Reference point - property, engineering, utilities news and statistics
Water UK City Conference 2008
A record 160 representatives from the water industry, its stakeholders and investors attended Water UK’s flagship 8th Annual City Conference.
The day’s keynote presentation was given by the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who announced details relating to the upcoming review of competition in the water sector. After his speech, the Minister responded to some challenging questions from the audience.
Other industry heavyweights to present throughout the morning included Regina Finn, Chief Executive of Ofwat, David King, Director of Water Management for the Environment Agency and Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the Consumer Council of Water. Pamela Taylor, Chief Executive of Water UK, spoke of the many demands facing the UK water industry and the role of regulation in helping water companies facing these range of challenges.
Delegates enjoyed a seated networking lunch in the Commonwealth Club’s member’s only restaurant before hearing from investors and financiers in the afternoon.
Dr Angela Whelan, Director of Research for Ecofin and Matt Parr, Principal Consultant for Indepen began the afternoon by presenting the results of Water UK’s recent investor survey. Speakers representing Merrill Lynch, Royal Bank of Scotland, JPMorgan and Fitch Ratings also spoke throughout the afternoon.
The day concluded with the afternoon’s speakers being joined by Tony Wray, Chief Executive of Severn Trent for a panel discussion chaired by Jonson Cox, Chief Executive of Anglian Water Group.
Leaving the event, delegates agreed that this year’s conference had been the best yet due to the high quality of speakers and crucial issues covered at the event. Just some of the positive feeback included:
“A well attended, timely and topical event”
“Very high quality content and speakers this year”
“Excellent day – very informative – good quality information and issues raised”
“Good to attend a conference that dealt with the hard issues”
“Very good conference – top quality range of speakers”
For further information about the day contact Emma Iannacone +44 (0)207 344 1896.
