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First Drop: Pinsent Masons and ARUP host Wet Networks event in Leeds

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The Wet Networking Series was originally developed by law firm Pinsent Masons, with the aim of bringing together innovative water technology companies with investors, advisors and corporate organisations.  The ongoing series is jointly organised with Arup, and Wet Networks events have been running London for more than 10 years.

First Drop is the first Wet Networks event held outside London, and kicked off in Leeds on 26th January 2017 with a keynote speech from Martin Farrington, Director of City Development at Leeds City Council, entitled “21st Century Technology—Leeds at the fore”, including coverage of the innovative approaches taken when delivering Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS). Next Mark Lane, Consultant to Pinsent Masons, chaired a “Dragon’s Den” style session with presentations from cutting edge water technology companies.

Access to an interactive “app” was provided to attendees, allowing participants to send messages to each other, vote on Brexit-themed poll questions, and view anonymised responses from the group. During the networking time we spoke with Susan Hogan (Global Water Marketing Manager, Arup)  and Richard Tripp, (Partner for Pinsent Masons). This event was an opportunity to engage with the local water technology community. Stay tuned for dates and student engagement opportunities (Poster presentations, pitch to peers/industrial partners, etc).

water@leeds was represented at the event by Kara Hazelgrave and Pazit Ziv, and we have encouraged Arup and Pinsent Masons to make the Leeds-based version of Wet Networks a regular event.

The presentations of the event can be accessed from here.

The summary of the diverse technologies and business approaches can be downloaded here.

 

by Kara Hazelgrave, water@leeds Research & Innovation Development Manager & Pazit Ziv, water@leeds Doctoral Research & Training Centre Manager