Ex-water minister becomes new chair of UK Water Partnership

Former water minister Richard Benyon has been named as the new chair of the UK Water partnership.

The Conservative MP has replaced Lord Chris Smith in the role leading the organisation which aims to develop opportunities for the UK water sector in a $500 billion global market.

Outgoing chair Lord Smith said: “Since its launch in March 2015, the partnership has made real strides in bringing together the many water research, industry and user communities to help focus their efforts toward innovation, growth and export opportunities.

“Richard has great experience in this area and I am very pleased to see the partnership moving ahead in such good hands.”

Commenting on his appointment Benyon said: “Lord Chris Smith has done an outstanding job in helping to launch the organisation and he leaves a great legacy.

“I am delighted to be able to build on his success and take up the task of maintaining the momentum we’ve seen so far, especially at such an important time for the industry.”

Current water minister Rory Stewart added: “I am really delighted that Richard Benyon has taken the role of chairman of the UK Water Partnership. I’d like to thank Lord Smith for his excellent work.

“Richard’s energy and integrity will really help us promote UK leadership in water technology here and abroad.”

The UK Water Partnership is committed to forging a coherent alliance between organisations that share a commitment to excellent research, innovation and growth across the sector and its inter-dependent communities.

It also aims to develop a catalogue of UK capabilities in water products and services, and to host an international showcase covering the UK’s research and market capabilities.

A version of this story first appeared on wwtonline.