WJA welcomes positive response at National Drainage Show
The Water Jetting Association has had a good response from visitors attending the National Drainage Show as the organisation steps up its activity to promote its aims and objectives.
Dozens of people took the opportunity to visit the WJA stand during the annual two-day event, held at Excel in London in November 2023.
The WJA has launched a stakeholder engagement programme which involves attendance at multiple exhibitions and events over the next 12 months
Ideal opportunity
It includes hosting the first WJA Trade Show to promote the water jetting industry at the StoneX Stadium, home of the Saracens Ruby Club, in North West London, on 12th September 2024.
WJA General Manager Leanne Smith said: “We want to actively promote the advantages of water jetting and the benefits of commissioning services delivered by our members.
“Being at the National Drainage Show was the ideal opportunity to do both. We were very pleased with how supportive industry colleagues were about our work and objectives.
“We had dozens of firm expressions of interest, including from organisations wanting to join the WJA and work collaboratively with us, which was very encouraging.”
The WJA has a large number of members drawn from the drainage and water utility sectors, including contractors, equipment manufacturers and hire specialists.
Building relationships
Its new Technical Manager, Gordon Taylor, was part of the WJA team that attended the National Drainage Show, which is combined with FloodEx UK and the National Waterways Show.
He said: “A key element of my role is to work with counterparts in the drainage industry to support safe and productive water jetting techniques and continuously improve standards.
“Attending trade shows is an excellent way to inform other organisations what the WJA is all about and build relationships that are central to furthering our shared interests.”
Lee O’Callaghan, a member of the WJA’s Training and Safety Committee, and one of the key organisers of next year’s WJA Trade Show, said: “Visitors were pleased to see us and what we have to offer.
“This is the perfect time to actively promote the advantages of WJA membership and how, by working together, we can raise the profile of our industry.”
WJA developments
The WJA team showcased a range of initiatives over the last 12 months that benefit drainage contractors. They include a new free City & Guilds accredited WJA training scheme.
The WJA has also just launched a new Drain, Sewer and Surface Preparation Practical Module for operatives who use water jetting for washdowns as well as sewer cleaning.
The WJA’s Red Code – the code of practice for using water jetting equipment in drains and sewers – has also been fully updated and now includes guidance on surface preparation with a jetting gun up to 275 bar that an operative can comfortably control.
Find out more
Talk to the WJA about the advantages of taking a stand at the WJA Trade Show at StoneX, North West London, in September 2024. Telephone +44 (0)208 320 1090. Email: events@waterjetting.org.uk.