Celebrating the ‘Best of the Best’ at
Future Water’s Virtual Awards Ceremony

Last week we were joined by people from across the water sector including, utilities, contractors, SME’s and entrepreneurs, to celebrate innovation, creative thinking, and those who have made a difference in the industry.

Guest speaker,  Dr Javier Ventura-Traveset, European Space Agency , provided the audience with a fantastic insight into the importance of ‘Water in Space’, how critical it is to the International Space Station, to journeys to Mars, to establishing a base on the moon and also to life being able to exist elsewhere in the universe. He also told the audience about the launch of new satellites to monitor oceans and said that space agencies should be working more closely with the water sector.

Mark Smith, Chair of Future Water & CEO at WRc  introduced the awards by saying:
“One thing we can say about 2020 is that it has been anything but boring. The pandemic has challenged all of us and Future Water has risen to the challenges offering members a safe place to discuss business and people issues, whilst continuing to actively engage with the water company Innovation 2050 strategy and development of the OFWAT Innovation Fund.

Mark added “A strong Future Water is vital for the sector and in addition to the regular engagement meetings, water dragons programme, Young Water Dragons, training initiatives etc. Future Water will be launching new members groups in 2021 to support the organisation as we push the forward-thinking agenda. So, why not join us on the journey?” 

AWARD WINNERS

 
 Water Dragons – Sponsored by Hydrosave
 

Highly Commended - Propelair

“Propelair brought to the Final a great idea with their water-efficient toilet system that has great potential revolutionising not only water saving but also hygiene. Well done to everyone at Propelair.”   Matt Foster, Hydrosave

Winner - VAPAR

“VAPAR’s innovation in the rapid assessment of video recordings of internal sewer condition has immense potential to help the water industry get a grip on understanding the condition of its sewer assets. It will revolutionise what has hitherto been a labour intensive and slow process by using AI and Cloud-Based technology and could yield 1,000-fold efficiency savings in time and improve forward planning for investment in the country’s sewerage infrastructure.” 

           
   COVID-19: 'Above & Beyond' Award – Sponsored by Stantec

Joint Winners -   Kirsty Ayres, Senior Engineer at WSP & Rowan Speers,  Technical Sales Executive AVK UK                                                          

  
   Emerging Talent Award – Sponsored by ARUP


Highly Commended -  Francieli Thums, Sewers Engineer, Wessex Water

"Francieli showed a huge amount of potential, having undertaken her degree projects in partnership with her organisation. Since then, she has gone on to manage large infrastructure projects and work with international partners. She's also an advocate for Women in Engineering and we believe she has a bright future in the sector."  Mark Fletcher, ARUP                     

Winner -  Laura Conroy, Innovation Programme Manager, United Utilities 

"Our winner has shown a fantastic progression since joining as an apprentice. She’s played a pivotal role in transforming the company's innovation capability leading projects and programmes to inspire employees, procure game-changing ideas and develop a portfolio of innovation trials. She has shown leadership, passion and an outstanding contribution to her organisation - with roles in diversity and inclusion groups, as a STEM Ambassador, and a personal mentor to employees too.”  Mark Fletcher, ARUP        

  
    People Award – Sponsored by ACO Water Management

Winner -  Simon Bennett, Head of Wholesale Services, Bristol Water

"In his 37 years in the industry, Simon has achieved a great deal. He has been instrumental in many improvements to the industry; worked co-operatively with the supply chain; has always been happy to share his extensive knowledge (always with a genuine big smile); mentoring younger entrants coming into the industry and fronting Bristol Water’s Education campaign for Key Stage 2 school pupils. Moving closer to the present, his nominator highlighted Simon’s passion and interest in doing things better and in improving the customer experience, particularly in making the new water retail market a success. Simon is the ultimate collaborator – in setting up the influential Retailer Wholesaler Group (RWG); in creating the Water Industry Registration Scheme - Accredited Entity and in developing the Pinpoint app with a supply chain partner to help retailers find meters in the field.”   Dr David Smoker, ACO Water Management      

Special Recognition -  Mark Smith, RPS

“This year the industry has had to say goodbye to a real ambassador, someone who believed in the future of the water sector and supported the forward looking agenda, someone who had time for everyone. Future Water is privileged to be making a Special Recognition Award to Mark Smith, RPS. Mark would have wanted us to recognise all that is great in the industry and I’m sure he would have enjoyed the celebration. Perhaps we can sum everything up with something that Mark was often known to say, “C’mon Buddy’ the best is yet to come!” 
Paul Horton, Future Water

SOURCE FUTURE WATER