Welcome to Live Mains
AMP8 is the biggest investment cycle in a century and the industry's main delivery challenge is culture. Here's why standards start at your desk, not on site.
The UK water industry is in the middle of its biggest investment cycle in a century. AMP8 needs thousands of new people, many from outside the industry. At the same time, many of our most experienced people are getting ready to retire.
That leaves the supply chain with two big jobs: bringing new people in, and making sure everyone delivers the same standards on every site, every day.
During the first half of 2026 I had conversations across the industry, with water companies, Ofwat and tier one and two contractors. I heard about wage bills rising month on month to hold on to skilled people. I heard how hard it is to get teams to care about public safety. I heard that standards are slipping and that simple requirements aren't being met on site.
I think part of the problem is that this industry works below ground and behind barriers. It's easy to believe nobody is watching. That belief affects pride in the work. It also makes the industry hard to see for the people we need to attract. You can't be what you can't see.
Live Mains is here to change that. It's one email a week for people working across the water supply chain: owners, leaders, supervisors and new starters. Each month you'll get:
- A deep story: someone from the industry, their work and what they've learned
- A guest expert sharing what they know
- An insight piece from me
- A news roundup of what's changing across the sector
The people who deliver a food-grade product 24/7 across the UK deserve to be seen, understood and trusted. Live Mains is where we start.
If you've got a story to tell, or you'd like to contribute get in touch!
