UK Trade & Investment and a delegation of British companies showcase their expertise in the water sector at WEFTEC.

Chicago, IL (October 7, 2013) – The United Kingdom showcases its deep history and experience in the water sector this week through a delegation of British companies at the Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC), the largest annual meeting of water sector professionals in North America.

The British companies, including a UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) delegation, demonstrate the country's range and depth of know-how in the water industry, including expertise in water treatment technologies, monitoring and infrastructure engineering.

"The UK is pioneering integrated water resource management solutions and green technologies that promote water and energy security, as part of broader efforts to drive forward low carbon solutions," said Michael Rosenfeld UK Trade & Investment, Vice Consul – US Clean Technology Sector Lead. "As the world collectively seeks answers to water scarcity and water quality issues, there is a strong recognition that the UK water sector is an important international partner providing innovative technologies and services with which to collaborate and draw upon."

Today, the UK water and wastewater sector is an £8 billion, world-class industry consisting of 500 companies with deep expertise in such areas as flood management, water and wastewater treatment, and public private partnerships for infrastructure improvement and technology research and development. This experience and know-how is largely due to the UK's wholly privatized water system – meaning UK utilities are typically owned and operated by private companies – as well as UK and EU regulatory directives around water and groundwater quality, wastewater treatment, and flood-risk management that have spurred investment in the sector.

British companies showcasing their services at this year's conference include Partech Instruments, a leading manufacturer of wastewater treatment and control systems, which is looking to expand further into the North American market. The company has a Canadian distributor, and will be meeting with U.S. based companies during this trip to the United States.

"Our 50 year history of experience in the UK market has prepared us extremely well to take our services to other markets," said David Wilson, export sales manager with Partech Instruments. "We are hoping to significantly expand our exports over the next several years, and looking at the U.S. market as a key element in that expansion."

UK companies, including Modern Water and HRS Heat Exchangers Limited, have been successful in bringing their water industry know-how to the North American market. Guildford-based Modern Water, which installs and operates water treatment and monitoring systems, opened its first U.S. office in New Castle, Delaware in 2012. HRS Heat Exchangers, which provides heat exchangers for application in sewage sludge heating and cooling processes, opened its U.S. operations in 2004 in Glendale, Arizona.

In addition to the British companies exhibiting services and technologies at WEFTEC, UKTI representatives will present the strengths of the British water industry, as well as opportunities for UK companies to bring their know-how to the North American market.

UKTI Water Specialist Dr. Simon Wilkinson will present "UK Know How for the Global Water Industry in the 21st Century" during the UK country presentation on October 8. Dr. Wilkinson will explain how companies in the UK water sector, in coordination with government, regulators and other stakeholders, are undertaking a range of activities to ensure the industry is well positioned to respond to the challenges of climate change.

UKTI will hold a reception on Tuesday, October 8 from 3 pm – 5 pm at its exhibition booth #5248 for WEFTEC attendees to meet the British delegation and learn more about the UK's innovative technologies and services for the water sector.

The UK Trade & Investment delegation is located at booth #5248 during WEFTEC 2013 and includes Partech Instruments, Trilogy Group, Odour Services International, and TruSense. For more information contact Michael Rosenfeld, UK Trade & Investment, Vice Consul – USA Clean Technology Sector Lead at (310) 871-8169 or Mike.Rosenfeld@fco.gov.uk.


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About UK Trade & Investment

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the British Government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. It also helps overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK's economy – acknowledged as Europe's best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. It provides companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information on UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk or telephone its offices in Los Angeles (+1 310 789 0031) or San Francisco (+1 415 617 1300). For latest press releases, visit the online newsroom at www.ukti.gov.uk/media.