Martin Woolhead, Deputy Director, Defra and Water Matters Speaker 2025
I am very much looking forward to participating in Waterscan’s Water Matters event this June. As Deputy Director at Defra, I believe this is a pivotal moment for the water sector and for the government’s activity within it. Personally, I see the event as an opportunity to share insights on the government’s current position on water, to outline the policy direction we are taking, and to ensure that business customers in the retail market are better informed about the changes that are likely to unfold over the next five years.
The event will also provide an invaluable opportunity to listen. Understanding the views and experiences of business customers is key, particularly as much of my professional focus to date has been on the regulated monopoly side of the sector and on household customers.
The business water market, although relatively smaller, plays a vital role and it is essential that government policy reflects its needs, particularly regarding areas such as customer choice and market improvements.
My aim is for this to be a genuine two-way dialogue. I hope to communicate clearly what the government is doing, but just as importantly, to hear what businesses expect and need from us. I am personally passionate about improving the performance of the water sector. The sector is facing significant challenges and public confidence has been impacted over a number of years. Water is often undervalued as a utility, perceived as a low-cost service, yet its importance becomes starkly clear in moments of disruption such as outages. It remains fundamental to the operations and success of businesses across the country.
While water costs typically represent a smaller share of business utility bills compared to energy, this should not diminish its strategic importance.
One of my key objectives is to help raise the profile of water and to ensure its true value is recognised.
There is a genuine appetite for change across the sector. Companies, investors, government, and ministers are aligned in their desire to drive improvement and reform. The political will exists to support new legislation and meaningful transformation, a convergence that is rare and presents a unique opportunity.
I am looking forward to joining the Water Matters event to discuss these important issues, to outline the opportunities that lie ahead, and to hear directly from the business community about how government and industry can work together to secure a stronger future for the water sector.
What you’ll gain at Water Matters 2025
Call for change – Clear thinking in a time of uncertainty
Join us for a day of industry-leading insights, peer-to-peer collaboration, and networking with the experts driving change in water sustainability. Gain access to best practices, visionary thinking, and actionable strategies that will shape the future of the industry. Connect with innovators, leaders, and pioneers, and walk away with valuable knowledge and the tools to implement change within your organisation.
Registration Closes on Wednesday the 9th of July
