Lanes goes for Gold with Institute of Water partnership boost

Lanes Group plc, the largest independent drainage and wastewater specialist in the UK, has become a Gold Member of the Institute of Water Northern Area.

The company is keen to support the institute’s work in developing skills and ensuring all people have the opportunity to build successful careers in the water industry.

The Institute of Water (IoW) is the only professional body that exclusively supports the careers of all people working the UK water industry.

Lanes operates 22 commercial service depots and 14 water utility service hubs across the UK, supporting businesses, government agencies and water companies, as well as householders.

Lanes Business Development Director Richard Leigh said: “We very much support the Institute of Water’s purpose, to promote the UK water industry and make it a vibrant place to work for all.

“It also does excellent work to develop the professional skills we need to provide water to drink and for industry, to safely process the wastewater we create, and protect our environment.

“In this way, Lanes and the IoW very much share the same interests and strategic goals, and we look forward to supporting its work in the year ahead.”

Founded in 1945, the IoW’s objectives are to engage and inspire individuals about working in the water industry, partner with employers on professional development, and collaborate with stakeholders to understand and carry out the institute’s work.

As Lanes has HQ offices in Eccles, Greater Manchester, it will work particularly closely with the IoW’s Northern Area, one of eight across the country.

The IoW Northern Area, like the others, organises networking events, including an annual regional conference, encourages members to participate in the IOW’s awards schemes, such as the prestigious IoW Innovation Awards, as well as seminars and technical visits.

Lanes will also do all it can to promote the IoW’s initiatives to widen involvement and careers opportunities in the water industry, such as the Young Person’s Network and the Women’s Network.

Plugging a looming skills gap in the water industry is a big priority – and a reason why the Energy and Utilities Skills Partnership has awarded the Lanes wastewater network service maintenance operation for Thames Water a Skills Accord for four years running.

Richard Leigh said: “Only by everyone in the water industry working together can we address the challenges in providing clean water and managing wastewater safely and sustainably. “Our Gold membership of the Institute of Water is a key element of our strategy to support initiatives that help our industry to thrive in a way that promotes service innovation, carbon reduction and diversity.”