Highlights of the No-Dig Roadshow in Reading:
The No-Dig Roadshow in Reading, the second in-person roadshow in 2024, was a pivotal gathering for professionals in the utility and construction sectors. As the industry continues to evolve, the roadshow stands as a beacon for showcasing the latest innovations and techniques in trenchless technology. With an emphasis on sustainability and efficiency, this roadshow brought together key players from across the sector, including UKSTT Patrons such as Wessex Water, Thames Water, and SES Water, highlighting its importance as a platform for knowledge exchange and industry advancement. UKSTT Chair Ian Ramsay was there on the day and highlighted the need for these events “The emphasis on trenchless technologies as a means to revolutionise infrastructure development without the invasive impact of traditional methods has been established as a pinnacle of industry advancement”.
With a blend of educational sessions, case studies, and live demonstrations, the event underscored the industry’s commitment to advancing sustainable solutions that are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.
Importance of the No-Dig Roadshows:
The No-Dig Roadshow series takes place in different locations across the UK and Ireland, and showcases the latest technologies and techniques in the field of trenchless inspection, construction, and rehabilitation. It provides a vital platform for industry professionals, contractors, and decision-makers to learn about the trenchless needs of the utilities, the latest advancements in trenchless technology, and explore the benefits of adopting these methods. This event is crucial for promoting sustainable construction practices and demonstrating the effectiveness of modern, no-dig solutions in the infrastructure sector.
The key objectives of the No-Dig Roadshows are:
1. Providing an understanding of how trenchless is being used by utilities and their needs going forward
2. Educating attendees on the latest trenchless technologies and their applications.
3. Highlighting the advantages of trenchless methods over traditional open-cut construction.
4. Facilitating networking and knowledge-sharing among industry stakeholders.
5. Promoting the adoption of sustainable and cost-effective trenchless solutions.
6. Showcasing case studies and successful project implementations.
These objectives underscore the roadshow’s significance as a leading forum for innovation and collaboration within the industry.
Highlights of the Conference Programme:
Session I: What UKSTT Patrons Need from Trenchless I
The No-Dig Roadshow programme kicked off with a session focused on how Thames Water and Wessex Water are utilising trenchless solutions and what to expect in the next AMP period.
Session II: Trenchless Developments for Water Networks
This session highlighted the significant role of trenchless methods in enhancing water network systems. SES Water explained how it is improving the resilience of its water distribution network by improving the connectivity between its treatment works and customers. Thames Water showcased a new Ofwat Innovation Fund project concerning the future no-dig repair of water pipes.
Session III: What UKSTT Patrons Need from Trenchless II
Continuing the focus on trenchless technology, this session further discussed the needs of industry stakeholders. South West Water showcased a major pipe relining project whilst Thames Water updated everyone on the progress being made with the huge Thames Tideway Tunnel that is intercepting the CSOs through London.
Exhibition and Networking Opportunities:
The exhibition showcased a diverse range of exhibitors from the no-dig rehabilitation industry, attended by prominent UK water companies, consultants, and contractors.
The event featured a variety of exhibitors, providing attendees with insights into the latest technologies and services in trenchless technology. Companies exhibiting were:
AMIBLU NORWAY AS / ATLAS WINCH & HOIST SERVICES LTD / BLUELIGHT LINING LTD / CHANNELINE INTERNATIONAL FIBER GLASS MANUFACTURING LLC / CIPP SUPPLIES LTD / DCR INSPECTION SYSTEMS / DIE DRAW LIMITED / HERMES TECHNOLOGIE LIMITED / HY-RAM ENGINEERING CO LTD / IMS ROBOTICS UK LTD / MAMMOTH-MTS / MCALLISTER BROS LIMITED / PEARPOINT / PE100+ ASSOCIATION / PICOTE SOLUTIONS / PRO-LINING SOLUTIONS LTD / PUBLIC SEWER SERVICES LTD / RADIUS SUBTERRA / REINERT-RITZ GMBH / RELINEEUROPE GMBH / RSM LINING SUPPLIES GLOBAL LTD / STEVE VICK INTERNATIONAL / SYNTHOTECH LIMITED / TRACTO TECHNIK UK LTD / UIS LIMITED – TOOLING & TECHNOLOGIES / VAC-EX LIMITED / VIVAX-METROTECH LTD
Networking Opportunities:
The Roadshow facilitated numerous networking opportunities, allowing industry stakeholders to engage directly with innovators and thought leaders. This interaction fostered a collaborative environment, essential for discussing new projects and forming strategic partnerships. The presence of senior representatives from UK utilities markets underscored the event’s role as a crucial meeting point for professionals in the trenchless technology sector
Conclusion:
Throughout the No-Dig Roadshow in Reading, attendees were presented with a treasure trove of insight into utilities’ activities and needs, and knowledge and innovation sharing instrumental in steering the future of the construction and utility sectors towards more sustainable practices.
Event organiser Paul Harwood, Westrade Group said “the No-Dig Roadshow in Reading offered substantial value to professionals in the trenchless technology sector. This one-day event provided a platform for enhancing knowledge, skills, and networks in the latest industry advancements”
Programme organiser and UKSTT Technical & Education Chair said “I am delighted with the way that our UKSTT conferences at No-Dig Roadshow’s are developing as key opportunities for our UKSTT Patrons to present their trenchless activities and needs and share them with UKSTT Members. Attendance levels for the presentations at the events are very encouraging and together with the success of our 1st National Trenchless Conference earlier in June reflect the quality of the speakers and content.
The significance of such gatherings cannot be overstated, as they provide a unique face-to-face platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the fostering of partnerships that could shape the future landscape of infrastructure development.
As the roadshow illustrated, the dynamic nature of the trenchless technology field and its growing importance in modern construction and utility work, it beckons the industry at large to embrace these innovative approaches. The calls for further research, adoption, and adaptation of these no-dig solutions is a testament to the roadshow’s role in not only highlighting current achievements but also in charting the course for future advancements. These events not only set a standard for industry gatherings but also highlights the path forward, through innovation and collaboration, towards a more efficient and sustainable future.