NG Bailey Expands Portfolio with Acquisition of Engineering Solutions Group

NG Bailey has announced its acquisition of Engineering Solutions Group (ESG), a specialist engineering firm that operates within the water, environmental, and broader infrastructure sectors. This strategic move aims to bolster NG Bailey’s growth strategy and enhance its capabilities in infrastructure delivery, while also providing increased access to the water infrastructure market.

The current investment cycle in the water industry, known as AMP8, is set to see approximately £104 billion allocated over five years, which is double the investment of the previous cycle. This significant funding is aimed at ongoing infrastructure upgrades and innovation, presenting considerable growth prospects for the Leeds-based company.

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Sutton-In-Ashfield, ESG comprises several businesses, with ECS Engineering Service (ECS) being its largest and most established. The group also includes three complementary companies that specialise in mechanical and electrical engineering, civil engineering, specialist steel and composite fabrication, and advanced water control products through exclusive European partnerships. ESG’s clientele features prominent organisations such as the Environment Agency, Severn Trent Water, Anglian Water, Welsh Water, and Yorkshire Water.

Following the acquisition, the existing management team of ESG will continue to operate the £30 million turnover business under its current brand names, maintaining its skilled workforce. The integration into NG Bailey’s Built Environment division will provide ESG with opportunities to collaborate with the Group’s existing clients across various sectors, including engineering, facilities services, and electric vehicle solutions.

Jonathan Stockton, chief executive of NG Bailey, commented: “Bringing ESG into the NG Bailey family is a decision which makes both strategic and commercial sense as we continue to deliver our Journey to 2030 business plan. The acquisition provides a natural extension to our existing range of services and strengthens both our market positions, whilst opening up new growth opportunities for us in key areas including water infrastructure.”

Stockton highlighted ESG’s strong project track record, including the refurbishment of Colwick Sluice for the Environment Agency and its expertise in specialist fabrication within the nuclear sector. He expressed confidence that the acquisition will further establish NG Bailey as the leading independent engineering and infrastructure services provider in the UK.

The addition of ESG’s approximately 180 employees will increase NG Bailey’s workforce to over 3,600 staff members. Mark Watkins, managing director of Engineering Solutions Group, stated: “This transaction marks an exciting milestone for us, which over the last four decades has become a well-established, successful business with a strong market presence. Being part of NG Bailey allows us to combine our strengths and create something genuinely more powerful, for our people, partners and the markets we operate in.”