Water investment realities with Tom Williams

The Infrastructure Podcast

In today's podcast we build on last week’s Kings Speech and dig into the new government’s ambitions to reform the much-criticised water sector and drive investment into this vital part of the UK’s infrastructure.

And it’s just a week or so after the delayed release of Ofwat’s long-awaited draft determination setting out how much water companies will be allowed to charge customers over the next five years. And it looks like an interesting and challenging time for everyone working in the sector.

As my guest last week Alasdair Reisner, chief executive of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association explained, for all the political, financial and environmental pressures piling up on the sector, there is no question that water is set to be one of the big growth markets over the next decade or so, as water companies battle to guarantee supplies, manage flooding, protect against drought and reduce the number of pollution incidents.

So how will this all map out for the supply chain? Where are the real opportunities? Well let’s ask someone with their finger on the pulse of the water industry.

My guest today is Tom Williams, non-executive director of British Water, the body representing the water sector supply chain and ceo of water technology and innovation consultancy Enebio.
Resources
Ofwat's draft determination July 2024
British Water response of Ofwat's draft determination
Water UK response of Ofwat's draft determination
The King's Speech
National Water Safety Forum guide to open water swimming