Utility Week Live expands for 2025 to help utilities ‘lead the change’

Utility Week Live returns to the NEC in Birmingham from 20-21 May 2025, expanding to two halls (17 & 18), with a host of new and returning features, stages and exhibitors under the headline theme of ‘lead the change’. You can now book your free place to attend here.

A host of industry leaders are confirmed for the biggest UWL theatre programme yet – still entirely free to attend – including: Iain Coucher, chair, Ofwat;  Juergen Maier, chair, GB Energy; Beth Martin, director of customer protection and retail markets, Ofgem; Jo Nettleton, chief regulator, Environment Agency; Chris Norbury, chief executive, Eon; Carol Cairns, chief asset officer, Portsmouth Water; Bill Bullen, chief executive, Utilita; Matt Wheeldon, director of infrastructure development, Wessex Water; Mark McAllister, chair, Ofgem and many more. See the full line up of speakers and the biggest-ever free to attend content programme here.
 
Utility Week Live managing director Ellen Bennett said: “We’re entering a new era of infrastructure. As the UK’s energy companies strive to make net zero a reality, and water companies work to deliver pollution-free waterways, the sheer scale and pace of delivery is unprecedented.

“In consequence, utilities are changing. They’re changing how they build assets, how they operate them, and how they communicate with and serve their customers. Utility Week Live 2025 is delighted to bring together the individuals and organisations leading that change, for an unmissable two days of innovation, inspiration and networking.”

UWL25 is home to 200+ exhibitors showcasing the latest game changing technologies, including Atkins, Jewson Civils Frazer, Correla, Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks, GAP Hire and Ordnance Survey.

UWL25 offers more content than ever before, with six stages running across two days explore the 6 content pillars, including the return of the Energy Flexibility Stage for its second year:

• Keynote: Insights and inspiration from the organisations and individuals leading the change in UK utilities.
• Smart Utilities: Embracing open data, digital solutions and smart networks to deliver net zero, improved network efficiency and minimal disruption to customers. Game-changing solutions to advance operations.
• Energy Flexibility: Showcasing innovators committed to scaling energy flexibility, developing markets and transforming the traditional way consumers engage with the grid. The latest trials, regulatory updates and pioneers making energy flexibility a reality.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: Exploring how utilities can champion biodiversity, nature and the environment through infrastructure delivery, with new approaches to planning, low carbon building and the delivery of net zero.
• Customer, Culture and Workforce: Responding to the changing needs of customers and the workforce as utilities evolve their operations. Delivering best in class customer service, smart solutions and high performing teams.
• Innovation: The home of innovation in UK utilities, showcasing emerging innovators and exploring areas of change for gas, water and power companies.
   

Exciting new features for 2025 will support front line delivery, including the landmark Infrastructure Delivery Forum Pavilion, in association with the UK’s three transmission operators; the Water Innovation Hub, with an onsite sprint delivered in partnership with Northumbrian Water Innovation Festival; and Blockage Busters, a thrilling new competition testing the expertise of drainage and wastewater professionals in a high-pressure race to clear a sewer blockage.

The Infrastructure Delivery Forum Pavilion will showcase the work of the Infrastructure Delivery Forum, a partnership between the three transmission operators supported by Utility Week and Autodesk, designed to develop and implement more collaborative ways of working with the supply chain. This includes the establishment of an industry charter for digitally-enabled infrastructure delivery and the launch of IM4Power – a best practice community for information management.

The Water Innovation Hub will host an innovation sprint held in partnership with Northumbrian Water, kicking off their Innovation Festival activity for the year. The Water Innovation Hub will also host participating water companies seeking ideas and innovations from the supply chain to help them tackle the challenges of AMP8. Applications for both will open soon.  

Blockage Busters, a thrilling new competition, will make its debut at UW25, showcasing the expertise of drainage and wastewater professionals in a high-pressure race to clear a sewer blockage. Developed in partnership with Southern Water, WRc and Cappagh Browne, this first-of-its-kind competition will shine a spotlight on the critical work of wastewater teams across the UK – apply to take part here!

Finally, Utility Week Live is delighted to host the brand-new Future Leaders Hub, providing a dedicated space for emerging talent to network, exchange ideal and breakdown silos. With speaking appearances from Utility Week’s community of up-and-coming talent, the Future Leaders Club, attendees will gain valuable insights into the priorities and vision of the industry’s future decision-makers.

Join us for a special 10th-anniversary drinks reception on 20 May at 5pm, bringing together the entire utilities industry for an evening of networking and celebration. Don’t miss the UK’s biggest event for utilities professionals. Secure your place now!