Our 5th Annual Water Industry Asset & Quality Conference
Stonbury are a specialist contractor to the water industry, holding framework agreements and contracts for the refurbishment of water towers, reservoirs and associated assets throughout the clean and waste water sectors.
Our objective has been to bring together representatives from all the UK’s Water Companies to share their latest innovations and best practice. The conference allows delegates to share not only their current challenges, but also their most successful strategies and methodologies to date, improving water quality and asset maintenance across the UK.
The conference was first held in 2012 and has experienced year on year growth since launching. This year, the event held on Tuesday 22nd November 2016 introduced a new ‘Innovation Lounge’ for suppliers to display their products and services. The introduction of the Innovation Lounge and the organic growth in numbers allowed the conference to be held centrally at a larger venue of the New Hall, Sutton Coldfield. Exhibitors were invited on stage for a two-minute speed showcase to attract the relevant delegates to their stands, exhibitors included: BASF, Panton McLeod, Speedy, Sensor UK and ITS Stonbury.
Each year, the conference reports on practice improvements throughout the industry, presented directly by water authorities and industry professionals. This year speakers included presentations by: Ian Hope, Severn Trent Water; Zoe Kellock, Severn Trent Water; David Edwards, Thames Water; Dr Jim Wicks, The Fluid Group and Amber Telford, Mott MacDonald. We were also pleased to welcome back yearly support from the Drinking Water Inspectorate. Dr Guy Franklin, DWI Inspector and Reg 31 Scientist presented on case studies from across the industry and remained for the duration of the conference to answer questions throughout the day.
Amber Telford, Mott McDonald presented on the Provision of Industry Guidance on Management of Clean Water Storage Assets, discussing the best practice for design, installation, operation and management of treated water storage assets. The topic derived from the ongoing UKWIR commissioned research project, utilising a collaboration of knowledge from industry professionals, with a goal to set a common standard of practice throughout the UK industry. Stonbury have also been a part of this project, assisting on advice from their specialised area of asset refurbishment.
Ian Hope, Dams and Reservoirs Manager, Severn Trent Water:
“I found the day both stimulating and rewarding. Each presentation was to a high standard and the presenter’s experts in their fields. The conference was well attended by industry professionals from across the country, which provided fertile ground for informed discussion and debate. Thank you for organising such a useful event”
Jon Featherstone, Commercial Director
“This year’s conference appeared to be well received by everyone in attendance. The wide range of topics and issues discussed ensured that concentration levels were maintained throughout the day, the quality of the speakers complemented this. The messages communicated provided all listening with some serious food for thought and further discussion when they return to their own environments.”
A few words from James Stonor
“Our 2016 Conference brought together over 70 representatives from almost every water company in the UK. Whilst continuing to address the challenge of combating bacteriological failures in service reservoirs this year also saw us expand the subject matter to consider asset management and best practice particularly under the new industry theme of Totex.
The conference was a phenomenal success with some brilliant presentations sharing information and best practise. As with previous years we were delighted to welcome back the DWI who also presented. It wasn’t just the quality of the presentations that ensured the conferences success but the attitude of all who attended. Delegates were there to share and communicate with each other taking full advantage of the opportunity to be among others from the industry facing similar challenges.
This year we also introduced an innovation lounge where suppliers to the water industry could showcase their latest innovations and this was also a great success and will definitely be expanded and featured in future conferences. I would like to thank all who came and look forward to welcoming guests back again next year, as well as many new faces”
The conference concluded with an evening networking meal and an after dinner performance, this year by the amazing Kennedy who successfully stunned all!
Next year we aim to continue growing the conference by bringing more concepts of innovation and methodology to water delegates. For further information and to express your interest in attending or contributing, please email laura@stonbury.co.uk