By Rick Hill – Speaker at Water Matters 2025
People are often intrigued when they find out I’ve worked in both consumer policy and film and television.
What does Game of Thrones have to do with water regulation? More than you might think!
Most of my career has been rooted in competition and consumer policy – building fair, functioning markets that deliver value for both customers and businesses. Whether it was at Ofcom, with the press regulator, or the Consumer Council in Northern Ireland.
I’ve always believed in one thing: a system where customers get a fair deal because they’re well looked after – and where the political and regulatory environment enables that. Because it’s worth the risk.
In parallel, I’ve also worked in film and TV – including as Chair of Northern Ireland Screen when we brought Game of Thrones to Belfast. Yes, there will be a nod to that story at Water Matters (don’t worry, I won’t spoil it here), but what I’ll really be exploring is the common thread that ties these worlds together: the human factor.
We often think of markets – especially the water market – in terms of infrastructure, investment and engineering. But real transformation comes down to relationships.
Between regulators and businesses.
Between engineers and customers.
Between insiders and outsiders.
That’s where I come in. I’ve never worked in water. As an independent member of the Strategic Panel, I bring a cold eye and – frankly – a few idiot questions. But sometimes, those outsider questions hit on something people haven’t considered, simply because they’re so immersed in the detail. The same thing happened in film. I arrived as the chair no one wanted – and six years later, the chief exec told me I’d been exactly what they needed. Why? Because I could see the bigger picture and challenge constructively.
At Water Matters, I’ll be talking about how regulation can be an enabler – not just a hurdle – and how human factors shape the ability of any market to flourish. It’s about trust, collaboration, and having the courage to ask the awkward questions. And yes, there’ll be a throne or two involved.
What you’ll gain at Water Matters 2025
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.
Market Matters – Facing the challenge, Join leaders, innovators and changemakers as we tackle the water crisis.
Rick will be hosting a session devoted to the current state and future of the water market, fellow speakers include; Martin Woolhead, Deputy Director at Defra, Shaun Kent, Director of Ofwat and Helena Soteriou-Hains, Head of River Catchment Strategy at Thames Water.
Register today > Registration closes on the 9th June.
