Winners News
Institute of Water Annual Conference Sponsorship
The winners this year will attend the Institute of Water's Annual Conference ‘Global Challenges – Local Solutions' to be held in Belfast on 13-15 May. They are:
- James Bucknall, Lab Technician, Portsmouth Water
- Laura Edwards, Business Environmentalist, Portsmouth Water
- Clara Hughes, PR & Communications Manager, Imtech Process
- Nik McAndrew, Water Regulations Officer, Bristol Water
- Sharna Richings, Technical Graduate, Veolia Water
- Dominic Scott, Sewerage Network Engineer, Asset Strategy, Dwr Cymru
- Mandy Senewiratne, Energy Efficiency Programme Co-ordinator, Halcrow Group Ltd (12 month secondment to Anglian Water)
- Ben Sydenham, Network Operations Manager, Bournemouth & West Hampshire Water
Why they applied:
"As a young person I am looking to further my career within the water industry and I believe the Conference is a great way to help with this development. I feel that the Conference is an important event in the Institute of Water's calendar and I think that the speakers will give me the chance to hear about the water industry and the issues that come with it on a national scale, In addition, the attendees will provide excellent networking opportunities, something which I have already tried to build since joining the Institute of Water."
James Bucknall
"I am a student member of the Institute of Water and I value the Institute's promotion of graduates and young people in the industry, having recently registered to participate in the Institute's new mentoring scheme. Within Portsmouth Water, I am always keen to take advantage of professional development opportunities and last year I volunteered to represent the Company at the Hampshire Water Festival. I am a keen supporter of WaterAid, having recently taken part in the Trail 100 Challenge where my team raised over £5,000."
Laura Edwards
"I have almost 15 years experience within PR, marketing and communications, working within different sectors. The water industry was a totally new sector for me when I joined Imtech Process. I am very interested to attend the Conference to gain a greater understanding of some of the issues that affect the wider water industry. It is an ideal opportunity for me to find out more of the similarities and differences. Also, although I have attended numerous water conferences and exhibitions, they have been as exhibitor rather than delegate; it would be unique to experience the Conference from the other side."
Clara Hughes
"Meeting others at the event will provide me with a vehicle to add my views and hopefully find like-minded people within the industry who want to improve a procedure or process or even legislation for the better. By bouncing ideas off one another, ideas can spread through the industry quicker than, say, a board room. The social side will be of benefit to interact with other members in a different context which I believe could provide insight into the way we think and work in the industry."
Nik McAndrew
"Knowledge sharing is crucial if we are to find solutions to complex problems, many of which are replicated on a national and even global scale. We must work together to promote best practice and the Conference provides the perfect occasion to do just that. If we can learn from mistakes and successes then we will be able to plan more efficiently and manage issues more effectively. The discussion sessions allow this process to happen and permit people to express openly and in a neutral environment their concerns and advice."
Sharna Richings
"I recently joined the Institute of Water with the intention that it will help further my career and help me develop links with like-minded professionals. If selected to attend the Conference I hope to benefit by:
- Listening and learning from key individuals in the industry and taking this learning forward in my own career and influencing others as a result of this learning;
- Opening the mind to other areas or problems where similar local solutions could be applied;
- Taking time out from my working environment to share ideas and consider proactive approaches to industry problems."
Dominic Scott
"Conferences such as this are an opportunity to meet, mingle and discuss the issues facing the industry. The mix of consultants, suppliers and water company and utility representatives offers a balanced platform at which to discuss and debate many topics and challenges."
Mandy Senewiratne
"The Annual Conferences provide a forum to make contacts with like-minded people, which can develop into fruitful business relationships or long lasting friendships. I am always surprised by the candid and honest discussions I've had with people throughout the industry regardless of their position or role; it is a wonderful opportunity to network and compare your company's approach with others. Everyone that attends these events usually leaves with a few new friends and/or contacts you can call upon. This is extremely important, not only on a personal or professional level but it also provides the industry with an unofficial network of friends and colleagues."
Ben Sydenham
See Also
About USIT|Trustees|
