Our Chief Executive Clive Bairsto CBE has given his thoughts on the 2019 Street Works UK Conference and Awards:  

“I thought that last week’s 2019 Street Works UK Conference and Awards showcased the very best of a hardworking sector, bringing together leaders and key figures from across industry and notable media to discuss a series of pertinent and critical issues facing our members over these next two to three years – and some topics spoke out to the decade ahead. Great stuff. Very thought-provoking, hugely enjoyable and stimulating – that was the feedback from all I have spoken to. 

Many of the topics discussed offered a really powerful insight into the future direction of travel for the industry, and how Street Works UK members will play a central role in delivering key services for customers, through adopting innovation, dedicating themselves to collaboration and holding up multi-channel comms as a mantra. 

We were delighted to have Patrick Clarke OBE, Director of Network Operations at UK Power Networks, deliver a powerful and engaging keynote address. He stressed the importance of adapting to meet the UK’s net zero ambitions, and the transformation that our country is to undergo as we move towards electric vehicles, smart meters and energy sharing. Patrick was spot on. 

Alongside Patrick, our panel discussion, exhibitors, presentations and workshops provided an opportunity for members to share ideas as we face the arrival of Street Manager, the new edition of SROH, and move towards a new protocol for assessing utility waste.  Sharing helps remove mystery and aids confidence – this was very evident.

In the evening, the Street Works UK Awards ceremony was a chance to celebrate the very best in the street works industry, including awards for best collaborative works, effective communication and a new one for our focus: ‘Rising Star’. I would like to congratulate all those who were winners, and those who were nominated; all have displayed real excellence in their work this year. The full list of all winners can be found here. 

Finally, I would like to thank all of our exhibitors and our wonderful sponsors – Virgin Media, United Utilities and SKEWB – without whom our Conference and Awards would not have been a success.  Thank you very sincerely for your support. 

I really look forward to meeting the challenges which await us in 2020, as we strive to demonstrate the vital role street works will play in underpinning the delivery of the next government’s priorities, the infrastructure this nation needs, and our vision for the sector.”