating a platform for sustainable growth.

Capabilities Data centres: Fibre & LV

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) Our HDD capability enables the installation of utilities infrastructure with minimal surface disruption. We use trenchless technology to deliver crossings beneath roads, railways, rivers and other sensitive environments. HDD is critical in both urban and remote locations for telecoms, power and water projects and programs. Substations We construct and upgrade substations that form a critical part of the UK’s regulated power infrastructure. Our teams deliver civil, mechanical and electrical works including switchgear installation and commissioning. This capability ensures safe, resilient power distribution aligned to network growth and decarbonisation. Telecoms – Other Beyond FTTP, we deliver a wide range of telecoms infrastructure services, including mobile networks, small cells and data connectivity projects. This work enables the expansion of 4G and 5G coverage and supports client ambitions for future-ready digital networks. Our experienced telecoms engineers operate across multiple network environments.

Multi-utility We deliver integrated multi-utility solutions, providing combined power, water, and telecoms infrastructure. This approach reduces construction times, minimises environmental impact, and provides cost efficiencies for clients. Our multi-utility services are typically deployed in new developments and regeneration projects and programs. Underground circuits (LV to EHV) OCU Utilities installs underground power cabling systems from low voltage (LV) up to extra high voltage (EHV). This includes cable jointing, duct installation, cable pulling and termination services. Our expertise supports network reinforcement, upgrades and new connections to the regulated networks. Water & wastewater OCU Utilities supports the upgrade, maintenance and renewal of water and wastewater assets. Our work includes pipeline construction, reservoir construction, network maintenance, leak detection, asset replacement, and process improvements. We work across both clean water and wastewater systems contributing to resilience, efficiency and environmental performance.

We provide infrastructure solutions to support the growing demand for data centres, including network connections, utilities and energy infrastructure. Our role typically focuses on enabling works, site preparation, and integration with external power and digital networks. Our teams deliver in highly controlled environments with strict technical and safety standards. Overhead lines We install, refurbish and maintain overhead power lines, enabling secure and reliable electricity transmission. Our specialist teams operate at both low voltage and extra-high voltage (EHV), often in rural or hard-to-access locations. Our safety, planning and live network working capability are essential to this service. Telecoms – FTTP We design and install fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks, bringing high-speed broadband directly to homes and businesses. Our teams operate in challenging urban and rural environments, working safely around live utilities and the public. We provide end-to‑end services from planning and civils to fibre installation and commissioning.

Spotlight on acquisitions – Purestream

The acquisition of Purestream in September 2024 has further enhanced OCU Utilities’ capability in the water market, bringing specialist expertise in water and wastewater process design. Purestream’s services include concept design, feasibility studies, detailed design and project support across water and wastewater treatment assets. This new capability strengthens our end‑to-end offering in the water market enabling OCU Utilities to not only deliver infrastructure on site but also to shape the earliest stages of project development for our clients. The integration of Purestream supports our strategic ambition to be a partner of choice across the full lifecycle of water infrastructure delivery, from design through to build, commissioning and maintenance.