Industry experts will be showcasing and discussing the latest innovations and technical solutions to help reduce the risk of flooding and drought, while also welcoming for the first time the leading irrigation conference, IRRIGEX, during the 2019 edition of Floodex UK at Peterborough Arena, 27-28 February.

The importance of flood control remains high in the public’s minds following a series of major flood events in the UK in recent years. At the same time climate change is bringing with it both more intense rainfall, and increasing pressure on the UK’s water resources.

With a strong cross-over in interests in the management of water, Floodex and event partner ADA (Association of Drainage Authorities) has teamed up with the UK Irrigation Association (UKIA), to introduce IRRIGEX as part of the overall event. As the UKIA’s annual conference, IRRIGEX gives suppliers and end users, interested in irrigation, a platform where they can meet face to face and come away much better informed and equipped to deal with their respective issues.

Elsewhere, Floodex 2019 will also see the official launch of ASA, the Association of SuDS Authorities, the new member organisation supporting the delivery or sustainable drainage within all new developments.

As ever, keynote speakers from across the sector will take to the stage, with more than 25 presentations across the two days of the event, alongside panel discussions and drop-in sessions. Amongst the speakers will be Catherine Wright, director of data knowledge and innovation at the Environment Agency, who will be giving updates on the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCRM) strategy and the agency’s 25-year Environment plan.

Hazel Durant, head of flood and water integration, and Margaret Read, head of water supply policy at Defra, will be leading a panel discussion at the top of proceedings on the Wednesday. Stuart Roberts, NFU vice-president, will be looking at the impacts of flooding on agriculture, while AHDB chairman Sir Peter Kendall will look at the future of fruit and vegetable production with limited water resources.

In a full programme, other keynote speakers include Susan Twining, chief land use policy advisor at CLA, Matt Crossman, team leader at the National Infrastructure Commission, and Anthony Hopkins, chairman of UKIA. Bronwyn Buntine, sustainable drainage team leader at Kent County Council, will be launching ASA and looks at the cost benefits of sustainable drainage.

Henry Cator, independent chairman of Water Resources East (WRE), and former ADA chairman, will be addressing the audience with an engaging talk entitled ‘Ask the fellow who cut the hay’.

Alongside the speaker line-up, visitors will have access to leading innovators in water engineering, sustainable urban drainage, dredging technology, flood barriers, bankside and watercourse maintenance equipment, excavators, permeable paving, pumping equipment and property protection products.

This is the must-attend event for anyone for whom water plays an important part in their lives. Floodex 2019 is an excellent opportunity to network within industry and learn more. So, whatever your knowledge about drainage, water level and flood risk management visit www.floodex.co.uk  to find out more and register for this free event.

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