- 30 Jun 2026
We respond to our clients’ needs by aligning our specialised, multidisciplinary capabilities with the evolving strategic demands of the UK and Ireland’s critical infrastructure.
Energy
The UK energy sector is transitioning to achieve net zero by 2050, with a goal of full decarbonisation by 2030. This is driving increased demand for electricity infrastructure, including offshore connections, and battery storage. A new law requiring half-hourly meter settlement by 2026 further supports this, strengthening M Group’s position as one of the UK’s leaders in market-wide half-hourly services.
How we are responding
We respond to the national requirement for cleaner, greener power by supporting the reinforcement of electricity transmission infrastructure, particularly for offshore wind (ASTI programmes) and renewable connections. We are the only contractor working on all three overhead line upgrades – for National Grid, SSEN Transmission and SP Energy Networks.
Water
The regulated water market in England and Wales is entering the AMP8 (2025–2030) investment cycle, which features a near-doubling of expenditure to approximately £88bn–£104bn. Key market drivers include storm overflow mitigation, leakage reduction (targeting a tripling of the replacement rate for mains supply), and securing water supply resilience through new reservoirs and transfer schemes.
How we are responding
To meet the challenges of asset resilience and environmental improvement, we deliver regulated capital investment programmes and 24-hour network maintenance. Our transformational acquisition of BGEN has significantly expanded our MEICAT capabilities, which are in high demand for both building and optimising assets during the AMP8 regulatory period.
Technology and Communications
The digital infrastructure market is shifting from large-scale Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) build-outs to long-term network maintenance and integration. Growth is driven by 5G expansion, rural connectivity, and the construction of hyperscale data centres. Crucially, demand for Operational Telecom Networks is rising across utilities and transport.
How we are responding
To meet demand for enhanced connectivity, we provide technical services across fixed, mobile, and private networks. We have shifted our focus from building fibre networks to long-term maintenance and, 5G expansion, and the provision of critical, operational telecom networks. This strategy led to our acquisition of Telent, with Cyro Cyber’s unique secure connectivity capabilities also a key driver for the acquisition.
Technology and Communications Market
Transport
The highways market is characterised by a move away from new road building toward non-discretionary maintenance. In rail, the sector is transitioning into the Control Period 7 cycle, which allocates £45.4bn for operations, maintenance, and renewals. Aviation is returning to pre-pandemic levels, and leading airports are set to launch significant capacity upgrades to meet rising passenger and freight demand.
How we are responding
In highways we are focusing on non-discretionary maintenance and specialist bridge care. In rail we are delivering essential asset renewals and expanding electrification services through the ARQ partnership. In aviation we are responding to recovered passenger volumes by providing airfield ground lighting and capital maintenance for terminals.
Defence, Industrial & Public Sector
There is a growing demand for increased investment in Britain’s defence, with the Government set to increase spending in both this parliament and the next. In the wider public sector, communications networks are being upgraded to improve coordination and response, while in heavy industry there is a rising demand for engineering solutions which can meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements as well as low-carbon goals.
How we are responding
With our range of capabilities, from large-scale civils and specialist technology, to emergency works and ongoing maintenance, we provide our clients with solutions to their biggest challenges. We deliver multi-disciplined engineering solutions to heavy industry, maintaining consistently high standards in complex environments and under challenging timescales. We also design and install robust IT networks and advanced technology solutions to support digital transformation.
Defence, Industrial & Public Sector Markets
In this pivotal era for infrastructure services, the industry faces a once-in-a-generation challenge to develop systems that serve modern communities and safeguard the environment. Several large-scale macro trends are fuelling this change, presenting significant opportunities for M Group to sustain, upgrade, and innovate essential networks.
The green energy transition
The UK and Ireland are moving towards a fully decarbonised power system, with the UK targeting a 100% low-carbon grid by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. This transition requires substantial capital investment in renewable generation, such as wind and solar, and in reinforcing transmission.
What this means for M Group
M Group’s strategy prioritises becoming a critical enabler for its clients’ decarbonisation goals.
- The Group has shifted its focus toward essential, sustainable markets, specifically targeting energy transition segments.
- The Group has adopted validated science-based targets to reduce its own Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2030.
Maintenance of ageing national infrastructure
Renewing the UK’s ageing infrastructure is a major challenge. 70% of the National Highways network is more than 45 years old, and the water sector is addressing historic underinvestment through record investment programmes.
What this means for M Group
There is an enormous national requirement to maintain and renew the networks that underpin daily life.
- M Group leverages this trend by focusing on non-discretionary maintenance and renewals rather than large, high-risk capital projects.
- The Group’s specialised asset care expertise fulfils a critical need across strategic infrastructure.
Digitalisation and AI transformation
Technological advances are revolutionising infrastructure management through data-driven decision-making and automation. Asset owners are increasingly demanding a high-tech, data-driven approach to their infrastructure assets in terms of evaluation and monitoring.
What this means for M Group
The opportunity to leverage fast changing technology is a central part of M Group’s strategy.
- The Group uses technology as a differentiator to connect different infrastructure ecosystems, while generative AI and data lakes are being used to improve bidding accuracy, process job packs, and analyse safety data.
- Efficient AI tools are being rolled out across the business, including SafeDig, which manages underground asset information and excavation risk before work commences.
Rising societal and regulatory expectations
Increasing national and global legislation is intensifying requirements for transparent ESG reporting and auditing. Regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) are pushing companies to undertake Double Materiality assessments to evaluate their environmental impact.
What this means for M Group
M Group’s focus on environmental stewardship and ethical governance is core to our strategy.
- The Group has completed its first Double Materiality Assessment undertaken as a voluntary strategic exercise.
- The Group has adopted world- class standards by aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
