Young professionals in the utilities sector got together at an inaugural networking event organised by a leading industry group – with one of the biggest pipeline projects in Europe as a backdrop.
Delegates of the Eastern Branch of the Pipeline Industries Guild’s (PIG) Professional Development Network (PDN) met up at a compound where the installation of the Strategic Pipeline Alliance’s (SPA) half-a-billion-pound water pipeline is taking place.
The SPA is an Anglian Water-led project which will link Elsham in North Lincolnshire to Colchester in Essex via hundreds of kilometres of interconnecting pipelines and several reservoirs and pumping stations.
Once complete, the new pipeline will allow Anglian Water to move water from wetter to drier areas.
At the compound in Bourne, Lincolnshire, delegates saw first-hand the work being done to install the pipes underground and heard from Anglian Water about the pipelaying process and how it is minimising its environmental impact as much as possible.
This first event was organised by Fisher German, a leading property consultancy which is a key member of the PIG and is responsible for organising land access, liaising with landowners and contractors, and providing technical advice to Anglian Water along the northern sections of the pipeline.
Fellow PIG members Clancy, Buckhurst Plant Hire, and Tracto-Technik UK were also in attendance.
Philip Padgett, Deputy Chair of the Eastern Branch of the PDN and Project Co-ordinator at Fisher German, said:
“This first meet-up was a fantastic way for members of the Eastern Branch of the PDN to learn about one of the biggest installation projects in Europe and help build their network.
“It was so insightful to hear from Anglian Water about the work it’s doing to future-proof the south-east’s water supplies, and how it is using innovative installation methods to significantly reduce carbon emissions during construction.
“Everyone in attendance found the visit really informative, and it will help inform some of the approaches the PDN will take towards their projects in their day-to-day work.”
Glenn Harvey, who is overseeing construction of the 39km pipeline between Grantham and Peterborough for Anglian Water, said:
“Anglian Water’s region is one of the driest in the UK and has a rapidly-growing population, which is why we’re creating a new water main grid.
“Once complete, it will move about 265 million litres of water across the East of England from wetter to drier areas.
“We’re proud of our work and we’re keen to use opportunities like the visit of colleagues from the Pipeline Industries Guild to share our learnings, discuss best practices and tell others about the innovative techniques we’re using.”
Eleanor Harding, Graduate Surveyor at Fisher German, added:
“It’s great that Fisher German has been instructed to work on such a crucial project for the country.
“We’re pleased to say that work has begun on all the relevant sections of the pipeline, and we will continue to work closely with landowners, contractors, and Anglian Water in ensuring installation runs as smoothly as possible.”
Fisher German has been working with Anglian Water on the pipeline’s installation since 2021 and has successfully negotiated with all landowners along the northern sections of the pipeline for work to begin in that time.
The Eastern PDN is a newly formed network within the Eastern Branch of the PIG aiming to provide networking opportunities to anyone under 35 who works in the industry.
Anyone wishing to get involved should contact Philip Padgett at Philip.padgett@fishergerman.co.uk.
