| About |
aboutWhat We DoWe are the leading UK membership body representing the interests of businesses working in the supply chain of water and wastewater, together with wider stakeholders across the sector. We leverage global resources, support services, and networks for the benefit of our members - ensuring companies and organisations have their voices heard. Services are delivered through UK, International, and Technical forums, which connect members to contacts to raise their profile, grow their business and promote best practice. Our Water Industry Forum provides challenge-led, independent thought leadership, to tackle the challenges facing the sector. We are primarily funded through membership subscriptions paid by our members on an annual basis. Additional income is also derived from our successful events programme. Our VisionOur vision is for the British Water Sector to lead the world in outcome-focused water and wastewater planning, management, implementation and optimisation that maximises biodiversity and positive benefits for people. British Water will be at the heart of this, facilitating inclusion and opportunity for all. Our ValuesWe will always strive to be: Collaborative, Authentic, Trusted, Approachable. Our StrategyTo inspire, engage, integrate and deliver thought leadership representing the UK water supply chain and wider ecosystem globally. We will continue to be highly valued by our members, partners and communities for the impact, inclusivity and sense of common purpose that we create.Strategic achievement of our vision will be through the UK Forum, International Forum, Technical Forum, and our independent and neutral Water Industry Forum. 
Our History"British Water was incorporated in 1993 by the merger of two trade associations, BEWA (British Effluent and Water Association) and BWIG (British Water Industries Group). However, our earliest origins can be traced back as far as 1938. In 2022, we completed a merger with the Water Industry Forum which now operates as a neutral and independent subsidiary of British Water for members to share ideas through thought leadership and collaborative working. Our membership continues to grow, now reaching more than 230 companies and organisations across the supply chain and wider water and wastewater sector, across the UK and globally. With a turnover in excess of £1bn, our members offer a range of solutions and technologies for utilities and industries. Marking the halfway point of the 2020s, we now face myriad converging issues – be it the accelerating effects of climate change, a changing regulatory environment, or the development of necessary infrastructure and skills purpose built for the future – which will drive both discussion and require innovative solutions across our sector in the coming years. As the leading UK membership body for the supply chain of the water and wastewater industry and wider sector, we will continue to leverage the resources, support services, and industry forums for the benefit of our members – both existing and new– helping members to grow both at home and internationally and have their voices heard"
Meet the Team
Lila ThompsonLila has over 20 years of experience driving business growth, policy development and stakeholder engagement in a variety of sectors. Lila was formerly British Water’s International Director and responsible for helping supply chain companies grow their businesses globally. Lila led business development visits to a wide range of markets including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, China and India. Lila is a Board Member of SPRING Innovation, has been a judge for Ofwat’s Innovation Fund, and has sat on UK Government Advisory Groups. Lila has a BSc (Hons) in Economics & Social Policy and is a Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade. 
Chloe SawyersChloe is the Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer of British Water, Lila Thompson. She has over 10 years extensive experience working within the private and public sectors covering roles in senior administration, HR and recruitment, executive office, and office management. Chloe joined in 2024 and is the best point of contact for Lila Thompson. 
Marie TierneyMarie is responsible for British Water's finance & office administration and leads on responding to all membership enquires. Marie joined the team in October 2018 and is also the first point of contact for all financial queries. 
Anika AnisurAnika supports our membership engagement initiatives to ensure existing and potential members as well as stakeholders get access to the services they need. With a background in membership relations, office administration and as a research associate, Anika has a passion for delivering excellent customer service. Anika has a degree in Psychology and is currently studying an MSc in Organisational Psychology. 
Sooz BeechamSooz joined British Water in 2025, providing administrative support and assisting with membership engagement. She brings experience supporting teams in a wide range of environments and is passionate about contributing to purpose-driven work. Sooz has a degree in Modern Liberal Arts (Philosophy) with a minor in Film Production. 
Dane BeauchampDane Beauchamp is responsible for the strategic delivery and development of British Water’s UK, Technical, and International Forums. With over a decade of experience in engineering, design, and programme management, Dane has worked extensively in the UK water sector, including roles at Thames Water in construction assurance, optimisation, and network operations. He has also delivered large-scale agricultural water infrastructure projects internationally. Currently completing a BEng in Mechanical Engineering, Dane brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to stakeholder engagement and is committed to supporting sustainable innovation and collaboration across the sector. 
Hannah MartinHannah is responsible for assisting in the development and delivery of British Water’s UK, Technical, and International forums, ensuring they align with the organisation’s strategic goals. She plays a key role in planning, coordinating, and implementing forum activities, working closely with industry stakeholders to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. An Environmental Scientist by background, Hannah has expertise in regulatory stakeholder engagement, emerging environmental contaminants, and integrated catchment management. She joined British Water after earning a distinction in her MSc in Water and Environmental Management from the University of Bristol. With a passion for sustainable water management, Hannah is committed to supporting the industry in addressing key challenges and driving innovation across the sector. 
Beverley FerraraBeverley Ferrara is a business development and international marketing consultant with extensive experience across the global water sector. For seven years, she served as European Representative for The Water Council, a US-based water technology hub, where she built a strong partner network and established successful forums, events and initiatives to support transatlantic collaboration. Her career spans senior roles in economic development, international trade, and brand consultancy - including Director of Inward Investment at Milwaukee 7 and PR Director for Novell Inc. in Dubai. She works with a range of organisations, advising on market entry, stakeholder engagement, and commercial growth strategies, with a particular interest in advancing sustainability. Beverley joins British Water as Business Development Consultant, Europe, bringing a broad understanding of the water sector and a track record of building high-impact partnerships across the UK, Europe and North America. 
Alyina HashmiAlyina is responsible for supporting and delivering British Water’s Technical Forum services, and International activities and events in the Middle East and Asia region. She is a Civil Engineer and holds a MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management from the University of Oxford. 
Margret MwanzaMargret is responsible for supporting and delivering British Water’s UK Forum, and International activities and events. Margret is an Environmental Engineer with an MSc in Advanced Water Management from Cranfield University. Her expertise and commitment lies in making a positive impact in integrated water management and environmental sustainability. 
Zoe KempZoe is responsible for leading British Water’s event portfolio and managing key partnerships. With extensive experience in event management both in the UK and overseas, she oversees the delivery of high-quality events for members and stakeholders, ensuring they provide value and engagement, while strengthening industry connections through strategic partnerships. 
Eleanor LoughlinEleanor assists in coordinating and managing British Water’s virtual and in-person events and helps to maintain the organization's digital content. Eleanor has a degree in Mathematics from the University of Bath. 
Judith PonsJudith is responsible for the marketing strategy and insights analysis at British Water, with a focus on raising the profile of the organisation and promoting the services of both British Water and its members across the sector. She brings extensive experience in digital marketing and brand strategy across Europe and the United States, having worked on both the client and agency sides. Judith is highly skilled at identifying key insights and opportunities that enable organisations to engage effectively with their core and prospective clients through clear, impactful, and meaningful experiences. 
Neilas SvilpaNeilas is responsible for producing British Water’s digital content and supporting members with their enquiries. He works closely with Judith to deliver and enhance the organisation's marketing strategy. As the lead for the fortnightly newsletter, Neilas ensures that members and stakeholders are kept up to date with the latest British Water news, events, and exclusive insights. Recently, he completed his Level 3 Digital Marketer Apprenticeship with Learning Curve Group, earning a Distinction. Skilled in creating digital assets, coding, and managing CRM systems, Neilas continues to drive digital innovation within the organisation. 
Anita PayneAnita joined WIF as Executive Director in July 2023. Reporting to the WIF Chair, Tony Conway, Anita leads and manages all the activities of the WIF. This includes developing the overall long-term strategy, vision and delivery plan for WIF, and establishing and embedding its culture in accordance with its values. Anita has held senior roles in water regulators and government departments in the UK and Australia including the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and OFWAT. Anita has a background in water economics and has extensive experience in delivering economic analysis across a range of water policy issues. 
Natasha WisemanNatasha is a highly experienced media professional with 15 years experience of the global water industry. For all British Water PR enquires please email calie@wiseonwater.com and natasha@wiseonwater.com. 
Karma LovedayKarma provides policy advice and related services to British Water. She is the founder and editor of The UK Water Report, an independent publication covering UK water sector policy, regulation, strategy and finance. Since 2015, she has also worked as water advisor Major Energy Users' Council, a membership body for industrial and commercial water and energy customers. Karma has over 25 years of experience of working in the water sector and has some experience in other regulated industries. 
Pure IdentityAs a husband and wife team, Pure Identity are passionate about supporting British Water to discover who we are and why we belong as a brand within the market. more about usYour Forums
|
