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A newsletter FOr MeMBers OF the pipeline industries guild
Tata clocks up a big North Sea milestone A million tonnes of iron supplied P3
How to construct a £350 million island Major new project in Jakarta P4
Guild innovators brave the Lions’Lair london showcase event round up P8
Who attended, what happened…latest annual Branch dinners P11
In the pipelinespring 2015
of WaterThe Future of Water
As the new AMp6 era begins, how do we maintain and develop an internationally renowned water industry? P9
P24
Contentspipeline news3 Business updatesA move by Mace to attract more women into our industry and a significant milestone for tata in its north sea operations. 4 New projectsthe challenges of building an island in indonesia. Also, the latest alliance news from the water industry’s AMp6. pipeline people6 Your storiesA tribute to three guild figures who have recently passed away.
Awards 7 Recognition Murphy gets an A grade for its environmental policies and Mwh is in the running for a best-in-new-Zealand accolade.
events 8 The Lions’ Lair Find out who dared enter the lair at this year’s event. Cover feature9 The future of water As the industry enters AMp6, the guild’s ruth Allen offers her views on what the various partners can do to make the most of the new alliances. Branch & panel news11 Regional reportsAnnual dinners, technical talks and a round up of the latest networking events.
down to business14 Welcome and Diary p.i.g. offers a warm welcome to the newest guild members. plus, diary dates.
‘Alliance partners should seize this opportunity and work in
a fully integrated fashion ’ Ruth Allen, The Future of Water, p9
welCOMe to the latest edition of in the pipeline. it’s difficult to believe we are so close already to the start of spring. even more importantly, the guild’s Annual Awards dinner at the grosvenor house hotel in london is fast approaching. if you haven’t booked your tickets yet for the big night on 10 March, please urgently contact our headquarters to see if there is space still available for this major networking event in the industry calendar.
whilst travelling the country to each of the Branch dinners, i’ve been impressed by the commitment from members in sponsoring and attending these events. i’ve had the chance at each dinner to thank the attendees for their support and remind everybody that without its members the guild would not exist. i’d like to extend these thanks to all the readers of this newsletter, corporate and individuals.
i’m sure as you read this edition you will recognise that we are an extremely active industry, with opportunities for growth, both technologically and commercially. there’s no doubt that the pipeline industry is an exciting sector in which to work.
this issue, you will also read of several sad losses to our industry and the guild. Bill Mchugh lead a fascinating life and was one of our original founders. Baroness platt of writtle, our president in 1995, was an advocate for encouraging more young people to take up training and careers in science, engineering and technology. Finally, Basil Barkway was a hugely influential figure in our wales and west region, taking on many responsibilities for his Branch. My condolences to all their families.
in closing, i hope i have the opportunity of meeting with many of you at the national dinner on 10 March.
Thank you for your supportJohn ineson, Chairman
Where next for the England and Wales water industry? See our AMP6 alliance report, page 9
Views expressed in in the pipeline are not necessarily the views of the pipeline industries guild. All information correct at time of going to press. produced on behalf of the pipeline
industries guild by indigodog publishing ltd. tel: 01732 452180 www.indigodogpublishing.co.uk
02 In the pipeline
pipelinenewsYES TO SCOTLAND new research suggests that the scottish oil and gas sector is strongly regarded by the industry. in a survey of 260 senior executives by scottish development international, energy firms and personnel fared well with 71% agreeing scottish employees are among the best in the world.
GUILD GREATS: A TRIBUTE it is with great regret that the pipeline industries guild announces the deaths of three figures who have each made their mark on the guild in particular and the industry in general. see page 6 for our tributes to Bill Mchugh, Baroness platt of writtle and Basil Barkway.
Business updates the latest industry news, including a move to encourage more women into the pipelines sector
03 In the pipeline
COnsultAnCy And construction company Mace has signed up as a corporate member of women in science and engineering (wise). the membership brings with it a range of benefits to Mace people in terms of networking, training and speaking opportunities. Among these are a chance to share best practice with other steM (science, technology, engineering and manufacturing) employers and promote Mace’s work to decision-makers in government.
the company is also supporting the wise ‘10 steps’
campaign to ensure that women in science, technology, engineering and manufacturing have the same opportunities to progress in their career as their male counterparts.
Great steps forwardtracey locke, group hr director, says, ‘we have been making great steps forward over the last year to promote Mace as a good place for women in the construction industry to work; we have seen the benefits of this from the increasing number of women applying to and joining the company. Joining
wise is another way we’re continuing on the journey.’
AT A GLANCEn Benefits of becoming an
individual member of WISE:n Raise your personal profilen Attend informative and
inspiring eventsn Undertake valuable trainingn Be a role modelwww.wisecampaign.org.uk
WISE move for MaceL o N d o N F L o R E N C E
Small and perfectly formedGE Oil & Gas announces the launch of its innovative, super-compact HPRC compressorEqUIPMENT AND services provider GE Oil & Gas has announced its smallest, lightest compressor yet. The high pressure ratio compressor (HPRC) requires fewer units per train, significantly reducing overall footprint. These combined innovations mean reduced shipping weight, easier installation, minimized footprint, lower power consumption, increased reliability and reduced operating costs.
A big improvementSays Luca Maria Rossi, general manager product management, Turbomachinery Solutions, GE Oil & Gas, ‘It will help across a number of metrics: delivering a train footprint which is up to 50% smaller, 30% lighter and with 5% less installed power compared to traditional compression trains.’
tAtA steel, europe’s second largest steel producer, has celebrated the supply of one million tonnes of pipeline for oil and gas projects in the north sea. henrik Adam, chief commercial officer of tata steel in europe, gave the opening address at a special event in Aberdeen, uK, in which he highlighted the company’s key achievements in the north sea – including 88 projects completed for 28 customers.
the event included presentations from tata steel representatives and guest speakers – including subsea 7, wood group Kenny and shell uK
– who examined the challenges facing north sea operators.
21 years in the marketrichard Broughton, commercial manager of tata steel exploration and production, said, ‘tata steel has been providing
solutions to the north sea market for more than 21 years, culminating in one million tonnes and four million metres of welded pipe. Over this period we have invested over a quarter of a billion pounds in subcontracts for north sea projects.’
Tata supplies 1 million tonnesa b E R d E E N
tata steel and collaborators celebrate pipeline milestone for north sea projects
Company boosts its credentials as a female-friendly employer by joining women in science and engineering
Tata Steel’s Henrik Adam
‘It will deliver a train footprint which is up to 50% smaller, 30% lighter and with 5% less installed power compared to traditional compression trains.’Luca Maria Rossi, GE Oil & Gas
dredging And marine expert royal Boskalis westminster n.V. (Boskalis) and Van Oord have been awarded a contract to design and construct an artificial island for the pluit City dredging and land development works off the coast of Jakarta, indonesia. the contract, from pt Muara wisesa samudra, carries a value of approximately €350 million.
Deadline 2018the project involves reclaiming approximately 160 hectares of new land requiring in excess of 20 million cubic meters of dredged sand. two jumbo trailing suction hopper dredgers will be deployed for the dredging and reclamation activities sourcing sand from
local borrow areas. soil improvement and rock revetment works also form part of the project.
work will commence immediately and the island project is expected to be completed in 2018. when constructed, the new island will be used for both residential and commercial purposes.
AT A GLANCEn 160 hectares of new land to
be reclaimedn 20 million cubic meters of
sand dredged n Project includes soil
improvement and rock revetment
n Due for completion in 2018n Intended for residential and
commercial use
New island for IndonesiaBoskalis and Van Oord embark on €350m artificial island project off the coast of Jakarta
j a k a R T a
o m a N
pipelinenewsA&A CLEAN Up IN SOUThOil and environmental services provider Adler & Allan (A&A) has acquired southampton’s MtB environmental ltd. the deal means A&A has strengthened its presence on the south coast while allowing MtB (now A&A hamble) to offer all of the group’s services to its customers.
BAM: ABU DhABI BOUNDConstruction company BAM Contractors and its sister company BAM international will be constructing the marine infrastructure works for phase three of the Al-dabbiya oil field development. the client is the Abu dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (AdCO).
New projectsupdates on recently announced contracts and ventures from across the pipelines industry
04 In the pipeline
Amec: big in OmanCompany to build massive facility that will hold 200 million barrels of crude oil
INTERNATIONAL ENGINEERS Amec Foster Wheeler have been awarded a contract by the Oman Tank Terminal Company (OTTCO) for the front-end engineering design of the Ras Markaz Crude Oil Park Project in Oman.
Located 70 kilometres south of the Port of Duqm on the Wusta Coast, the Ras Markaz project involves the phased development of a terminal designed to hold about 200 million barrels of crude oil, making it one of the largest oil storage facilities of its type. The first phase of the project, for
approximately 25 million barrels’ capacity, is planned to be on stream by the end of 2018.
Roberto Penno, group president for Asia, Middle East, Africa and Southern Europe, says, ‘We have an excellent and long-standing reputation in Oman [and] we are delighted to be part of this strategic project.’
C o V E N T R Y
Double win for RheadConsultancy wins security and environmental contractsWALES AND West Utilities (WWU) has awarded professional services consultancy Rhead Group work across two bids with an estimated value of over £3m between 2015 and 2017.
One of the bids builds on Rhead’s specialist ISS capability and experience. The company will advise WWU and manage the processes associated with
upgrading WWU physical security systems at six sites, to ensure compliance with Government requirements and maintain standards for security upgrades.
environmental winThe second bid is for the provision of Riverbank Remediation and Geomorphological Assessment within WWU’s areas. The Rhead
Group environmental services team will investigate the pattern of historical and recent watercourse channel change, establish the likely causes of instability and provide possible intervention decisions.
The contract for a new island is worth around €350m
Ras Markaz: the first phase should be on stream in 2018
Rhead Group head office in Coventry
pipelinenewsBEAT ThE BURSTAnglian water is beginning a £1.3 million investment in its water supply network in west northamptonshire. the work is designed to significantly reduce the chance of burst mains and will include improvements to a pumping station and the local pipe network.
TEChNIp TAkES TWO stone energy Corporation has awarded project management, engineering and construction experts technip both a flexible pipe supply contract and an installation contract for the Amethyst field, located on Mississippi Canyon 26, in the gulf of Mexico.
New projectsMore new venture and project updates, including the latest on AMp6 water industry contracts
05 In the pipeline
internAtiOnAl infrastructure companies Mwh and Balfour Beatty have sealed the deal with thames water to join them in their £2.5 billion AMp6 Alliance, to deliver what is considered to be one of the largest and most varied water infrastructure programmes in the uK. the two
companies have been selected for both the programme Management and design & Build partner roles within this £2.5 billion ‘super Alliance’ selection, known as eight2O.
the alliance partners working alongside thames water include two design and build joint
Meet the ‘super alliance’Mwh and Balfour Beatty join one of the biggest-ever water industry contracts
L o N d o N
S T a V a N G E R , N o R W a Y
IK acquires comms expert Group acquires the international pipeline data communication specialist Online Electronics Limited PIPELINE PRODUCT and service provider IK-Group AS (IK) has acquired Online Electronics Limited (OEL), a global pipeline communications specialist.
OEL, headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland, is the parent company of Online Pipeline Solutions Inc (OPS), Houston, and additional business units in Dubai, Singapore and Perth W.A.
OEL’s cutting-edge products for pipeline PIG monitoring,
pipeline data communication and logging systems, combined with IK’s top-of-the-line PIG manufacturing and niche pipeline engineering services will provide clients with a strong, innovative service partner in the oil and gas market.
Oel brand remainsIK-Group will maintain the OEL brand and global structure. Also, the main shareholder and current CEO of OEL Brian Gribble will remain as an advisor and director on the board. The investment in OEL is expected to create additional jobs through increased market share driven by research, development and special engineering projects.
ventures made up of Mwh, Balfour Beatty, Costain, Atkins and skanska, plus Mwh as the programme manager and iBM the technology innovation partner. together, these alliances will carry out between £2bn and £2.5bn of work over the AMp6 period (2015-2020), with potential to extend contracts beyond this to 2025.
AMp6 involves creating and maintaining the necessary water infrastructure across the thames water network, including pipes, pumping stations and water treatment works, in order to
The investment is expected to create additional jobs at the company
meet commitments to customers and Ofwat.
leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty group chief executive, said, ‘this contract will help to ensure the resilience of water infrastructure for future generations.’
‘This contract will help to ensure the resilience of the vital water infrastructure in Greater London and the Thames Valley for future generations’ Leo quinn, Balfour Beatty group chief executive
The AMP6 Alliance Contract is worth around £2.5 billion
CIVIL ENGINEERING contractor Barhale plc is one of six capital delivery partners appointed by Anglian Water to the first of four alliances which will deliver frameworks worth over £6 billion. The £3 billion Integrated Main Works Capital (IMWC) contract will run for 15 years from 2015 covering the AMP6/ 7/8 periods, with a review after each five-year AMP period. Barhale will be
involved in the delivery of schemes ranging from the design and build of major infrastructure networks and treatment works, to first-time sewerage provision, water quality improvements and growth to the capital maintenance of existing assets. The new IMWC Alliance will build on Anglian Water’s existing @one Alliance, in which Barhale was also a partner over the last nine years.
Barhale joins £6bn allianceCIVIW a L S a L L
New alliance deal strengthens the company’s ties with the east of England’s Anglian Water
The contract will run for 15 years from 2015
Three Guild greats: a tributeo b i T u a R i E S
we look at the lives of three key guild figures who have sadly passed away
06 In the pipeline
pipelinepeopleANDREW’S STAR RISESAndrew taylor, quantity surveyor with utility services provider Morrison utility services, is one of eight young water industry professionals chosen for the institute of water’s (iOw) rising star programme. the scheme is developed in partnership with utility week.
SMART AppOINTMENT public and regulated services providers Amey has appointed dr rick robinson as the new group it director for smart data and technology. rick, formerly executive architect for iBM, will lead the development of new smart data solutions and technologies.
Your storiesAppointments, personal triumphs, and tributes to three hugely influential guild members
L o N d o N
Inspiring, persistent, brilliant CMS’ Penelope Warne recognised in Sunday Times as one of ‘Britain’s 500 Most Influential’
Bill MChugh was born in glasgow in 1921 and served 12 years in the royal Marines, which included distinguished service during the war. After demob, he worked as a rigger and erector and in 1952 he worked on the sui-Multan gas pipeline in pakistan for dC & william press. it was while he was in pakistan that he and his
friends, including Morton gordon and John Jones decided that it would be a good idea to have a meet up on a regular basis. From these humble beginnings grew the guild as it is today. Bill had a full career in our industry, working in hungary, nigeria, the Middle east and new Zealand before finally retiring in 1986.
Beryl CAtherine plAtt, Baroness platt of writtle, was born in 1923. she studied mechanical sciences at girton College, Cambridge – one of only five women among 250 men – and went on to work on the testing and production of the rAF’s hurricane, typhoon and tempest. during a long
political career she served as a member of the european Communities Advisory Committee on equal Opportunities for women and Men and was influential in the formation of wise (see article on page 3). Baroness platt served as president of p.i.g. back in 1995.
BAs BArKwAy was born in northwood, Middlesex. he excelled as a sportsman throughout his life, playing rugby union until he was 50 and swimming in competitions for hertfordshire far and wide. in his career as a quantity surveyor, he travelled across the country for British gas.
says the guild’s ruth Allen, ‘Bas was a stalwart of the wales and west Branch, a past chair and a much-deserved honorary life member of the guild. he was always hugely supported in his guild activities by his wife, Mary. he was a wonderful character and will be sorely missed.’
Bill McHugh, 1921-2015
Beryl Catherine Platt, Baroness Platt of Writtle, 1923-2015
Basil James ‘Bas’ Barkway, 1931-2015
LEGAL FIRM CMS’ Senior Partner Penelope Warne has been recognised in The Sunday Times’ Britain’s 500 Most Influential. The list, to quote The Sunday Times, ‘Recognises the most influential and inspiring people living and working in Britain today. It acknowledges power, talent, hard work, brilliance, originality, persistence, courage, and, occasionally, luck: in short achievement.’ Penelope is one of only 20 ranked in the law category, alongside prestigious judges and qCs.
An honour Says Penelope about the award, ‘It is an honour to be in this list. With influence, however, comes significant responsibility. My hope is to deliver excellence and quality so that CMS’ clients get a brilliant top service.’
Penelope: one of only 20 people in the law category
Murphy gets an A grade from CDP
L o N d o N
Building and civil engineering expert enters the Cdp supplier Climate performance list with top marks
07 In the pipeline
BusinessAwardsNOW ThEY’RE TALkING An emergency project, completed for thames water by Barhale, has won the Communications Award from the national Joint utilities group (nJug). Barhale adopted a new approach to emergency communication after the discovery of a burst main under notting hill gate.
WASTE WIN FOR AMEY services provider Amey has won the waste project of the year at the 2014 iJ global europe & Africa Awards. the award recognises Amey’s long-term waste treatment project in partnership with north yorkshire County Council and City of york Council.
Recognition guild members’ recent accolades, including a climate change seal of approval for Murphy
L o R E m
J. Murphy & sOns limited has been awarded with a position on the Cdp supplier Climate performance leadership index 2014 in recognition of its achievements in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the business risks of climate change.
the index, which is included within a new report reviewing the environmental sustainability of global supply chains, presents 121 suppliers identified as showing a superior approach to climate change mitigation. it has been produced by Cdp, the international ngO that drives sustainable economies, at the
request of 66 multinational purchasers who work with Cdp to better understand and manage the environmental impacts of supply chains. the companies have a combined procurement spend of us$1.3 trillion.
information provided by 3,396 companies has been independently assessed against Cdp’s respected scoring methodology and ranked accordingly. Murphy is one of the 121 companies to be awarded an A grade for its climate performance, earning a position on this global ranking of suppliers’ efforts to mitigate climate change.
BAM charity cycle raises £5,000 for hot meals charity
Murphy: a driving force in carbon
emissions reduction
INTERNATIONAL infrastructure and business services group Mouchel has
been awarded the Association of Project Management (APM) Corporate Accreditation in recognition of its project, programme and portfolio management processes and tools. The Accreditation puts Mouchel in the top 10% of
project management practitioners in the UK alongside internationally recognised blue-chip companies and public organisations such as Shell, Siemens and the Highways Agency.
Twelve months ago Mouchel set the objective of securing accreditation through the APM. A project team was formed bringing together professional project practitioners from across Mouchel and an initiative was launched to embed excellence in the delivery of project management services.
Mouchel joins the APM clubW o k i N G m E L b o u R N E
MWH: best New Zealand firm?Business announced as a finalist for the Best NZ Firm at Australia’s 2015 Financial Review Client Choice Awards
SINCE 2005 THE Financial Review Client Choice Awards have celebrated the very best in professional services. Clients are asked to rate firms on several criteria including service performance, value and innovation in service delivery.
Responses were drawn from actual clients and users of professional services and for the first time clients were asked to nominate and give reasons for their ratings. Both firms and practitioners are judged solely
from the independent assessment of the clients’ ratings – there is no judging panel. These awards are particularly significant because any firm can claim to be client focused, but only a select few can prove it by reaching the finals.
Clients rate firms on value for money, innovation and service performance
Objective to secure Association of Project Management Corporate Accreditation succeeds
08 In the pipeline
industryeventsThey who dared…Well done to all the intrepid contestants who entered the lair with their companies’ innovations
n Steve Vick International’s Katie Higgins. A collaboration with Wales & West Utilities, The ‘Rapid Window Cutter’ is a pneumatic tool allowing the safe, fast and cost-effective method of cutting windows in ductile iron. Designed for use on live gas mains, the Rapid Window Cutter reduces operator time around 50% per standard cut.
n Radius Systems’ David Macdonald. The Minimus 250mm PE branch fitting can be removed from a 250mm main with no interruption to consumer supply. The excavation size required for this connection is 30% of a traditional cut-out excavation and the cost is much lower.
n UIS Limited’s Joe Iredale.The Click Stick is a lightweight, portable and automated mechanical method for breaking cast iron gas and water mains that avoids all of the associated hazards of breaking by manual force using a hammer/podger bar.
n Synthotech Ltd’s Andrew Sparkes. Servicecam is a high quality 9.5mm camera featuring the latest LED lighting technology which can survey up to 20m in length of PE services, ‘live’ through the ECV, for a fast diagnosis of poor pressure problems.
n PSS Ltd Jon Sparkes. iVac Vacuum Excavator has been specially developed for the purpose of soil excavation in those places where other excavators cannot cope, such as narrow passages.
OVer 120 peOple enjoyed another great battle in the lions’ lair at the joint p.i.g. and igeM london showcase event.
Five contestants each gave a four-minute elevator pitch showing their company’s new and innovative products and services to the distinguished lions (see panel, right). the event included a keynote speech from sir John parker gBe Freng who, among many other high-profile positions, is chairman of Anglo American plc and a former president of the guild and igeM. his entertaining talk ‘leadership in industrial life’ emphasised how change leads us on a journey of constant improvement.
And the winner is…Chief executive of Mcnicholas construction Barry Mcnicholas presented the tommy Mcnicholas shield to the winner of the lions’ lair… Katie higgins of steve Vick international. said lions’ lair panel chair robert Murray, ‘the rapid window Cutter was a good product, well
researched and well presented – a worthy winner.’
the event, which included sponsors’ exhibition stands and a superb buffet, raised £432 for Marie Curie Cancer Care, edF energy’s Charity partner. p.i.g.’s south east Branch and igeM’s london and southern section would like to thank all of the exhibitors and sponsors for their support. if you are interested in entering the lions’ lair 2016 or exhibiting at the event, contact [email protected].
Lions’ Lair a roaring success
L o N d o N
in the pipeline reports from the sixth london showcase event and hotly contested lions’ lair innovation competition at the Victory services Club, Marble Arch
‘This was the closest fought challenge since I have been on the panel, but the Rapid Window Cutter was a good product, well researched and well presented – a worthy winner.’Robert Murray, Lions’ Lair chair
From left to right: Sam Botterill (SE DC1), Simon Ayley (past Wales & West chairman), Matthew Rowlatt (DC1),
Mike Stratton (individual member), Hayley King (SE chairman), Sir John Parker GBE
of waterThe future of water
n with OFwAt’s Final determinations now
largely accepted and delivery alliances established, water companies will be looking forwards to AMp6 and the challenges and opportunities it will bring. the five asset management cycles since privatisation in 1989 have addressed a whole raft of issues and each cycle has been different (see diagram 1, next page). A good deal has been
achieved. drinking water quality has improved, the environmental impacts of waste water discharges have been considerably reduced, and asset serviceability and risk management is much better understood. indeed, the industry is regarded as a world leader in asset management practices.
AMP6: changes aheadin AMp6 the water company business plans have been driven
rather differently by Ofwat, forcing companies to focus on ‘outcomes’ which, in turn, have been driven by customer priorities. this, coupled with a regulatory focus on totex (as opposed to capex and opex), alongside increased competition and retail-wholesale separation, reflects the biggest change for the water industry since the arrival of privatisation.
Also, looking beyond the concerns of the water industry itself, many commentators have said that the world is going to change more in the next 15 years than in the last 50 combined. reflecting on the huge changes in the last half century or so, that’s a bold claim indeed. however, more and more
indicators are pointing to this becoming a reality.
so what does all this mean for the water companies and their supply communities? the industry has recognised that simply making a few changes to the traditional way they have worked is not sufficient. in order to succeed in this brave new world, the companies and all those who support them will need to fundamentally alter their cultures, behaviours and day-to-day operations.
A way forward Many of the newly established delivery alliances have associated contracts lasting beyond the AMp6 period – some are 10 to 15 years, with the
With the new AMP6 era upon us, what can water companies and the supply community in England and Wales do to maintain and develop an
internationally renowned industry? Professor Ruth Allen investigates
‘With over £44bn to be spent by the water companies in the next five years, the supply community clearly has a lot to offer the water industry’
CoverFeature
09 In the pipeline
10 In the pipeline
Achievements since 1989n Drinking water quality
improvedn Environmental impacts of
waste water discharges reduced
n Asset serviceability and risk management better understood
n Industry a world leader in asset management practices
A successful AMP6. What will it take?n Openness and honesty by
alliance partners and water companies about their individual drivers for success
n A truly integrated, combined approach
n Water companies quickly conveying latest, updated commercial strategies and modus operandi to alliance partners at the start of the AMP6 journey. This will help partners assist from an early stage in AMP6 and develop strategic commercial positioning going forward
n Water companies allowing alliance partners freedom to consider future requirements aligned to areas of commercial strategy where they will have an impact. For instance asset monitoring technologies, customer and internal communications technologies, energy management and changing labour conditions.
d i a G R a m 1
The AMP Process:A history of achievement
d i a G R a m 2
Supporting strategic commercial positioning
possibility of an extension. such a long association must have the potential to deliver real value and opportunity. if the members of the alliances (including the water companies) can be open and honest about their individual drivers for success and ensure their combined approach is truly integrated, then the collective entity will be victorious in all its goals. so the earlier the alliances can develop their relationships, the more quickly they can focus on delivering added value.
And what sort of added value might that be? well, this is where a ‘fleet of foot’ water company can really help. in all
the regulatory and legislative challenges they have been dealing with, it has been necessary for the companies to focus on potential new directions for their commercial strategies and undertake major company restructurings and business change to support them. if companies are quick off the mark in consolidating these strategies and changes, then that may be conveyed to the other partners in the alliances at the start of the AMp6 journey. For alliance partners, understanding water companies’ commercial drivers and modus operandi will allow them to bring their unique bundles of skills forward at an
early stage; this will help them address not only AMp 6 but also assist in strategic commercial positioning going forward (see diagram 2, bottom of page).
The supply community’s rolewith over £44 billion to be spent by the water companies in the next five years, the supply community clearly has a lot to offer the water industry. this is not just in laying pipes, installing machinery and pouring concrete, but also using their skill bases to address wider issues going forward. the key will be to work together to consider issues and opportunities further ahead than the traditional five years; and for water companies to allow alliance partners the degrees of freedom to consider future requirements aligned to the commercial strategy on which they may have an impact. examples of the areas where an ‘advanced’ relationship may help could include:n technologies used to create,
manage and monitor assetsn technologies to facilitate the
interface with customers and to communicate with and manage staff
n energy management – carbon considerations, shale gas and oil, zero energy footprints
n resources – skill losses, ageing workforce, emerging markets, general skill shortages.
AMp6 sees the start of a new era for water. water companies and supply communities should seize this opportunity and work in a fully integrated and collaborative fashion to manage and deliver current investment programmes, but always with an eye to the future, too. they can then facilitate and enable the changes needed to stay ahead of the pack, deliver the as yet ‘hidden wins’ and retain the industry’s world-leading status.
CoverFeature
Professor Ruth Allen is a past National Chairman of the Guild and
founder of the Guild’s Young Professionals Network. Ruth is a partner at RSKW Ltd (www.rskw.co.uk)
the eAstern BrAnCh organised yet another well-received annual dinner on 23 January, a great gatsby-esque themed affair. the Marriott in peterborough offered its usual high-quality service, delivering a delicious dinner, and seasoned comedian Mick Miller was a huge hit with the audience. during the evening, chairman John ineson delivered a speech on the
importance of more collaboration between universities and the industry. he described how the guild is helping towards that goal with, among other things, the introduction of a bursary for engineering students.
this year’s charity was the teenage Cancer trust. its representatives revealed a striking statistic to the audience – seven young people are
diagnosed with cancer every day in the uK. however, the charity does some amazing work to help young people in their struggle, and tales were told of admirable human resilience. the event generated around £1,000 for the charity, which will go into supporting these young individuals and their families in their struggle to beat the odds.
Great networking opportunities After the event, Andrew stone from national grid said, ‘i really enjoyed the excellent dinner, especially the food and the networking opportunities.’ Ali hamdani, in his second year as Branch chairman, thanked his committee for completing another year of informative lectures themed around innovation in the industry and educational site visits.
11 In the pipeline
DINNER IS SERvEDthis issue, we have reports from the eastern and irish Branches annual dinners (see below), but remember that in the next few months dinners are coming up for the Aberdeen section (17 April) and northern ireland Branch (24 April). see the diary (p14) for more details.
p.I.G.’S BIG NIGhT OUTthe biggest p.i.g. event of all is the annual dinner on 10 March at grosvenor house hotel, park lane. Many members have confirmed their attendance already, but if you haven’t there’s still a chance to get hold of the last remaining tickets. see the diary (p14) for more details.
Branch&panel newsRegional reportsyour Branch updates, including annual dinners, technical papers, events and workshops
Great Gatsby, fine dinnerE a S T E R N b R a N C H
i R i S H b R a N C H
A 1920s gatsby-themed event delivered results for the eastern Branch annual dinner
Big Barnardo’s charity totalIrish Branch Annual Dinner offers a great night out and raises a large sum, too ON 27th FEBRUARY, the Irish Branch held its 32nd Annual Dinner at the Conrad Hotel in Dublin. Before dinner, the Branch chairman Adrian Blakemore outlined some of the work that the Branch committee has been carrying out to promote the industry and the Guild, including work with universities and IT colleges.After dinner, the guest speaker, former Irish government minister and TV and radio personality Ivan Yates, offered words of wisdom and some tales best left in the room!
superb entertainment The busy night also featured a charity auction (where there was plenty of competition for a signed Irish rugby jersey) some superb jazz singing from Fidelma Kelly and a raffle. A whopping €7,900 was raised for Barnardos, Adrian Blakemore’s chosen charity.
The Branch would like to thank all the guest speakers, Roadbridge, Long O’Donnell and the Conrad Hotel (sponsors of our top prizes) and all 260 people who attended this hugely successful dinner.
John Ineson (Chairman), Mick Miller, Rob Graham (Scottish branch chairman), Ali Hamdani (Eastern branch chairman), James Clarke (YPN chairman), Phillip Clisham (Utilities Panel chairman), Cheryl Burgess (DG), Sam Botterill (South east branch DC1), Robert Murray (Wales & Western chairman)
Guild members and their guests enjoyed a glamorous black-tie event
Des Maguire (left), Irish Branch secretary
ON 11 FEBRUARY, the Wales & Western Branch held a joint event with IGEM Wales and IGEM South West Sections at the impressive Celtic Manor resort near Newport. The main presentation ‘10 years on from networks sale – where are we?’ was given by Graham Edwards, Chief Executive of Wales & West Utilities. He shared an interesting and honest review of the progress made in the time since Wales and West came into existence, when National Grid sold four of its gas distribution networks across the UK to independent owners. This was followed by an insightful look at what the future might hold for the sector and its partners.
Added valueGraham’s presentation was followed by the Wales & Western YPN competition winner, Duncan Hassell of Mouchel, who presented his ‘Seawater Intake Pipeline’ paper. The event was oversubscribed a week in advance and feedback from attendees has been extremely positive (see quote below). The Branch would
like to thank the following members for their support: Skanska, Synthotech, Steve Vick International, AMEC, Morrison Utility Services and TD Williamson.
The evening was well supported by delegates and sponsoring companies alike – a big well done to everyone involved. Click here to see pictures of the event.
12 In the pipeline
Branch&panel news
Gas networks – where are we now?W a L E S & W E S T E R N b R a N C H
Well-attended Wales & Western event asks key question about network sales 10 years on
‘I would just like to say what an excellent evening it was at Celtic Manor. Graham Edwards gave us a very entertaining and informative overview of the Wales & West business, both over the past 10 years and looking ahead. We also very much enjoyed the YPN paper delivered and congratulate both speakers.’ Phil Jenkins, GATC
The meter manW a L E S & W E S T E R N b R a N C H
A wales & western ypn event introduced a gas industry authority with a wealth of invaluable experience
wAles And western Branch young professionals had the pleasure of introducing Vic tuffen ieng FigeM at another
of its successful workshops on 15 January. Vic is widely acknowledged as one of the foremost authorities on meter lifecycle management in the industry. he is a Fellow of the institute of gas engineers and Managers, and president of the energy and utilities Alliance, as well as being actively involved at committee level for both igeM and the euA.
Meet the expertyoung professionals had a chance to meet Vic and to hear him talk on a variety of topics to give an overview of the industry.
‘the introduction to the gas industry began with a short history lesson covering the early development of local gas companies following the lead of william Murdoch and the
‘We talked about the industry as it is today, in terms of where gas comes from and how it is transported from the producer to the user. We also looked at the future, in particular at Smart Meters and why we are installing them’Vic Tuffen, President of Energy and Utlities Alliance
production of town gas,’ says Vic. ‘this continued with
nationalisation in 1949 and the huge undertaking to convert to natural gas in the sixties and seventies. we then went on to talk about privatisation and the introduction of competition. there was also a section covering
legislation and regulations that govern the way in which we work.’ the presentation was followed by a number of Q&A sessions.
Vic also made sure the audience participated during the presentation, by organising a series of quizzes and games, which were well received.
Industry expert Vic Tuffen shared his knowledge
Graham Edwards, Chief Executive of Wales & West
Utilities in full flow
13 In the pipeline
Branch&panel news
in An eVent hosted at the severn trent Centre in Coventry, duncan wratten from severn trent water, stuart King from Atkins, and gavin noble from laing
O’rourke gave an insightful presentation on the logistics involved in the Ambergate reservoir renewal project.
it was fascinating to hear about the challenges faced
when planning, designing and constructing severn trent water’s largest drinking water reservoir, and how the team developed and implemented innovative techniques to help
overcome them. the event was attended by around 40 people, who expressed an interest in seeing the project first hand with a visit to the site at some point in the near future.
How to build a reservoirA Midlands Branch technical event looked at the challenges involved in a massive severn trent water project
m i d L a N d S b R a N C H
N o R T H E R N b R a N C H
Trenchless pioneersNorthern Branch and UKSTT event celebrates industry innovations in trenchless technologyA JOINT EVENING seminar between P.I.G. and UKSTT, sponsored by Northumbrian Water, showcased some of the UKSTT award winners and shortlisted entries. Held at Durham County Cricket Club on 17 February, the programme was attended by 30 people,
including representatives from local utilities, contractors, consultants and innovation companies. The theme of the event was advances in the pipeline industry in the past year.
A full line-upThere were four speakers. Chris Norbury from Lanes Group presented on keeping the Nottingham tram extension on track. Luke Steadman from Cat Surveys talked about mobile ground-penetrating radar. Will Garrod from R2M delivered his talk on ‘PVC – but not as you know It’ and Dr James Martin from Reece Innovation spoke about accoustic pipeline profiling.
N o R T H E R N i R E L a N d b R a N C H
Smart gas control solutionsNorthern Ireland Branch attendees discovered the technical details behind remote asset mamagement
THE NORTHERN IRISH Branch held a very successful joint paper with IGEM at the Phoenix Natural Gas Headquarters in Belfast on 15 January. Speaker James Garvey, founder and Managing Director of process measurement and control expert Active Energy Control Ltd, delivered a paper titled ‘Advances in remote asset monitoring’. His talk gave an account of key features within a range of so-called ‘smart’ natural gas measurement and control solutions.
James also offered insights into the efficient and reliable retrieval of archive data from
a range of solutions delivered by Active Energy Control, all of which incorporate smart battery-powered ATEX-certified devices.
remote monitoringThe presentation shared the technical requirements for remote monitoring and looked at how these requirements could be met to reduce uncertainty for alarming, billing, asset performance and condition monitoring.
The insightful presentation was well received by 30 attendees and led to an interesting and technical q&A session afterwards.
Ambergate is Severn Trent
Water’s largest drinking water
reservoir
The event was well attended
downtoBusiness
14 In the pipeline
MCA ConstructionBased in dublin, MCA Construction was founded in 1997 by Michael McArdle. its main work comprises civil engineering projects, including installing ducts, connections, drainage, concrete works, cobbles, new road layouts and footpaths. it recently completed a wide range of projects for Fingal & dublin City Council and has a 100% safety record.Contact: Michael McArdle00353 868 [email protected]
Ebero Pipe Systemsebero pipe systems ltd from derbyshire provide pe pipe supplies and fitting for the utilities industry. products and services include polyethelene pipes, pe pipes, industrial piping, electrofusion fittings, mechanical fittings and pipework.Contact: Tim Collins01246 [email protected]
Marchn 9-10 MarchCentral and eastern europe shale gas & Oil summit 2015. A two-day guild-supported conference and exhibition in poland that will serve as a platform to reinvigorate polish shale gas exploration. the event will bring together senior government officials and technical experts with operators and license holders. For more information, visit www.ceeshalegas.com.n 10 March58th Annual pipeline industries guild dinner. the grosvenor house hotel, park lane, london, plays host to the guild’s Annual dinner. with an audience including the leaders of companies across the entire spectrum of the industry, this is the premier networking event in the pipeline calendar and a great occasion to celebrate the continuing success of our industry. there are still a few tickets available. Contact Kate howes at [email protected] n 11 Marchenergy: A Balanced Future 2015. this leading energy conference and exhibition at the sage, gateshead, covers hot topics within the energy sector. Visit www.energyabalanced future.com for more information. n 17 Marchwales & west ypn paper Competition – Final. At wessex water, Bath, speakers compete in this regional final. to book, contact [email protected].
Upcoming Events
i N d u S T R Y d i a R Y
Mar - May2015
n 17-18 Marchglobal leakage summit, london. A guild- supported event to help develop faster and more efficient leakage management systems. For information and to access your p.i.g. 15% discount, using code gls15pig, visit www.global-leakage-summit- 2015.com/.n 26 Marchthe northern ireland branch AgM. Apriln 14 Aprilw&w young professional Committee gas to grid plant tour, Avonmouth stw in Bristol. the tour will look at how renewable sources are being injected into the national grid. see guild website diary for more information.n 15 Aprilnorthern Branch AgM, united utilities, warrington.n 15-16 Aprilshale gas world 2015. A partnership between shale gas world 2015 and the guild, the event brings together license holders, operators, service companies, environmental groups and government representatives.to include case studies, panel sessions and roundtables. see guild website diary for more information.n 17 AprilAberdeen section 21st Annual dinner. held at the Chester hotel, Aberdeen. details and sponsorship opportunities available from Chris Booth, available at [email protected].
n 20-22 AprilFifth Annual global pipeline integrity and technology summit. A guild-supported event held in Abu dhabi addressing the challenges and latest technological developments in this industry. guild members are entitled to a discount. Contact [email protected] for more information.n 24 Aprilnorthern ireland Branch annual dinner, at the europa hotel in Belfast. More information soon. n 24 Aprilskytech 2015 uAV Conference and exhibition, london. A one-day guild-supported event serving as a platform to define, understand and integrate uAVs into the commercial sector. this is a free event. to register, click here.n 29-30 AprilFourth Annual smart water systems Conference, Marriott hotel, regents park, london. this guild-supported event will strengthen knowledge of smart water meter data handling, look at interactive billing, and provide insights into customers’ behaviour, viewpoints and experiences. Find out more at www.smi-online.co.uk/goto/ 2015smartwater30.asp.
Mayn 12 Mayp.i.g. induction day, Banbury Cricket Club, Banbury. A great day to discuss guild roles, processes and procedures, and to share ideas. Contact [email protected] for information.n 20 Maywales & west Branch AgM, Almondsbury interchange hotel, Bristol. n 21 MayMidlands golf event, Branston golf & Country Club. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Join us todayJoin P.I.G. and your company will become part of an exclusive network of business leaders in the global pipeline community. Find out much more about the benefits at www.pipeguild.com/fees.
Welcome to the Guild
i N T R o d u C T i o N S
Meet the new businesses and organisations that have recently joined the Guild
