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The Power Of Mentors & Role Models
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Listen to our latest podcast episode, 'The Power of Mentors & Role Models’, on Beneath The Surface, featuring our guest Rajiv Sudan, Major Projects Director at Mott MacDonald. From imposter syndrome to reverse mentoring, from personal self-doubt to the need for systemic change, Rajiv reflects on how mentoring transformed his own journey — and why real, lasting impact in our sector always begins with people.
He also makes a powerful case for the importance of visible role models in driving a more diverse, equitable and inclusive sector.
What you will hear in this episode:
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How personal life pressures triggered a bold career pivot and an MBA
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The difference between coaching and mentoring—and how to use both
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Why imposter syndrome never fully leaves us (even at senior levels)
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Why mentoring must be inclusive
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How reverse mentoring is helping CEOs see life through a new lens
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Actionable advice to leaders on EDI: data, transparency, and meaningful support
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Real talk on the ethnic minority experience in the water sector 30 years ago vs. now
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Why representation and visible role models truly matter
‘Beneath The Surface’ is a podcast from British Water, supported by
Xylem Water Solutions UK & Ireland
. Co-hosted by Lila Thompson, CEO, British Water, and Perminder Atwal, HR Business Partner, Xylem Water Solutions UK & Ireland, the podcast aims to have challenging conversations about EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) in the water sector.
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Beneath The Surface Podcast
Sponsor
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WIF Team Challenge 2025 | Judging & Awards Event -
We are pleased to announce our keynote speaker, Carolyn Cadman, Director of Net Zero & Natural Resources, South West Water, and judging panel for the 7th WIF Team Challenge awards on Tuesday, 24 June 2025 at WSP in Birmingham.
Learn More
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BW Annual Conference 2025 -
BW’s third annual conference will be held on 10 November 2025 in Coventry, supported by Water Company Partner
Severn Trent Water
. Sponsorship is now open, including the exclusive Influence Sponsor package, which offers the chance to help shape the agenda. Contact the
events team
to learn more.
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Call for Partners: Join the UK Pavilion at World Water Week 2025 -
Showcase your organisation and help lead global collaboration in the water sector. Building on 2024’s success, the UK Pavilion returns to Stockholm in August 2025 under the theme ‘Better Connected’ to spotlight UK innovation and partnerships. Don’t miss this opportunity — contact
Margret Mwanza
to get involved.
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2025 Water and Wastewater Company Performance Survey
Now Open for Responses
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Our annual, highly anticipated survey gives supply chain companies the chance to provide feedback on how water and wastewater companies have performed over the past 12 months.
We ask contractors, consultants, and suppliers to rate their clients’ performance in 12 areas, including innovation, professionalism, contractual approach, and communication. This year, the questionnaire has been refreshed to reflect areas where water companies are particularly keen to hear feedback from the supply chain.
This survey is especially important as the water sector across the UK moves forward with new investment periods & delivery programmes.
The survey is open to both British Water members & non-members.
Your input supports the regular feedback we provide to key industry stakeholders on behalf of the supply chain.
Kind regards,
Lila Thompson
Chief Executive Officer
The deadline for completing this survey is 17.00, Friday 11 July 2025.
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We are honoured to have such dedicated members. Your commitment and support have shaped our journey and continues to inspire us.
In this section, we’ll celebrate our valued, long-standing members. We remain committed to supporting your success as we work together to shape the future of the sector.
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Welcoming Our New Members
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We are thrilled to welcome our newest members to British Water. Your voice, expertise and contributions will play a key role in shaping our future, and we look forward to supporting your growth and success.
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See Latest BW Members & Industry News
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British Water Events & Meetings
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WIF Team Challenge 2025
Judging & Awards Event
24 June 2025, 14.00 - 19.00, WSP, Birmingham
Join to find out the most innovative presentations for this year’s WIF Team Challenge: ‘What are the emerging trends that will impact the water-energy nexus by 2030?’.
Learn More
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Thames Water Liaison Meeting
25 June 2025, 13.00 - 14.45, Virtual
Join us for an insightful Liaison Meeting with Thames Water. Engage in discussions covering the company's structure, capital delivery, asset management and procurement processes.
Learn More
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Anglian Water Site Visit
30 June 2025, 09.00 - 16.00, Rutland Water
Register now the for Anglian Water’s Site Visit at Rutland Water. Suppliers will have the opportunity to gain insights into Anglian Water’s reservoir programme, procurement opportunities, and innovative water treatment technologies.
Learn More
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South East Water Liaison Meeting
8 October 2025, 13.00- 14.45, Virtual
Join us for an engaging Liaison Meeting with South East Water to hear the latest updates covering the company's structure, capital delivery, asset management approach and procurement strategy.
Learn More
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Pennon Group In-Person Liaison Meeting
29 October 2025, 13.00- 14.45, Virtual
Register now to attend the British Water In-person Liaison Meeting with Pennon Group. Engage in discussions on the company’s structure, capital delivery plans, sustainability initiatives, and procurement processes. There are only a small number of places available for this visit, so please email
Margret Mwanza
to avoid disappointment. Online attendance TBC soon.
Learn More
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Welsh Water Liaison Meeting
26 November 2025, 13.00- 14.45, Virtual
Join us for an insightful Liaison Meeting with Welsh Water. Engage in discussions covering Welsh Water's latest initiatives and strategic priorities, offering a comprehensive overview of their ongoing and future projects.
Learn More
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British Water Focus Groups
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Other Industry Events & Exhibitions
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British Water At The Water Industry Awards
24 June 2025, Birmingham
Join Margret Mwanza, Programmes Officer- UK, Europe & Africa, BW at the awards ceremony celebrating those who are pushing boundaries and setting new standards in water and wastewater management. With award categories spanning innovation, leadership, sustainability, and customer service, the evening will spotlight the outstanding contributions shaping the future of the sector.
Learn more
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Embrace New Markets In The Innovation & Start-ups Arena At IFAT Brasil 2025
25 - 27 June, São Paulo, Brazil
E
xpand your business in the Latin American market and connect
with sanitation decision-makers to explore strategic
partnerships. For more information email
Isle Brasil
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Lila Thompson, Judge & Attendee At Women In Utilities (WUN) Awards 2025
27 June 2025, Royal Lancaster, London
Join Lila Thompson, CEO, BW, at the awards ceremony, celebrating the contributions of women across the utilities sector, along with the organisations and individuals who champion them. BW is delighted to support this initiative, highlighting progress and advocating for greater representation within the sector.
Learn more
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British Water At Northumbrian Water’s Innovation Festival 2025
7 - 10 July 2025, Newcastle Racecourse, Newcastle upon Tyne
Come and visit us at this year’s festival, focusing on renewal, restoration, and sustainable growth. BW is proud to support this event, which brings together diverse voices to collaborate on innovative solutions to environmental and industry challenges. Learn more about the festival and how to get involved
here
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UK River Summit
8 July 2025, 09.30 – 18.00, London
Gain insights from experts, develop partnerships, and connect with people working in complementary fields—from water management and environmental policy to agriculture and sustainable finance. Organised by The River Summit and Festival charity, the Summit encourages collaboration between industry leaders, environmental NGO’s, policymakers, scientists, the media, artists and the public.
Learn more
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British Water At Stockholm World Water Week
24 - 28 August 2025, Sweden
Come and visit us at the UK Pavilion at World Water Week 2025, a hub for collaboration, events, and networking for organisations within the UK water sector. Under the theme 'Better Connected', the Pavilion fosters global partnerships and promotes sector engagement. To get involved, please contact
Margret Mwanza
.
Learn more
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13th Business Opportunities Fair 2025
16 - 17 September 2025, Manila, Philippines
Gain insights into The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) procurement process, upcoming project pipelines, and business opportunities across the region. This flagship event connects businesses with ADB sector specialists and procurement teams, offering valuable guidance on how companies can bid for and win contracts across infrastructure sectors including water.
Learn more
or register with
Bernice Ermac
from DBT Manila.
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WEFTEC 2025
27 September - 1 October 2025, Chicago, USA
Join the global water community at WEFTEC – the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition & Conference, the
largest event of its kind in North America.
Bringing together utility leaders, innovators, technology providers, and policy shapers, WEFTEC offers access to international insights, technical sessions, and cutting-edge solutions across the water and wastewater landscape.
Learn More
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Vox Studios, Unit V124
1-45 Durham Street
London
SE11 5JH
+44 (0)20 3567 0950
info@britishwater.co.uk
membership@britishwater.co.uk
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