When colleagues across Esh-Stantec, Northumbrian Water and our wider supply chain need technical support, advice or help solving a problem, there is often one person they turn to first: Julian Curtis. That unwavering commitment to supporting others, combined with more than four decades of industry experience, saw Julian named winner of the Going Above and Beyond Award at the Esh Factor Awards 2026.
While his job title is Contract Manager, those who work closely with Julian know it only tells part of the story. As a key member of the Esh-Stantec Living Water Enterprise (LWE) team, he plays a vital role in supporting pre-construction activities, coordinating data collection, providing early contractor involvement (ECI) support and offering invaluable constructability and cost advice across a programme that includes more than 40 live projects.
Over the years, Julian has become a trusted adviser to both client and design teams, building strong relationships through his calm, professional and proactive approach. His knowledge of the water sector, combined with his ability to connect people and find solutions, has made him a respected and trusted figure across the framework.
Reflecting on the award, Julian was quick to recognise the people around him. "Recognition is great, but I'm fortunate that I work in a great team," he said. "From the directors through to the most junior trainee, we've got fantastic people in this business. We have a wide field of expertise and, even if it's something I don't know, I usually know who to direct people to. A lot of my role is making sure people have the right information and connecting them with the right people."
Julian's journey in the industry saw him move into the engineering sector in his early 30s, before working on major projects including the Channel Tunnel. His career in the water sector has seen him spend more than 26 years working on the Northumbrian Water framework, joining Esh more than 13 years ago and helping shape the collaborative approach that exists today.
It is this experience, alongside the relationships he has built throughout his career, that continues to deliver value for clients and colleagues alike.
One recent example demonstrated exactly why Julian is so highly regarded. When a critical asset failure at a reservoir in North Tyneside threatened the resilience of the wider water network, a call came through during the evening seeking support. Rather than leaving the issue until the following day, Julian immediately began gathering information, reviewing plans and preparing potential solutions for discussions with the client and specialist engineers.
By the following morning, he had assembled detailed information on the asset, pipeline configuration and recent activity in the area, enabling informed decisions to be made quickly. Drawing on his extensive industry contacts, Julian helped mobilise a specialist underwater engineering contractor from Wales to safely assess the issue using advanced robotic surveying technology and support plans for a permanent repair.
For Julian, however, it was simply a case of doing what was needed. He explained: “It's just what we do. If there's a problem, the earlier you get on it, the less chance there is of it escalating. We've always had a 'never say no' attitude. If something needs fixing, we'll do everything we can to help find a solution."
That mindset has become synonymous with the support Julian provides every day. Whether helping clients navigate complex challenges, supporting colleagues with technical advice or using his industry network to find the right expertise at the right time, his willingness to go the extra mile continues to strengthen Esh's reputation and build long-term trust with partners and stakeholders.
His impact can also be seen in the continued growth of Esh-Stantec's work with Northumbrian Water, where the confidence he inspires through his expertise, responsiveness and collaborative approach has helped secure further opportunities and reinforce Esh's position as a trusted delivery partner.
While the Esh Factor Award recognises a single achievement, it also reflects the approach Julian brings to every project. His technical knowledge, extensive industry relationships and determination to find solutions have earned the trust of clients and colleagues alike, making him a worthy recipient of Esh's Going Above and Beyond Award.
