Event tackles East of England’s water shortages

The East of England is the most “water stressed” part of the UK and experts from across the continent are heading to Peterborough next Wednesday (8 July) to engage with local businesses and organisations and be part of the solution.

 

The free event, Water Connect 2015, is being organised by Anglia Ruskin University and Opportunity Peterborough, and is part of the Water Efficiency in European Urban Areas (WE@EU) project.

The East of England is likely to face severe water shortages over the next 20 years due to significant changes in rainfall patterns and an increasing population.

The WE@EU project involves four other regions facing similar problems: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur in the South of France; Aragon in Spain; Eastern Galilee in Israel; and the Mediterranean island of Malta.

Dr Aled Jones, Director of Anglia Ruskin’s Global Sustainability Institute, said: “Water Connect 2015 will cultivate an innovation-friendly ecosystem, where academia, businesses and local and national authorities can identify synergies and develop opportunities to work together.

“In doing so, this collaboration will transform knowledge and expertise into innovative products, services and skills in the urban water management sector across the region, the country and beyond.”

Over 150 individuals from across Europe have registered to attend Water Connect 2015, which is being held at the new Future Business Centre at Peterborough United’s ground.

Delegates will hear from Ashley Roe (Chief Executive of British Water), Bruce Jefferson (Professor of Water Engineering at Cranfield University), Claire Yeates (Director at Waterscan) and Richard Elelman (Head of Public Administrations and Director General of NETWERC H2O).

The afternoon matchmaking sessions will give attendees the chance to identify opportunities to collaborate and improve research, development and innovation in the water sector.

Steve Bowyer, Chief Executive of Opportunity Peterborough, said: “Water Connect 2015 will be a fantastic opportunity for businesses from the region to network with those from further afield, and it’s great for Peterborough to be at the heart of the water industry.”

The event is supported by Enterprise Europe Network and the Water Innovation Network, and more information is available at https://www.b2match.eu/waterconnect2015   

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For more press information please contact:
Jon Green on t: 0845 196 4717, e: jon.green@anglia.ac.uk
Jamie Forsyth on t: 0845 196 4716, e: jamie.forsyth@anglia.ac.uk

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