British Water Members' Handbook 2017 2017 Edition | Page 43

MESSAGE FROM THE INTER NATIONA L
FORUM CHAIR M A N
2016 was (amongst other notable events) the year
of Brexit. Whatever Brexit does actually mean for
our members, you can be assured that British Water
will act in your interests, to provide guidance and
information and a route to Government for your
questions and concerns.
We undertook a rapid survey of members’ views
in the weeks immediately following the Brexit
referendum. Fascinatingly, more than twice as
many respondents expressed optimism, rather than
pessimism, when asked for their views of Brexit for
their own company, but – not surprisingly – a large
percentage (over a third) were undecided at the time.
It was also interesting to note that when asked how
Brexit would affect the water industry as a whole,
more members were undecided (50%) and optimism
and pessimism were exactly equally divided. Watch
this space: we shall be conducting a follow-up survey
soon and we intend to hold a Brexit debate in the
early part of the coming year.
UK stand at 2017 Wasser Berlin International
Turkish contractor visit to Bactest
At the last Forum I resigned from the Chair, having
taken on the position of British Water’s Chief Executive.
We are in the process of identifying my replacement in
time for the next meeting. I wish whoever that might
be every success and hope their time in the role is as
enjoyable as my last three years have been.
I do hope you will be able to participate in some of
the forthcoming activities being organised by our
International Team. I invite you to attend our future
meetings and see how participating in British Water’s
International Forum can help your company in
international business development.
UK Stand at 2017 Wasser Berlin International
Lloyd Martin
Chairman, British Water’s International Forum
Turkish contractor visit to Thames Tideway
www.britishwater.co.uk
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