Our strategy

Our vision is to create connected, sustainable infrastructure enabling people and the planet to thrive.

Costain has been improving the lives of people through infrastructure for more than 160 years. Today, we’re involved in solving some of the UK’s most complex infrastructure challenges across our four strategic markets of transport, water, energy and defence.

Creating a sustainable future

As engineering, construction, consulting, and digital experts, we create sustainable infrastructure for a more prosperous, resilient and decarbonised UK:

Driving inclusive economic growth and social opportunity, creating positive legacies and connecting people and communities.

Costain selected to conduct two biodiversity studies for Manchester Airports Group (MAG). The studies at Manchester Airport and East Midlands Airport will support the development of a comprehensive, qualitative biodiversity baseline at each location. They will help enable the delivery of MAG’s nature targets outlined in its new Sustainability Strategy, supporting its overall sustainability ambitions and future growth.

Building resilience in a changing world, addressing challenges including climate change, energy supply and national security.

Drone image of Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth — Costain and Mott MacDonald secured a long-term contract with Babcock, supporting a series of major infrastructure projects at Devonport in Plymouth. The joint venture will act as delivery partner, for the programme of design and construction projects, setting the blueprint for how the site will be developed to meet the future needs of the UK’s Royal Navy.

Creating a cleaner, greener future through low-carbon and nature-positive infrastructure.

Image of industrial part of Teesside — On behalf of its partners, bp – the operator of the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) - has awarded Costain the onshore FEED contract for the East Coast Cluster carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS). Costain will design the onshore CO2 gathering pipeline and the new grid connection for the gas power-station.

Find out more about our latest projects.

Our strategic focus

As we create a sustainable future, we focus on five strategic areas:

We work strategically across our key markets of transport, water, energy and defence to meet critical national needs, continuing our 160-year heritage of improving people’s lives.

Improving the lives of people through infrastructure

We're instrumental in the engineering and construction of critical infrastructure across the country – improving people’s lives and creating a more prosperous and resilient UK.

Through production thinking, which combines modern methods of construction with new technologies and materials, lean techniques, digital tools and smart decision-making, we boost productivity and efficiency across our customers’ projects.

Delivering for our customers

Safe and sustainable delivery is at the heart of every project we work on. From procurement, through construction and installation, to decommissioning, we create the opportunities and environment to deliver programmes safely, quickly and cost effectively.

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We’re proud of our deep, long-term relationships with our customers and are growing in markets where strategic investment is being made to create connected, sustainable infrastructure.

Long-term customer relationships

We operate through two divisions: natural resources and transportation. Our strategy is to focus on Tier 1 customers whose major spending plans are underpinned by strategic national needs, regulatory commitments, legislation or essential performance requirements.

Discover the sectors we work in

Our consultancy service adds value across the project lifecycle through specialist services including delivery partner, engineering and design and, advisory and digital solutions.

Adding value across the full project lifecycle

We employ our multi-sector experience to develop bespoke, strategic programmes for our customers, optimising value and reducing risk, while engineering innovative solutions which are sustainable and resilient.

Learn more about our services

We’re recognised and admired for our operational and financial performance as well as the way we enhance environmental and social value to leave a lasting legacy for communities.

Delivering breakthrough performance

As well as performing for our shareholders and customers, we go above and beyond to protect nature and the environment to safeguard the planet's future. We work with our customers to help decarbonise their projects, improve their resilience and offer solutions that deliver biodiversity net gain.

Find out more about our approach to sustainability