BBUS Shapes the Future at Houses of Parliament

25 January 2010

Left: Mike Brockhurst, BBUS’ General Manager – Innovation, talks technology with the Minister for Water, Huw Iranca-Davies MP.

Representatives of Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions (BBUS) recently attended the prestigious water industry event ‘Leading Through Innovation – The Way Forward in the UK Water Sector’.

Held at the House of Commons, and hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Water Group (APPWG), the event discussed proposals on how the sector could meet its challenges in the coming years. Mike Brockhurst, BBUS' General Manager - Innovation, was a guest speaker and explained BBUS' desire to drive change across the whole utilities sector.

The event was hosted by Linda Gilroy MP, Chair of the APPWG, and contributions were made by the Managing Directors of i20 Water and Primayer, as well as the Minister for Water, Huw Iranca-Davies MP. Mike Brockhurst's presentation focused on the necessity of changing the culture of the water sector from proactive to reactive. Mike spoke of the need to amend reporting processes, mobilise academia and ensure continued availability of funding. He also provided an overview of what BBUS is currently working on, placing particular emphasis on the Leaking WATER project, a joint venture between BBUS, Yorkshire Water and OpTic Technium. The project, part funded by the government's Technology Strategy Board, is developing a system that will not only detect leaks but, using the latest camera, electromagnetic and acoustic technology, proactively manage infrastructure assets.

The event's diverse audience included numerous MPs, water industry leaders, scientists and representatives of government organisations, such as the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Mike Brockhurst said: 'This reception gathered together people whose opinions are instrumental in shaping policy that directly affects the water sector. It gave BBUS an opportunity to share our perspective, and our presence at such an event demonstrates that BBUS is a leading figure in the campaign to drive change within the industry.'