What Steve Vick International does

Steve Vick International (SVI) is a UK-based, family-owned engineering firm founded in 1981 that develops and supplies proprietary trenchless techniques, equipment, and consumables for the repair, replacement, and decommissioning of underground pipes. The company's core technology stack includes the patented FOAMBAG flowstopping system (Patent No. 2157390, in use for over 40 years), Live Mains Insertion and Live Service Transfer techniques that keep gas supplies live during network renewal, the SMARTester wireless pressure testing platform (with the TestSense feature co-developed with EDF, E.ON, and Octopus Energy), and a broad pipe cutting, cracking, handling, and grout/foam filling range organised across more than 55 distinct products.

SVI operates a hybrid revenue model spanning one-time product sales, project-based contract services delivered through seven UK depots, equipment hire, training programmes (Level 1 Operator and Level 2 Train the Trainer), and exclusive product distribution — currently including the RENSET battery-powered energy system for the UK and Ireland. The company sells primarily to enterprise utility customers, with all four UK Gas Distribution Networks (Cadent, SGN, Northern Gas Networks, Wales & West Utilities) as named users, alongside UK water utilities (Yorkshire Water, Wessex Water, Severn Trent), nuclear sites (Sellafield, Chapelcross), and major infrastructure contractors (Balfour Beatty, M Group, HS2). International distribution is handled via country-specific resellers covering Australia, Denmark, India, Ireland, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, and the United States, with selective channel coverage in the Middle East.

SVI's products hold multiple UK Gas Industry Standard certifications (GIS/SER/6, T/SP/E/59, GIS/E49) and WRc approvals for drainage sealing, and the company won the 2015 UK Energy Innovation Awards 'Best Gas Improvement' category for the Rapid Window Cutter. The firm has invested in 2025–2026 across product launches (90mm PE Live Head, CoilControl), distribution expansion (RENSET), and digital infrastructure (an online shop launched in February 2026), signalling active product-led and channel expansion while remaining privately held under founding-family ownership.

Name

Steve Vick International

Legal name

Steve Vick International Ltd

Website

https://stevevick.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Steve Vick International is a UK family-owned engineering firm, founded 1981, that develops and supplies proprietary trenchless pipe renovation, flowstopping, and decommissioning equipment and contract services for gas distribution, water utilities, and nuclear sectors globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trenchless Pipe Renovation Equipment and Services

NAICS

Oil and Gas Pipeline and Related Structures Construction (23712), Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction (23711)

SIC

Water, Sewer, Pipeline, Comm & Power Line Construction (1623)

akta.pro primary industry

Plumbing & Pipefitting Contracting (IMAFALAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Underground Gas Line Trenching & Sleeving (HSAOAKAI)

Keywords

• Trenchless pipe renovation
• Underground pipe repair
• Gas distribution equipment
• Pipe decommissioning services
• Utilities infrastructure tooling

Headquarters

HQ city

Bradford-on-avon

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: Sale of proprietary pipe renovation equipment, tools, and consumables including FOAMBAG kits, pipe cutters, coil trailers, and specialist fittings through e-commerce shop and direct sales team.
2. Contract Services: Technical project delivery including flowstopping, grout filling, live mains insertion, pipe cutting, and decommissioning services undertaken by experienced engineering teams at customer sites.
3. Equipment Hire: Specialist plant and equipment hire services supporting utilities and infrastructure industries nationwide through multiple UK depot locations.
4. Training Services: Expert training programmes including Level 1 Operator Training and Level 2 Train the Trainer for safe operation of utilities equipment across all applications.
5. Product Distribution: Exclusive distribution of Renset battery-powered energy solutions for UK and Ireland market.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Steve Vick International designs, manufactures and supplies proprietary equipment, techniques and on-site contract services for the trenchless renovation, repair and decommissioning of underground pipes, primarily serving UK and international gas distribution networks, water utilities and nuclear decommissioning sites. The offering combines manufactured products (flowstopping foam systems, pipe cutters/crackers, coil trailers, pipe handlers, pressure testers and battery-power units), contract engineering services delivered from a network of UK depots, specialist equipment hire, and accredited operator training.

Product overview

Steve Vick International (SVI) is a specialist engineering company offering an integrated portfolio of products and contract services for trenchless renovation and decommissioning of underground pipes, primarily serving the gas, water, nuclear, and utilities sectors. The portfolio is organized across distinct product categories: Drainage Solutions (Drainblock, RATBLOCK); Filling Voids and Annular Spaces (Active Drains, End Seals, Foamcaps, Foam Filling, Grout Filling, Overbuilds); Flowstopping (FOAMBAG, Foamstop, Mini Purge Ejector); Gas Mains Renewal (90mm Live Head, Live Gas Mains Insertion); Gas Service Renewal (17.5mm Dead Service Insertion, Fullseal, Dead Foampack, Live Gas Service Isolation, Live Service Transfer, Live Service Insertion, LSI Removal Tool, PIV, Rapid Service Isolator, Taper Tool); Internal Pipe Systems (Decommissioning Internal Pipes, Internal Alterations & Connections, Live Riser Transfer, Multiple Occupancy Buildings); New Connections (Electrofusion Branch Saddles, Under Pressure Tee & Branch Saddle Connections); Pipe Cutting & Cracking (CRACKERJACK, HD Mini MACAW Pipe Cracker, Keel Cutter, MACAW Pipe Cracker, Mini Cutter, PE Pipe Cutter, Rapid Rotary Cutter, Rapid Rotary Cutter Steel, Rapid Window Cutter, Rapid Window Cutter Steel); Pipe Decommissioning (High Integrity Foambag, Hot Tapping); Pipe Handling (50/90, 125/160, 180 Super, 180 Pipe Coil Trailers, CoilControl, Hexi Pipe Coil Trailer, Large Pipe Handler, Long Reach Band Cutter, Mini & Midi Pipe Handler, Perpetual Pipe Pusher); Renewable Power (RENSET); Pressure Testing (SMARTester); Stub End Solutions (ESEAL & ESEAL 2, FBOS); and Training (Level 1 Operator Training, Level 2 Train The Trainer). The company also offers dedicated hire services, contract services teams, and a recently launched online shop. SVI has been operating in the gas industry since 1981.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SMARTester: A highly accurate wireless gas pressure tester that transmits data to a device, with associated TestSense feature for pipework volume calculation.
• Renset
• Foambag
• Foamstop
• Drainblock
• Ratblock
• Fullseal
• Crackerjack
• CoilControl

Products and services

• FOAMBAG™ Flowstopping System Low-cost flowstopping system using expanding resin foam within a semi-porous fabric bag. Works on cast iron, steel and PE pipe, kits available from 5mm to 36" diameter, applicable up to 75m remotely. Meets UK gas industry standard T/SP/E/59.
• Foamstop 'No-gas' flow stopping method for small-diameter pipes (3/4" to 2") running at low pressures; meets UK gas industry standard T/SP/E/59.
• Mini Purge Ejector Lightweight Venturi-principle purge ejector for efficient purging of 3" to 12" diameter gas mains being abandoned.
• FOAMBAG™ (Pipe Decommissioning application) FOAMBAG™ also deployed as a pipe decommissioning technique to seal abandoned pipework, ducts and voids; same underlying product as the flowstopping variant but applied to abandoned-pipe scenarios.
• High Integrity Foambag High-performance FOAMBAG variant with chemical bond between pipe wall and fabric shell, withstanding higher pressures, vibration, shock loadings and underwater conditions; remote installation up to 50m.
• Hot Tapping (Under Pressure Drilling) Under-pressure drill system for safely drilling pipes and ducts with airtight hot-tapping systems without losing containment; configurable for manual, pneumatic or electric power.
• Drainblock Twin fabric bag system with expanding polyurethane resin foam that remotely seals disused laterals at the point where they join the downstream drain or sewer, up to 15m from access; WRc Approved for 75mm-150mm drains/sewer laterals.
• RATBLOCK™ Expanding polyurethane foam bag system with articulated steel-plate membranes for sealing disused drains and sewers to comply with UK Building Regulations; vermin, water and odour proof; WRc Approved.
• Active Drains Polyurethane closed-cell foam injection system for remotely decommissioning chemical and active drains up to 75m from access, with expansion ratios from 2:1 to 20:1.
• End Seals Foam sealant technology that prevents gas tracking back along the annular space of inserted mains and avoids reinstatement 'slump'; available for pipe diameters from 3" to 48".
• Foamcaps Lightweight foam-capsule alternative to metal caps for sealing abandoned dead gas mains, using foam sealant technology in use for over 35 years; kits for standard diameters up to 36".
• Foam Filling Patent-protected foam product for filling unwanted voids — abandoned pipework, annulus between old and new pipes, and annular space in sleeved pipework at crossings.
• Grout Filling Cementitious grout filling for abandoned underground pipework, sleeves, ducts and voids; quick gravity-fed pumped application for 80mm to 1220mm pipes, applicable remotely up to 150m.
• Overbuilds Annular gap sealing for mains lying beneath private properties such as garages or conservatories; deployed by SVI contract services to protect gas main and prevent surface slump.
• Live Gas Mains Insertion Technique for inserting PE pipe into old cast iron mains while keeping the old main live throughout the process, with customer gas supply maintained via the annular space; saves 5-14% vs dead insertion.
• 90mm PE Live Head Internally electrofused PE Live Head for live gas mains insertion with streamlined flush shape enabling easy insertion into 4" mains and bends; available for 90mm SDR17.6 and usable on 4"–8" mains. Approved by Cadent, SGN and Wales & West Utilities.
• 17.5mm Dead Service Insertion Technique enabling 17.5mm PE to be inserted into existing ¾" metallic gas services from a small excavation outside the property, eliminating the need to relay the service or relocate the meter; developed with Radius Systems and approved by NGN, Cadent and SGN.
• Fullseal Thixotropic annular gas sealant material for PE or Serviflex pipe insertion; inert, requires no mixing or preparation before use.
• Gas Service Renewals – Dead Foampack™ Annular sealant kits injected from the service head adaptor to fill the prescribed length of old service during dead insertion.
• Live Gas Service Isolation Safe severing of a live gas steel service under 'no-gas' conditions using a re-useable under-pressure Isolator Clamp; for steel services ¾" to 2" up to 75mbar.
• Live Service Transfer Technique allowing a gas service to be partly re-laid and/or transferred to a new main without disrupting customer supply; suitable for multi-occupancy properties and uninterruptible supplies; meets GIS/SER/6.
• Live Service Insertion (LSI) Live gas service insertion technique using patented FOAMPACK for renewing gas service pipes without interrupting mains supply; for steel services up to 2" at low pressure.
• LSI Removal Tool Tool for removing a section of inserted metallic pipe to expose PE; provides a reliable accurate cut while avoiding damage to the PE pipe.
• Pipe Isolation Valve (PIV) Installation Technique for installing a new PIV for 2" steel or below under live conditions using SVI Live Gas Service Isolation and Live Service Transfer, avoiding consumer supply disruption.
• Rapid Service Isolator Safe method for cutting a live service under no-gas conditions prior to dead insertion; for low-pressure services up to 75mbar, ¾" to 1¼" diameter; entire procedure under three minutes.
• Taper Tool Tool for chamfering the leading edge of PE pipe to aid insertion around bends; available in 20mm and 25mm sizes.
• Live Riser Transfer Technique allowing a gas riser within a building to be partly renewed or transferred to a new main without switching off the gas supply; for 1" to 6" low-pressure services.
• Decommissioning Internal Pipes (Contract Service) Contract service for decommissioning internal pipework in buildings being redeveloped or demolished, including purge, flowstopping and decommissioning of old pipework.
• Internal Alterations & Connections (Contract Service) Contract services including Meter Exchange, Capex for removing caps and plugs under live gas conditions, Live Service Isolation, pipe repairs and Injectaseal for sealing leaking threaded joints.
• Multiple Occupancy Buildings Solutions (Contract Service) Contract services covering Live Riser Transfer, Live Service Transfer, Internal Alterations & Connections and PIV installation for blocks of flats, high-rise apartments and commercial premises.
• Electrofusion Branch Saddles Branch saddles for live branch connections for new supplies and offtakes for water or gas under pressure without interrupting supply; available for up to 500mm diameter PE pipe.
• Under Pressure Tee & Branch Saddle Connections Under Pressure Tee system enabling live branch utility connections for new supplies and offtakes for water or gas without switching off supply; available for 1"–36" diameter pipe.
• CRACKERJACK™ Manually operated mains cracker using air-over-hydraulic power (700 bar) to crack cast and spun iron mains up to 6" diameter in 1–2 minutes; 15kg; fits 3"–6" pipe.
• HD Mini MACAW Pipe Cracker Pipe cracking tool with two means of hydraulic power (hand pump or 1.5–3 tonne mini digger); handles 3"–8" mains with typical breakout time of 1–2 minutes.
• MACAW Pipe Cracker Suitable for cracking 8" to 24" cast iron mains; attached to a 1.5–3 tonne mini excavator with full cab-controlled operation.
• Keel Cutter Circumferential pipe cutting machine that automatically tracks around the pipe to cut steel, cast iron, ductile iron, asbestos, cement and plastic pipe up to 1600mm diameter; N450 and N600 models.
• Mini Cutter Designed to cut windows in 2", 1½", 1¼" and 1" steel pipes, providing safe access to PE pipes encased within steel services without damage; pneumatic-driven, 8.8kg, single-person operation.
• PE Pipe Cutter Joint NIA-funded project with Northern Gas Networks; accurately cuts large-diameter PE pipe (250mm+) with wall thicknesses up to 70mm in one full pass; completes a 630mm cut in under 5 minutes.
• Rapid Rotary Cutter Air-powered tool for circumferential cutting of ductile iron mains; cuts a 4" main in approximately 2 minutes; suitable for 75mm–300mm pipe.
• Rapid Rotary Cutter Steel Adapted Rapid Rotary Cutter for steel pipe diameters 100mm/4", 150mm/6" and 200mm/8"; typically cuts a 4" steel main in under 10 minutes.
• Rapid Window Cutter Handheld tool for fast, precise window cutting in abandoned or inserted ductile mains without damaging PE; cuts a typical window in a 100mm ductile iron main in under 12 minutes; UK Energy Innovation Awards 2015 winner.
• Rapid Window Cutter Steel Developed with Wales & West Utilities for cutting windows in steel mains up to 13mm depth without damaging PE; cuts a typical top tee-size window in under 30 minutes.
• 50/90 Pipe Coil Trailer Provides safe transport, storage and dispensing of coiled PE pipe from 40mm up to 125mm; central drum design ensures smooth dispensing and recoiling.
• 125/160 Pipe Coil Trailer Safe transport, storage and dispensing of coiled PE from 40mm up to 160mm; accommodates a 100m coil of 160mm SDR17 PE or 150m coil of 125mm SDR17 PE.
• 180 Pipe Coil Trailer Handles safe transport, storage and dispensing of coiled PE from 40mm to 180mm; accommodates a 100m coil of 180mm SDR 11/17 PE with mesh guarding on all four quadrants.
• 180 Super Pipe Coil Trailer Double-axle trailer handling coiled PE from 63mm to 180mm and pre-insulated pipe with outer jacket diameter 90mm to 225mm; central drum design for smooth dispensing.
• Hexi Pipe Coil Trailer First trailer capable of transporting and dispensing a 500m coil of 63mm, 75mm or 90mm PE; conforms to GIS/E49; reduces pipe wastage by 15-20% via 500m coils.
• CoilControl Pipe installation device that uses dual conical rollers to neutralise stored energy in coiled pipe, handling 125mm to 180mm PE; compatible with 180, Hexi and 125/160 trailers; reduces PE swarf spill by 98.5-100%.
• Large Pipe Handler Attached to excavator quick hitch or bucket pins; designed to grip, position and insert PE pipe into host mains entirely from the cab; for 250mm to 630mm diameter pipe.
• Mini & Midi Pipe Handler Pipe handlers in SVI's range for managing smaller diameter pipes.
• Long Reach Band Cutter Handheld tool for cutting steel restraining straps on pipe coils from a minimum distance of 3 metres, keeping the operator safely outside the trailer's footprint; 46-unit order fulfilled for Severn Trent.
• Perpetual Pipe Pusher Pipe-handling device in SVI's range for continuous pipe insertion.
• RENSET® Battery-Powered Energy Solution High-performance battery-powered energy solution delivering 5,000W rated and 10,000W peak output at 110VAC and 230VAC (50/60Hz) with modular LiFePO4 battery for on-site swapping; supports Net Zero objectives. SVI is sole UK and Ireland distributor.
• SMARTester™ Wireless Gas Pressure Tester Highly accurate wireless gas pressure tester that transmits data to the user's device for tightness testing in the gas distribution sector; companion SMARTester app includes TestSense feature (developed with EDF, E.ON and Octopus Energy) for calculating pipework volume per UP1b Edition 4 procedures.
• ESEAL & ESEAL 2 Stub-end sealing solutions for foambag operations on stubs.
• FBOS – Foambag Operation On Stubs Foambag operation technique for stub end sealing applications.
• BURSTPACK™ Pipe bursting product for trenchless pipe renovation.
• Level 1 Operator Training Operator training course to ensure safe, skilled and confident operation of utilities equipment across all applications.
• Level 2 Train The Trainer Train-the-Trainer programme for utilities equipment operation.
• Contract Services (UK-wide project delivery) Technical project delivery teams — flowstopping, grout filling, live mains insertion, pipe cutting and decommissioning services — undertaken by experienced engineering teams at customer sites, supported by seven UK depots and 30+ years of project experience.
• Equipment Hire Services Specialist plant and equipment hire — including pipe coil trailers, pipe handlers, cutters and other specialist equipment — for utilities and infrastructure industries, available through the seven UK depots.
• Online Shop (E-commerce) Newly launched e-commerce platform on stevevick.com enabling customers to browse and purchase SVI products directly, ranging from consumables (FOAMBAG kits, sealant) to larger specialist equipment (pipe handlers, coil trailers).

Quantifiable outcome

• Live Mains Insertion saves 5-14% compared with dead insertion in UK research
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Radius SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Radius Systems for development of the 17.5mm Service Insertion Technique. Radius Systems designed 17.5mm PE specifically for insertion through 3/4 inch metallic services. The technique is approved by NGN, Cadent, and SGN.
• Northern Gas NetworkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint NIA (National Innovation Agency) funded project resulting in development of the PE Pipe Cutter for larger diameter PE. Northern Gas Networks Innovation Implementation Manager Michael Charlton described it as 'a tool the industry has long needed'.
• Wales & West UtilitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on development of the Rapid Window Cutter for ductile iron pipes and subsequently the Rapid Window Cutter for Steel pipes. Wales & West Utilities identified the need for faster window cutting technique for Live Mains Insertion on their ductile network.
• Renset (Product Distribution)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSteve Vick International is the sole distributor for Renset battery-powered energy solutions for the UK and Ireland. Renset is a high-performance 5,000W/10,000W peak battery-powered generator supporting organisations working towards Net Zero targets.
• EDF, E.ON, Octopus EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with major energy suppliers EDF, E.ON and Octopus Energy in development of TestSense feature within SMARTester app. TestSense enables meter operatives to calculate pipework volume per UP1b Edition 4 procedures.
• PIPESERV (Australia)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAustralian distributor covering New South Wales, Victoria/Queensland, and Western/South Australia regions. Contact: Andrew Williams, Brent Brenton, Chris Lawrence.
• S.F.L International A/S (Denmark)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDanish distributor for Steve Vick International products. Contact via [email protected] or www.sfl-nodig.dk.
• Asset Protection Solutions (Ireland)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIrish distributor for Steve Vick International products. Contact: Kevin Bright, [email protected].
• PLCS, LLC (USA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS distributor for Steve Vick International products. Contact: David Payne, [email protected], www.plcsusa.com.
• Van Voskuilen Woudenberg B.V. (Netherlands)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDutch distributor for Steve Vick International products. Contact: [email protected], www.voskuilen.nl.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Vermeer Corporation: US-headquartered global manufacturer of construction, agricultural, and trenchless equipment including horizontal directional drills, trenchers, and pipe ploughs. Operates as a broad incumbent in trenchless technology, much larger scale than SVI, with overlapping equipment categories for utility installation.
• Aegion Corporation: US-based infrastructure services company (now part of SK ecoplant) providing pipeline rehabilitation, CIPP, and corrosion protection services to municipal and industrial customers. Comparable trenchless rehabilitation capabilities to SVI's contract services with significantly broader geographic and segment reach.
• Trelleborg AB (Industrial Solutions): Swedish multinational polymer technology group producing pipe seals, sealing profiles, and infrastructure solutions across multiple industrial verticals. Operates broadly in pipe sealing adjacent to SVI's End Seals, Foam Filling, and FOAMBAG products, with much larger scale and portfolio.

Direct peers

• Picote Solutions: Finnish manufacturer of pipe cutting, cleaning, and coating equipment used in drain, sewer, and pipe renovation. Overlaps directly with SVI's pipe cutter range (Mini Cutter, Keel Cutter, Rapid Rotary Cutter) and similar end-user base of utility contractors.
• T.D. Williamson: US-headquartered pipeline integrity specialist offering hot tapping, line stopping, and pipeline isolation services globally. Most directly comparable to SVI's FOAMBAG flowstopping and Hot Tapping product lines, serving oil & gas and utility customers with similar trenchless intervention techniques.
• HydraTech Field Services: US-based trenchless pipe restoration specialist offering internal joint seals, hydrostatic testing, and pipe rehabilitation services. Comparable to SVI's contract services and pressure testing (SMARTester) offerings with similar customer profile of utility operators.
• HammerHead Trenchless: US manufacturer of trenchless pipe renovation equipment including pipe bursting, CIPP, and lateral lining systems. Comparable product portfolio to SVI's BURSTPACK and pipe replacement technologies, serving water and gas utility contractors.
• Rädlinger primus line: German-based specialist in close-fit polyethylene pipe lining for trenchless rehabilitation of pressure pipes. Closely comparable to SVI's Live Mains Insertion technique, serving gas and water utilities across Europe and internationally.

Emerging players

• Nu Flow Technologies: US-based cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology specialist offering trenchless rehabilitation for small-diameter pipes including drain, sewer, and water service lines. Comparable use case to SVI's Drainblock/RATBLOCK products but with different technology approach and emerging franchise position.

Regional players

• Synthotech: UK-based provider of gas pipeline inspection services, robotic pipe surveying equipment, and trenchless pipeline technology development. Regional UK peer to SVI with adjacent gas utility customer base but different focus on inspection vs. renovation/decommissioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@stevevickinternational
• Instagraminstagram.com/stevevickint

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Steve Vick International