15/07/2026
Bevan Brittan has been named Heat Network Advisor of the Year at the UK District Energy Association (UKDEA) Awards 2026.
The award recognises Bevan Brittan’s outstanding contribution to the UK’s heat network sector, reflecting more than 30 years of advising on district energy, heat networks and low-carbon infrastructure projects that are helping to deliver the UK’s net zero ambitions.
The UKDEA Awards, announced at their annual conference in London this week, celebrate excellence across the district energy sector, recognising organisations and individuals that are driving innovation, collaboration and best practice in the delivery of heat networks across the UK.
Bevan Brittan’s Energy and Infrastructure team advises local authorities, central government, developers, investors, utilities, ESCOs and contractors on some of the UK’s largest and most complex heat network projects. Its market-leading expertise combines extensive public and private sector experience, enabling the firm to provide strategic legal and commercial advice across every stage of project development and delivery.
A key factor in the award was the firm’s role advising the London Borough of Southwark on the expansion of its landmark district heating network. The £275 million, 24-year project will ultimately provide low-carbon heating and hot water to almost 7,000 homes while reducing carbon emissions by around 14,000 tonnes each year.
Bevan Brittan acted as lead legal adviser throughout the project’s complex commercial negotiations, helping the Council navigate significant market volatility, evolving regulation, funding requirements and contractual restructuring to keep the strategically important scheme on track.
The success of the Southwark project was also recognised elsewhere at the UKDEA Awards, with Tom Vosper, Strategic Project Manager – Heat Networks, and Antonio Prezzavento, SELCHP Project Manager, both from Southwark Council, winning the Heat Network Local Authority Officer of the Year Award. The nominations reflect the collaborative effort behind one of the UK’s most significant heat network projects. Bevan Brittan’s team worked alongside Tom and Antonio over six years to help bring the expansion forward, navigating complex legal, commercial and delivery challenges as trusted advisers throughout the project.
Nathan Bradberry, Partner and Head of District Energy at Bevan Brittan, said:
“We are delighted to receive the UKDEA Heat Network Advisor of the Year award. It is fantastic recognition of the expertise, dedication and collaborative approach of our Energy and Infrastructure team.
“Heat networks are playing an increasingly important role in the UK’s transition to net zero, and we’re proud to work alongside our clients to deliver projects that provide long-term environmental and social benefits for communities across the country.
“This award is also a reflection of the strong partnerships that underpin successful heat network projects. We’ve had the privilege of working closely with Tom Vosper, Antonio Prezzavento and the wider Southwark Council team over the past six years, and we’re delighted to see their contribution along with other clients and projects we’ve worked with such as Nottingham City Council, Cardiff Heat Network and ThermaMech recognised through their own award nominations.
“We thank our clients for the trust they place in us and remain committed to helping them overcome complex legal and commercial challenges to deliver successful heat network projects.”
The award also recognises Bevan Brittan’s broader contribution to the sector. The firm is recognised in the Legal 500 Green Guide for its work in renewable energy and heat projects, while Nathan Bradberry is one of only 40 lawyers nationally recognised as a Legal 500 Green Ambassador.
