Some seven years since its formation as a joint venture framework contractor, KMI+ has negotiated its way into AMP5 and secured a framework contract valued at almost £400m with United Utilities (UU) until March 2015.

The new contract follows KMI’s successes with UU in AMP3 and 4 where it delivered £230m and £400m of new build, maintenance and refurbishment work respectively. The success means KMI+ will continue to work with United Utilities to deliver design, construction and final commissioning services to improve the water and wastewater networks in the north of UU’s operating region.

The original AMP4 framework agreement established in 2005 always recorded the potential for a negotiated extension heralding long-term arrangements and the benefits of a true partnership approach as the way forward.

KMI+ puts its success down to several attributes:

► A Behavioural Safety campaign which has significantly contributed to achieving an accident frequency rate of zero in April 2008

► One of the most joined-up training packages being delivered in the industry; from foundation degrees to apprentice training and in-house accredited NVQs

► True supply chain integration where suppliers are actively encouraged to be part of the construction team to add value and innovation

► A collaborative approach to design and construction, where relationships are built first and value engineering continues throughout the life of the project