A memorandum of action (MoA) has been signed between trade association British Water and US innovation hub The Water Council to establish a framework of collaboration to foster innovation, business development, and global connections in the water sector.

Signed during the British Water International Reception, which took place on 24 February in London, the MoA will facilitate the exchange of ideas, innovation, and business opportunities, enable members of each organisation to access new markets and establish connections, and support sustainable water technology advancement globally.

Beverley Ferrera, European representative for The Water Council said:

“The Water Council is delighted to formalise this partnership with British Water. Both organisations are deeply committed to providing support, connections, and opportunities for their members. We believe that collaboration across borders drives innovation, fosters commercial growth, and strengthens the global water sector.

“The International Reception is the ideal setting to celebrate this new chapter, and I’m looking forward to working in partnership with British Water to create meaningful opportunities for businesses in UK and US markets over the next three years.”

Both organisations have committed to cross-promote programmes and offer special membership discounts; facilitate business relationships, business-to-business meetings and pilot projects; promote each other as key resources for companies entering US or UK markets; and provide ‘soft landing’ services for British Water members setting up in the Milwaukee region.

Lila Thompson, chief executive of British Water, commented:

“Both organisations have a shared and strong commitment to continuously improve the level of services and connections for members and British Water is very excited to sign this MoA with The Water Council, an organisation dedicated to solving critical global water challenges by driving freshwater innovation and advancing water stewardship.

“The three-year MoA will significantly benefit both organisations' members by enhancing business development, expanding international reach, and fostering greater knowledge sharing.”

The keynote speech at the Reception was delivered by Francesca O’Hanlon, senior water manager and leader of the water security strategy for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), who highlighted the importance of implementing good water practices company wide.

O’Hanlon said this was especially important with the impacts of climate change, which are predominantly felt through water, and explained that there were opportunities available to the private sector to partner with non-profit organisations, like the Rivers Trust, to increase water security.

Mark Coates, international forum chair for British Water, who delivered the welcome address said:

“The International Reception has become a cornerstone of British Water’s mission to highlight the strength and potential of the UK’s water sector on the global stage and it is great to have so many dedicated and passionate water professionals in one room.”

The International Reception helps grow UK exports, raise the international profile of the UK water industry supplier community, and encourage the sharing of best practice, while providing an opportunity for businesses to gain further visibility as key players in the industry.

Attended by international operators, consultants, contractors, technology suppliers, research institutions, government departments, and funding agencies, the reception was held in collaboration with the World Water Tech Innovation Summit as supporting partner, and RSE as platinum sponsors.