A series of conversations with some of the key leaders and influencers from across the UK infrastructure sector, produced and hosted by journalist and commentator Antony Oliver.
Latest episode
The Infrastructure Podcast: Episode 125
Guest: Blair Mitchell, Managing Director for Water, WSP
Water sector reset
In today’s episode we’re diving into one of the most pressing – and controversial – sectors in UK infrastructure: water.
Following years of public outrage over pollution, poor service and rising bills, the water industry in England and Wales now faces a once-in-a-generation reckoning.
That reckoning arrived this month with the publication of the final report from the Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe. Backed by over 50,000 responses and extensive consultation, the report sets out 88 recommendations to overhaul the way water is regulated, governed and delivered.
It proposes sweeping reforms: replacing Ofwat with a new integrated water regulator, creating regional water planning authorities, mandating compulsory water metering, and embedding a new “public benefit” duty into water company licences.
It also calls for a National Water Strategy and much tighter regulation of company ownership, governance and long-term resilience. In short, no one comes out of this review smelling of roses – not the government; not the regulators; not the water companies. As Sir Jon puts it “This sector requires fundamental reform on all sides”.
Meanwhile, Ofwat’s PR24 price review landed with a heavy thud at the back end of last year, demanding a 21% uplift in investment over AMP8, challenging companies with tough efficiency expectations and a step change in renewing creaking assets. The sector faces the daunting task of transforming itself while remaining affordable, investable – and trusted.
To unpack the Commission’s findings and explore the future direction of the sector, I’m joined today by Blair Mitchell, Managing Director for Water at WSP.
Blair has spent three decades working across all sides of the water sector – as a client, as a supplier and advising on everything from resilience and regulation to long-term asset strategy. So I’m hoping he will be able to put some context to what is clearly a landmark moment for everyone involved in the water sector.
Let’s find out ….
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Antony Oliver Consulting
Editorial consultancy services for the infrastructure sector
Antony works with a range of clients across the infrastructure sector, helping to boost their communication and marketing strategies and delivery so as to stimulate discussion and action in the industry.
This work includes:
- editorial support and creation
- event organisation, preparation and delivery
- round table discussion hosting and workshop/team facilitation
- video and podcasting
He has spent the last 30 years working as a journalist and editor across the infrastructure sector. Having joined New Civil Engineer magazine in 1994, he edited the title for 14 years until 2013, expanding NCE from a traditional paper magazine to deliver live events and conferences and then embrace the expanding world of multi-media digital delivery.
In 2014 he left NCE to create and launch Infrastructure Intelligence, a new digital-first publication for the sector, and for two years led and developed this ground-breaking media brand for the Association for Engineering and Consultancy.
He is a chartered civil engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, having started his career with Owen Williams and Partners and Balfour Beatty. He is committed to driving change across the UK infrastructure sector and is a Trustee of the Built Environment Trust and a Director of the Building Centre in Store Street, London.
antony@antonyoliver.com
The next episode of The Infrastructure Podcast will be published on Monday 4th August 2025.
