A slow starting AMP 5 spending round, whole life costs and capital spending were just a few of the key issues discussed at the recent British Water Summer meeting which was hosted by NOV Mono at its HQ in Manchester in July.
Following a site tour of Mono's state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and before the meeting and lunch, presentations were delivered by representatives from Ofwat - on PR09 and their Forward Work Programme, and British Water - on their 5-year strategy and on their climate change position paper.
Paul Mullord, UK Director at British Water, commented: "It continues to be a challenging time for the UK water industry with factors such as the recent political changes and the general economic climate affecting the delivery of the AMP5 spending round. Ofwat's 'final determination' demands 20% efficiency gains from the industry and this, together with internal restructuring of many of the companies, has led to a very slow start to AMP5.
Mark Viner, European Sales Manager at Mono, continued: "We were very proud to be able to host this very important bi-annual meeting for the water industry and I am sure everyone that attended will agree it was a very worthwhile and interesting event.
"It was clear that the slow start to AMP5 will have a significant effect on the UK water supply chain, meaning that it may be 2011 before suppliers begin to see any significant capital spend. However, we can take solace in the fact that there will be strong focus on whole life costs and maintenance over the coming years and suppliers who keep this front of mind moving forward will be able to stay ahead of the game."
British Water is the trade association for the water industry supply chain, representing the industry collectively to government, regulators, other institutions, customers and the media.