United Utilities

United Utilities plc doesn’t just deliver water services – it safeguards a fundamental resource for life, the economy and the environment. As the UK’s largest listed water company, it manages the entire water cycle for around 8 million people and 200,000 businesses across the North West of England. But its ambition goes far beyond clean water and wastewater treatment. United Utilities is shaping a resilient, sustainable future through innovation, investment and stewardship. At the core of its work is a deep understanding that water is not an infinite commodity, but a system under pressure. From reducing leakage through smart networks to rethinking storm water management in an era of climate extremes, United Utilities is applying engineering excellence and nature-based solutions to ensure water security for generations to come. Crucially, the company isn’t just responding to regulatory obligations, it’s reframing what responsible water management looks like in a changing world. By investing in catchment-wide planning, green infrastructure and circular operations, United Utilities is showing how environmental and social value can sit alongside financial performance. Projects across AMP7 and AMP8 reinforce a proactive, not reactive, culture of infrastructure renewal and environmental leadership.

What makes United Utilities investible is its clarity of purpose and consistent execution. It builds trust through long-term thinking, transparent performance and partnerships that bring communities, regulators and nature into the heart of its planning. From flood prevention in urban areas to supporting vulnerable customers with tailored affordability schemes, the business shows that water is not just a utility, it’s a public good. United Utilities isn’t merely upgrading pipes and plants. It’s redesigning how the UK can value, use and preserve water in the face of accelerating climate and population challenges. In doing so, it sets a benchmark not just for utilities, but for how infrastructure can become a force for societal resilience.

United Utilities’ 2025 Integrated Annual Report reflects a mature, purpose-led approach to reporting in a complex, highly regulated environment. Building on progress made in 2024, our task was to enhance clarity and accessibility without compromising the depth and rigour expected of a leading FTSE 100 utility. In close collaboration with the client, we reorganised the business model around six strategic priorities, aligning disclosure with United Utilities’ core purpose while improving navigation and relevance for a broad stakeholder audience. Visual tools such as colour-coded signposting, iconography and a new at-a-glance section made key topics like AMP8, climate and nature more accessible. The integration of ISSB, TCFD and TNFD frameworks was carefully balanced with a user-first structure. The result is a cohesive, transparent and engaging report that reinforces the company’s leadership in integrated reporting. It serves as a benchmark within the sector and a trusted reference point for regulators, investors, customers and communities.

 

View the United Utilities Annual Report