Gas pipeline operator National Grid has scooped a prestigious industry award from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supplies.  The Slough based Gas Alliance, a partnership between National Grid and leading utility company Skanska-McNicholas plc JV, beat off rival companies Rolls Royce and Carlsberg to gain the Best Partnership Award for 2005.

National Grid created the Gas Alliance to ensure National Grid met its commitment to replace 45,000Km of metal main with plastic pipe over the next 30 years. 

The new partnership has enabled National Grid to increase its productivity, improve safety by reducing injuries to employees and retain a workforce with the skills to carry out the work.  These improvements have also helped to meet the increased demand from the public to lessen traffic disruption caused by streetworks.

Richard Hudson, National Grid Alliance manager said:  ‘I’m delighted we have been recognised for such a prestigious award.  Working as equals with Skanska-McNicholas Plc JV in design, construction and risk management has given the Alliance the ability to improve safety, deliver our workload and reduce costs.

‘Our workforce is made up of 50% National Grid planning and design staff and 50% Skanska-McNicholas Plc JV construction staff who work as a single team.  Working alongside a company that shares our values means we have an enjoyable way of working that encourages innovation, teamworking and the exchange of ideas and best practice.’

The Alliance partnership, worth up to £320 million over the next eight years, will accelerate gas mains replacement across North London. 

Skanska - McNicholas Plc JV is one of four partners undertaking gas mains replacement in alliance with National Grid across the UK. Together, these partnerships will be carrying out work to a value approaching £200 million a year.

Ends

Media information:   Sarah Newth – 01753 803774 or 07866 488894

National Grid

National Grid is a leading international energy infrastructure business - the largest utility in the UK.

Through National Grid Gas plc (formerly Transco), it owns and operates over 6,800 kilometres of high-pressure transmission pipeline across Great Britain, and 132,000 kilometres of lower-pressure distribution gas mains in the North West, the Midlands, East Anglia and North London – more than half of Britain's gas transportation network, delivering gas to around 11 million homes, offices and factories.  National Grid sold the four gas distribution networks covering the rest of Britain to other companies in June 2005.

Through National Grid Electricity Transmission plc, the company operates the high-voltage electricity transmission network across Great Britain, and owns the network in England and Wales.

National Grid will continue to manage the National Gas Emergency Service freephone line 0800 111 999*.

Skanska UK Plc

Skanska UK Plc is part of Skanska AB a global construction services group committed to finding innovative solutions for its clients. Combining global presence with local expertise, Skinks offers a broad range of services: from project development, to construction and facilities management. The Group currently has 60,000 employees and operations in nine home markets. Sales 2003 totaled £16.4 billion.

McNicholas Plc

McNicholas Plc, "Brown Macs", has in recent years grown in to one of the UK's leading multi-disciplined service companies, dedicated to delivering cost effective, high performance solutions to many clients in both public and private sectors. With specialist business units in the areas of Gas, Power, Telecoms. Building, Demolition & Regeneration, Highways, Rail and Civil Engineering the company currently employs over 1,400 people ranging from skilled craftsmen to niche specialists and operates throughout London, the Midlands and the South East.