UK Companies Make Global Connections At Aquatech

• British Water promotes innovative technologies at Amsterdam event
• UK companies identify global opportunities
• Asian and Middle Eastern delegates join European decision-makers

It is known as one of the biggest water industry events in Europe – but there was a strong Chinese and Middle Eastern contingent at this year’s Aquatech event.

UK companies taking part in the event came face-to-face with top-level representatives from around the world at RAI Amsterdam from 3-6 November 2015. Trade body British Water worked alongside Government representatives and the Birmingham Chamber so people representing UK companies were able to make the most of the opportunities on offer.

International interest
British Water International Director Lila Thompson said: “As well as making lots of useful contacts within the European water industry, exhibitors from the UK had a lot of visitors and interest from Asia, including China.”

British Water had a more visible presence at the exhibition this year, with its own stand inside the UK Pavilion. Run by the Birmingham Chamber and supported by UK Trade and Investment, the UK Pavilion shared the expertise of twelve innovative British water companies.

A further seven companies were represented by showcasing their products and services on the British Water stand.

New leads
Terri Ann Boyle, group coordinator for Ximax Environmental from Essex, which produces a highly advanced biocide said: “Over the four days about 200 people came to our stand. We have at least ten solid leads, which we think will lead to new business. Because of what our product does there are so many potential markets and so many potential applications we have been really grateful for the support and guidance we have been given by British Water and UKTI.”

Marketing manager Junaid Hassan, from Warden Biomedia in Luton, Bedfordshire, manufacturers of biological filter media said: “Our company went to Aquatech for the first time this year. We have a good customer base in the UK but we are ready to expand into the overseas market.

“Our main target is northern Europe and we had some great interest from Germany, France the Netherlands and Belgium. But we also had some interest from the Middle East, the United States and Asia.

“It has been a great opportunity for us. Things went so well we had to call back to the UK to send out more brochures.”

Encouraging exports
Chief Executive of British Water Ashley Roe said: “Aquatech is one of the most important events in our industry and it gives British companies a chance to connect with some of the key decision-makers from around the world. One of the main objectives for British Water is to help showcase innovation and to help UK companies move into a global market.

“These are exciting and challenging times for the water industry and we want UK companies to be at the forefront of the changes which are taking place around the world. I’m delighted British Water members had such a positive experience at this year’s Aquatech and I’m proud our team were able to play a part in that.”

Lila Thompson from British Water also highlighted the importance of the conference to UK companies in an interview on Aquatech TV – a new feature of this year’s event.

Record-breaking event
Marieke Leenhouts of Amsterdam RAI said Aquatech 2015 had been a record-breaking event. The 25th Aquatech had 859 exhibitors and 18,411 visitors from 139 countries.

She said: “Our aim is always to help businesses move forward and we believe we succeeded in doing so with Aquatech Amsterdam 2015. There was a great reaction to the many new features at the show, and we look forward to building on that success for the next edition in 2017.”

British Water, Southbank House, Black Prince Rd, London SE1 7SJ

About British Water
British Water is the lead representative and business development organisation for the UK water industry supply chain. For more information, visit www.britishwater.co.uk.