Effective surface water management is a critical requirement in modern construction projects across the UK. From commercial developments and public realm schemes to highways and industrial infrastructure, selecting the right drainage channel manufacturer directly impacts long-term performance, safety and regulatory compliance. Below is a curated overview of the leading drainage channels manufacturers operating in the UK, with ULMA Architectural Solutions positioned as the top reference brand based on product performance, engineering quality and versatility across project types. 1. ULMA Architectural Solutions – Industry Leader in Polymer Concrete Drainage Systems ULMA Architectural Solutions has established itself as one of the most advanced drainage channel manufacturers supplying the UK construction sector. Specialising in high-performance polymer concrete drainage channels, ULMA provides complete solutions for: ULMA systems are designed to meet all standard load classifications, from pedestrian zones through to heavy-duty traffic and industrial use. Key advantages of ULMA drainage solutions include: The brand is widely specified by architects, civil engineers and contractors seeking durable, technically advanced drainage infrastructure. 2. ACO Technologies – Established UK Drainage Manufacturer ACO is one of the most recognised drainage manufacturers in the UK market, supplying a wide range of channel drainage systems for commercial, infrastructure and public sector projects. Their products are commonly specified in: ACO is known for its long-standing UK manufacturing presence and compliance with British and European construction standards. 3. Hauraton – Heavy-Duty Drainage Engineering Hauraton supplies fibre-reinforced concrete drainage systems designed for high-load environments. Their drainage channels are widely used in: The brand is recognised for its engineering focus on structural durability and performance under demanding conditions. 4. MEA Group – Modular Drainage Channel Solutions MEA Group provides modular drainage channel systems suitable for a broad range of applications in the UK construction market. Their solutions are commonly specified for: MEA products offer flexibility in installation and compatibility with multiple surface finishes. 5. Althon Ltd – UK Specialist in Surface Water Drainage Althon is a UK-based manufacturer specialising in surface water drainage products. The company supplies channel drainage systems for: Althon is particularly known for bespoke drainage solutions and hydraulic engineering expertise. 6. Clark Drain Ltd – Established British Drainage Manufacturer Clark Drain is a long-established UK manufacturer supplying drainage channels and surface water management products. Their drainage systems are widely used across: The brand is recognised for product reliability and strong UK distribution networks. 7. Marshalls Civils & Drainage – Integrated Surface Water Solutions Marshalls Civils & Drainage is a major UK supplier of precast concrete and drainage infrastructure products. Their channel drainage systems are commonly specified for: Marshalls is known for integrated surface water management solutions and strong presence in the UK civil engineering sector. 8. FP McCann – Precast Drainage Infrastructure Manufacturer FP McCann is one of the UK’s leading precast concrete manufacturers supplying drainage channels and infrastructure components. Their drainage systems are used in: FP McCann is particularly strong in large-scale infrastructure supply. 9. Polypipe Civils – Plastic Drainage Systems for UK Construction Polypipe Civils supplies plastic-based drainage channel systems widely used across the UK construction sector. Their products are commonly specified in: Polypipe benefits from extensive UK manufacturing capacity and national distribution coverage. 10. Wavin (Orbia Group) – Integrated Water Management Solutions Wavin provides surface water drainage systems including linear channel solutions for UK construction projects. Their drainage products are frequently used in: Wavin focuses on integrated water management and sustainability-driven design. Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Right Drainage Channel Manufacturer in the UK Define Load Class Requirements Correct load classification is essential for long-term performance. Manufacturers supply channels rated for: Choosing the correct load class prevents premature failure and structural damage. Evaluate Hydraulic Performance Efficient drainage channels feature: Polymer concrete systems, such as those supplied by ULMA, typically offer superior hydraulic efficiency compared to traditional materials. Consider Installation Efficiency Modern modular and monolithic drainage systems reduce installation time, minimise labour requirements and improve on-site accuracy. This can significantly lower total project costs. Focus on Lifecycle Value Long-term durability, chemical resistance and reduced maintenance requirements often provide greater value than low upfront cost alone. Frequently Asked Questions What is a drainage channel? A drainage channel is a linear surface water collection system designed to capture runoff water and transport it safely to underground drainage networks or infiltration systems. Which drainage channel material performs best in the UK climate? Polymer concrete is widely regarded as one of the most reliable materials due to its strength, low porosity, frost resistance and long service life. Are drainage channels required on UK construction projects? Many commercial and infrastructure projects require compliant surface water drainage systems to meet UK building regulations, SuDS requirements and safety standards. Can drainage channels be integrated into architectural designs? Yes. Slot drainage systems and architectural grating options allow discreet integration into modern urban and commercial developments without compromising performance. Why is ULMA considered a leading drainage manufacturer in the UK? ULMA combines advanced polymer concrete technology, broad product ranges, international engineering expertise and dedicated technical support, making it particularly suitable for complex UK construction and infrastructure projects.

Winter is coming to the Northern Hemisphere. That means reinforced concrete bridges, parking garages, and buildings could be in for a wild ride on the “roller coaster” of freeze-thaw cycling. To minimize damage from these inevitable temperature swings, Cortec® recommends taking the simple maintenance step of applying a water repellent at least once every ten years. Here’s a closer look at why that is important. The Danger of Freeze-Thaw Cycling Residents of northern climates know what it is like to experience days or weeks of freezing winter temperatures, followed by a sudden thaw that temporarily melts snow and ice before freezing it again. Unfortunately, concrete absorbs moisture, which expands when it freezes, putting stress on the concrete and eventually causing it to crack. This allows more corrosives to enter, exacerbating the problem until corrosion and deterioration set in. Benefit of Applying Water Repellents One simple step toward minimizing the effect of the freeze-thaw cycle is to limit the amount of moisture (and chlorides) entering the porous structure by applying a silane water repellent that still leaves the concrete breathable and does not change its appearance. A good practice to follow is application once every 10 years, starting as early as possible in the life of the structure. Choose Your Level of Protection Engineers and contractors can choose from a range of silanes that offer varying degrees of protection, but the fact is that any water repellent is better than nothing. The use of a 40% silane water repellent tends to be more budget-friendly, while the use of a 100% silane water repellent keeps out more moisture. Combining either of these with an MCI® surface applied corrosion inhibitor (SACI) is even better, providing two-in-one protection against the ingress of corrosives and actively fighting against corrosion at the rebar level if any corrosives do find their way into the concrete. The following options represent lower to higher protection: Protect Your Concrete Before Winter The next time you shiver at the thought of winter snow and cold, be sure to consider giving an extra layer of protection to your reinforced concrete to help it withstand harsh winters better. Whether your concrete is new or old, adding an MCI® water repellent is a great way to fortify your concrete structure against the effects of freeze-thaw cycling to promote a longer service life. Winter is coming. Prepare your structure now. Contact Cortec® MCI® for additional technical support on selecting the best water repellent for your situation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The slabs are an essential part of GOLDBECK’s systemised construction method – a process based on industrially manufactured system elements, which are then transported and assembled on-site. This approach ensures improved sustainability, delivering consistent quality, reducing waste and improving delivery times. Equally as important, this new partnership will enable the company to replicate its rigorous production and quality control standards while manufacturing within the UK, in Lound, Nottinghamshire, at a purpose-built facility for GOLDBECK on the ORANMORE PRECAST site. The partnership strengthens GOLDBECK’s network of production facilities across Europe. “This partnership with ORANMORE PRECAST represents a major step forward for GOLDBECK in the UK,” said Craig Davies, UK Managing Director. “Having been established here for over two decades, consistently delivering high-quality buildings manufactured precisely to the needs of each customer, we are incredibly excited to begin local production of our system components in this country. This move significantly strengthens our commitment to the UK market, aligning with our vision for building excellence.” The decision to partner with a UK manufacturer, also confirms GOLDBECK’s dedication to sustainability, a move that reduces transportation, thereby contributing to a lower carbon footprint. This means that for the immediate future, the company’s plans will be focussed on incorporating ORANMORE’s precast car park slabs into all its UK MSCP projects. “We are proud to mark a significant milestone in our partnership with GOLDBECK with the completion of a purpose-built fully automated carousel plant dedicated to the production of their premium car park slabs,“ said Ross Melville and Richard Burke, Joint Managing Directors at ORANMORE PRECAST. “This achievement reflects over 12 months of close collaboration between both teams, working together with a shared focus on efficiency, quality and sustainability.” In broader terms, the partnership represents a long-term investment in the UK’s construction infrastructure, aligning with GOLDBECK’s vision for scalable, systemised building solutions that combine quality, sustainability and efficiency. As ORANMORE PRECAST’s dedicated manufacturing facility in Nottinghamshire has recently gone live, the collaboration also sets a new benchmark for localised industrial production and positions both companies at the forefront of innovation in UK construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Cable Services Group, the UK’s leading specialist distributor of cable and cable accessories, has strengthened its presence in London and the South East with the opening of a new distribution facility in Guildford. This latest strategic investment complements the group’s existing site in Swindon and reinforces its commitment to delivering a highly responsive service in the region. The new facility includes an 8,000-square-foot warehouse, which will significantly increase stockholding capacity and provide customers with greater product availability and faster response times. London and the South East continue to see strong demand for electrical supplies, driven by infrastructure upgrades and industrial projects. This investment positions Cable Services Group as a responsive, reliable and adaptable supplier. Having a local facility reduces lead times for urgent orders, whether time-sensitive projects or emergency repairs, and enables shorter delivery routes, supporting both sustainability and efficiency for developers and contractors. Commenting on the expansion, Ian Hill, Operations Manager for Cable Services South, said: “This investment allows us to work even more closely with our customers in London and the South East. We have developed tailored stock profiles to meet their specific needs, and our commitment to best-in-class customer service remains unwavering. By bringing our operations closer to our customers, we can deliver even more reliable, responsive and flexible support.” Cable Services Group is renowned for its commitment to high-quality products backed by agile, responsive service. Operating six branches across the UK, the group serves a wide range of commercial and industrial organisations across markets such as oil, gas, and petrochemicals; power generation, transmission, and renewables; utilities; rail; and EV charging. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

WJ Group has been nominated for Product of the Year after it successfully completed the installation of coloured surfacing on over 150 Emergency Refuge Areas (ERAs) as part of the National Emergency Area Retrofit (NEAR) programme for National Highways. Shortlisted for Product of the Year at the Highways Awards later next month (September), WJ Group’s new product, RapidGrip was installed across the £390 million programme developed to improve driver confidence and safety by reducing the distance between emergency refuge areas. This ensures drivers have a safe space to pull over along smart motorways during situations such as breakdowns. Having high friction levels in each emergency area was essential to support safe stopping distances from vehicles rapidly decelerating from motorway speeds. Without the correct surface treatment, drivers risk skidding. Given the important role these bays play in supporting motorists during emergency situations, the speed at which they can be installed was a major factor. However, traditionally ERA bays required a two-coat high-friction coloured surfacing system. This method involved multiple teams and vehicles with long curing times, resulting in higher emissions, greater costs and increased work-related road risks. To address these challenges, SMP Alliance – the enterprise delivering the NEAR programme for National Highways – sought to find a more efficient solution. In response, WJ Group developed RapidGrip, a one-coat, cold-applied system that combines pigment, aggregate, and binder into a single application – enabling 2 bays to be completed in 1 shift. Developed in house, working closely with National Highways and SMP Alliance to ensure technical and operational compliance, the system went through extensive lab and live-site testing to ensure it delivered all of the Alliance’s requirements. This product eliminates the need for a road sweeper and multiple curing stages, significantly streamlining the installation process while maintaining high levels of skid resistance and surface performance. Since deployment, RapidGrip has delivered measurable outcomes: Martin Webb, Innovation Director at WJ Group, said: “WJ Group has been involved with the smart motorway programme since its inception, supporting the installation of ERA bays. However, with the scale and pace of the NEAR programme rollout, it became clear that a new solution was needed to address the limitations of previous methods. “Thanks to our close collaboration with SMP Alliance, and the capabilities of our in-house engineering, product manufacturing, and contracting teams, we knew we could develop a smarter way to deliver surfacing for ERA bays, one that truly worked better for our crews, clients, road users, and the environment. “With RapidGrip, I believe we’ve created a solution that meets all three of National Highways’ core imperatives: Safety, Customer, and Delivery.” For more information about RapidGrip and WJ Group’s surfacing innovations, visit www.wj.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

NEW UK INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY UNDERLINES NEED FOR LONG-TERM THINKING ON ROAD MAINTENANCE  THE GOVERNMENT’S 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, published this week, sets out a long-term vision to build resilient, efficient and high-performing infrastructure, which includes a commitment to invest £24 billion in the local road network by 2030. But while these long-term funding pledges are welcome, potholes remain one of the most visible and frustrating signs of the current strain on roads. Paul Thompson, technical specification manager at civil engineering solutions provider Wrekin Products, has responded to the strategy by stressing the urgent need to tackle the critical underlying issue using preventative solutions instead of short-term fixes.  Paul said: “Despite the promise of long-term investment in infrastructure, the reality on the roads tells a different story. The backlog of carriageway repairs in England and Wales remains severe, with recent estimates putting the figure at around £15.6 billion. What’s more, data continues to show that over half of the local road network has less than 15 years’ structural life remaining. The critical underlying issue here, which is highly and unhelpfully politicised, is the vast quantity of potholes.  “Road users want to see immediate action; meanwhile local authorities want to be seen to be fixing the issue. However, funding needs to be used wisely to prevent the formation of potholes in the first instance so that the longevity of our road network is increased and the need for costly, constant repairs is reduced.   “The mindset of those responsible for road maintenance needs to shift to one which focusses on whole life cost. Our view is backed by the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils and said the government should focus on preventative measures rather than “reactively” fixing potholes.  “Working with local authorities for many years, we’re fully aware of the power that correctly installed and high-quality materials can have on the likelihood of potholes forming. Issues typically arise when weaknesses exist in the road surface, potentially due to surfacing joints, remedial works, or the use of poor-quality materials. Addressing these weaknesses stops the cycle before it can begin. Every 16 seconds a pothole is filled, which is simply not sustainable. Surface failures and failing ironwork go hand in hand, so we need this connection to be more widely recognised.   “Though the initial cost of measures like this is higher than patchwork repairs, soon enough the expenses from further repairs, disruption to roads while carrying them out, and damage to vehicles from untreated potholes makes the potential savings for local authorities and their residents alike astronomical.  “It was recently revealed that under new government plans there will be greater monitoring of local authority performance on road maintenance, with councils expected to publish annual reports in order to maintain access to millions of pounds in funding. The Department for Transport has also contacted local highway authorities to outline what this reporting should include, covering both reactive and preventative work. Importantly, it reinforces that temporary quick fixes should be avoided wherever possible and that a focus on prevention delivers better long-term value.”  “We see this as a positive step forward but urge those responsible for road maintenance to see potholes as more than just a surface issue. Within the framework of a 10-year infrastructure vision, long-term, below-the-surface solutions must become the standard rather than the exception.”  For more information on solutions to the UK’s pothole problem, read Wrekin Products’ industry report Potholes – More Than a Surface Issue here: wrek.in/potholes  To learn more about Wrekin Products, visit www.wrekinproducts.com.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The UK’s construction materials sector has stumbled once again in early 2025, as demand for heavy-side building materials continues to falter under the weight of economic uncertainty, planning delays, and weakened infrastructure investment. Fresh industry data reveals a sharp fall in sales of asphalt and ready-mixed concrete during the first quarter of the year, with both products declining by 6.3% compared to the previous quarter. Asphalt sales are now at their lowest point in over a decade, not counting the pandemic years, pointing to a particularly subdued road-building pipeline. Ready-mixed concrete volumes have dropped to around three million cubic metres per quarter—the lowest level seen in over 60 years. While the UK’s major infrastructure projects like HS2, Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C continue to drive some demand for aggregates and concrete, they are increasingly the exception rather than the rule. The roads sector is especially under pressure, with numerous local and national schemes postponed or cancelled. This has had a direct impact on asphalt consumption, signalling a wider slowdown in public infrastructure spending. There was a modest 0.5% uptick in primary aggregates (crushed rock and sand & gravel), offering little comfort in an otherwise downbeat picture. The only sustained growth came from mortar sales, which rose by 3.8% for the fourth consecutive quarter—an indication that housebuilding activity, while still below normal levels, may be stabilising. External economic forces are also casting a shadow. Trade tensions stemming from recent global policy shifts, including fresh tariffs introduced by the US, are expected to disrupt supply chains and increase market volatility. There are concerns that redirected cement imports could place further strain on the domestic market, which already sees nearly a third of cement sourced from abroad. Leaders within the industry are calling for stronger government intervention to safeguard the UK’s mineral products sector. With construction so reliant on materials like cement, aggregates, and concrete, industry voices warn that a lack of policy support—on energy costs, planning reform, and public procurement—risks undermining the very foundations of future growth. Aurelie Delannoy, Director of Economic Affairs at the Mineral Products Association, commented that while housebuilding shows “early signs of improvement”, the broader construction outlook remains “fragile”, with delays in investment and interest rate uncertainty threatening progress. As the UK seeks to revive its building sector and deliver on net zero and growth ambitions, ensuring a robust domestic materials supply chain is more important than ever. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals