Event Format
- Welcome & introduction from the Northern Branch Chair, Elis Hopkins
- Guest Speaker - Steve Fraser - Keynote
- Multiple breakout & workshop sessions hosted by member companies
- Event close
Guest speaker confirmed!
Steve Fraser, Chief Exec, Cadent Gas
Accountable for serving c.11 million customers across 5 gas distribution networks by operating the system and maintaining it safely as well as running the National Gas Emergency service on behalf of all distribution networks.
Over 20 years’ experience of managing and transforming infrastructure business’ latterly as Chief Operating Officer and a main board Director of the FTSE100 water company United Utilities.
A degree in Management Studies and a Masters in Engineering Management from UMIST, he holds a diploma in Advanced Management from Harvard University.
After leaving education, Steve trained in utilities operations working across water, electricity, and latterly high-pressure Gas pipelines.
Steve became a Director of Bethell Group where he worked to establish them as a leading player in the energy services sector prior to joining United Utilities in 2005 to run the global outsourcing division Energy and Contracting Services working across the UK Europe and The Middle East.
Board Director at Southern Water between May 2022 and September 2025, supporting oversight during a period of transformation for the organisation.
In September 2025, Steve joined the Board of Manchester Airport Group as a Non-Executive Director.
CONFIRMED WORKSHOP - FLANNERY
Flannery Plant Hire is a leading provider of modern, safety-focused plant hire and operator training solutions, supporting major infrastructure and pipeline projects across the UK.
Flannery will demonstrate the latest technology designed to improve safety, accuracy and productivity across pipeline construction.
● 3D Dynamic Avoidance – helps machinery avoid obstacles and hazards in real time.
● 3D Machine Control – uses GPS/GNSS and digital site models to improve accuracy in excavation, grading and trenching.
● Human Form Recognition (HFR) – detects people around machinery, providing additional warnings to help prevent collisions.
Join us for live demonstrations and practical training to see how these technologies can help create safer, more efficient pipeline sites.
CONFIRMED WORKSHOP - TWOH
twoH and ExcelCS will provide a practical introduction to pipeline testing and commissioning, helping delegates understand some of the processes, equipment and key considerations involved in preparing a pipeline for service. Delegates will be able to see and handle a selection of specialist equipment associated with hydrostatic pressure testing, monitoring and data logging, chlorination / de-chlorination and other commissioning activities, with the team explaining what the equipment is used for and some of the practical considerations involved.
twoH is an EUSR-accredited training provider for pipeline commissioning and provides specialist equipment, technical support and training, while ExcelCS delivers pipeline testing and commissioning services in the field. The team also contributes industry expertise to the technical committees involved in the development and review of UK water-industry pressure-testing standards.
CONFIRMED WORKSHOP - FT PIPELINES
FT Pipeline Systems have been supplying Ejoint/Socket pipework in the UK for around 25 years with over 400km and £100+ Million+ of steel pipes supplied in this period. Designed by Europipe in the 1990s, FT brought the Ejoint solution to the UK for use on major water infrastructure projects, including in recent years the Ayrshire Resilience for Scottish Water, Hallbank for United Utilities, major diversions for Severn Trent Water to accommodate HS2 and currently approaching completion of 110km 800mm pipes for Anglian Water's SPA program. The projects have included the supply of thousands of compatible Ejoint/Socket fittings and tens of thousands of Canusa Heat Shrink Sleeves.
At the start of 2026, Seal for Life who owned the Canusa brand, was acquired by Henkel. This has opened the door to Stopaq for FT Pipeline Systems, and brought an alternative way of protecting pipework in the field, into the water market through FT. The key difference between the two products lies in the application - both result in high-quality corrosion protection - but the ability for Stopaq to be applied without propane brings significant advantages from a safety and CO2e perspective.
Our demonstration will show the simplicity of the Stopaq application and provide delegates with the opportunity to get up close with both products in their applied condition.
Ian Harding has been a PIG member with FT Pipeline Systems for around 20 years and has significant experience of welded steel pipes for potable water. Ian has been Managing Director at FTPS since 2015 and has been a member of the Onshore Panel for the last 5 years.
CONFIRMED WORKSHOP - NICK PRESTON
Nick Preston from the Guild Utilities Panel and On-Shore Panel will provide a summary of how standardisation works across utilities especially some of the issues around commissioning pipelines. Nick has been a member of The Pipeline Industries Guild for nearly 40 years, is the Chairman of ‘our’ European water Standards Committee CEN TC/164 and the British Standards (BSI) committee that are responsible, among others, for EN 805 Water Supply Systems (External). Parts 10 & 11 of BS EN 805 specifically cover the pressure test and commissioning stages.
In the UK pipeline testing is often quoted to WIS 4-01-03 so that Nick will cover the different standards and applicable approaches for different pipelines, materials, uses, etc. Nick will be providing an insight for engineers, operators, supervisors and managers of pipelines of a few of the challenges around hydrostatic pressure testing pipelines with gasses present as well as where changes in temperature can be a cause for concern or impact the pass/fail results – with some appropriate ‘hands-on’ opportunities…
CONFIRMED WORKHOP - EGEPLAST
egeplast SLM® DCT (Detection & Checking Technology) Pipe System
Purpose and Use:
The egeplast SLM® DCT is a PE pipe system with an additional protective layer and integrated conductive strips that enable integrity testing immediately after installation and permanent pipeline location throughout its service life. It is primarily used in trenchless installation methods such as HDD drilling, relining, pipe bursting, and soil displacement, providing verification of damage-free installation and enhanced operational safety.
This provides the installer and client peace of mind by proving the asset, ensuring the system is suitable for its prescribed pressure rating and asset life.
CONFIRMED WORKSHOP - AVK UK Ltd.
Control Valves
What you will learn on the day................
- The purpose of a Control Valve
- Background for their use
- Consequences of water loss
- How can control valves help!
- Main Features - AVK control valves: Pressure reducing control valves / Pressure sustaining/relief control valve.
- How they are operated: Pilot System
- Control Valve variants and their configuration to meet client / project requirements
- How to select the right valve...The right valve for the right application!
The session will be mainly classroom based with product present for you familiarise yourself with.
Please note
Mid morning refreshments are provided, however lunch is not. The event is due to complete at Midday.
CPD Certificates are available for attending this event. Please contact Guild HQ for more information.
Turnbridge Rd
Huddersfield, HD1 6AG
United Kingdom