The UK Water Partnership (UKWP) is developing a new UK water Capabilities Directory to support the Department for International Trade (DIT) in promoting British expertise.
The first of its kind, the ‘UK Water Capabilities Directory’ will be used to link British companies to international business leads. Firms will be categorised by key areas of expertise and the geographies in which they operate to create an easily accessible repository of the sector’s capabilities.
The new UK water capabilities directory is being led by HR Wallingford and Arup in partnership with the Department for International Trade, with a steering group including the Environment Agency, Anglian Water Services, Costain Group Plc, Mott MacDonald, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and Twenty65.
Martin Shouler, London Water Leader at Arup, commented on the launch: “Adapting to climate change is one of the most complex challenges facing the world today.
“This initiative provides a fantastic opportunity for the UK supply chain to promote its urban water resilience expertise, services and products on the global stage.”
In addition to the directory, the initiative will produce a white paper setting out to explain the UK’s breadth and depth of water resilience expertise, as well as a presentation to be used by the DIT in its meetings globally.
Matt Crossman, deputy director of infrastructure at the DIT, commented: “The UK government is taking the lead in tackling climate change, not least as hosts of COP26 later this year.
“The Department for International Trade is pleased to support the UK Water Partnership promote UK companies’ capability in water resilience.
“Sustainable infrastructure is a key priority for governments around the globe and by highlighting UK expertise we can help ensure they are able to develop the high quality infrastructure that is needed.”
The creators of the Directory are encouraging organisations specialising in water resilience to sign up for free to improve their access to international markets.
Andy Ball, technical director at HR Wallingford, added: “We have a wealth of UK companies that have world-leading expertise in flood defences, climate change, dams, drainage, technologies, natural flood management, and much more.
“The directory, presentation and white paper will present a clear picture to the rest of the world on how much expertise lies in the UK, and how it can assist other countries.”
More information about the Capabilities Directory is available on the UK Water Partnership website.
