WJA AGM and Awards 2026 – serving our members and celebrating excellence

An teenage apprentice water jetting operative and a water jetting pioneer who is still contributing to the industry in his eighties have been honoured at the inaugural WJA Awards.

The awards ceremony was the celebratory culmination of a day of activity which included the Water Jetting Association Annual General Meeting on Friday 18th September 2026.

More than 100 member representatives attended the day’s activities, with the highlight being the evening dinner and awards presentations at the Crown Plaza, Kegworth, in Warwickshire.

WJA Chairman Lee O’Callaghan said: “There was general agreement that this was one of the best ever AGM events, and there is no doubt the positivity generated by the WJA Awards played a big part.

“After a very busy year, during which we’ve made great strides on behalf of members, with new training courses, a new single code of practice and new member benefits, being able to recognise members for their involvement and excellence was the icing on the cake. The WJA Awards are definitely here to stay.

“The progress we’ve made is down to a great deal of hard work, and I’d like to thank, in particular, WJA Director Leanne Smith and Technical Manager Gordon Taylor, along with every other member of the WJA Board, for showing the leadership and commitment that’s driving the WJA forward.”

Recognising water jetting excellence

The WJA Awards presentations came after the AGM, held in the morning, and an afternoon of fun activities, with member representatives able to choose to take part in clay shooting, golf or paintballing.

The evening’s awards celebrations were led by compere, singer and comedian Marc Bolton and WJA Director Leanne Smith.

A WJA Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Martin Gee, who has been closely involved with the WJA since its formation. The award was collected on behalf of Martin by WJA board member Darren Hamilton.

A driving force behind water jetting safety, Martin prepared a first draft of what was to become the first WJA code of practice. He also dedicated decades of service to the WJA, as a leading member of its committees and serving as WJA President. He remains an active WJA-registered training provider and WJA-approved training instructor.

The WJA Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Flow 3 Drains (UK), was presented to Jeff Haigh.

Like Martin, Jeff has been a long-serving member of WJA committees, is a former WJA President and still serves the association, most recently playing a pivotal role in developing the new WJA Code of Practice.

WJA Director Leanne Smith said: “It was a proud moment for me and for every WJA member representative present to be able to honour Martin and Jeff with their awards.

“The countless contributions they’ve made over many decades is one of the reasons the WJA has developed into the respected body it is today, leading our industry and providing valuable service to our members.”

The WJA Award for Young Person of the Year, sponsored by Flowplant Group, was presented to WJA-certified water jetting operative Alfie Jones, who has just turned 19. Judges were impressed by his exceptional dedication to his role after just six months as an apprentice, showing a professional approach to his work.

Taking second place in this category was James Boucher, and in third place was Jack Wright.

The WJA Operative of the Year Award, sponsored by Rausch UK, was won by Jack Kinghorn, who is recognised as a rising star with contractor Sureclean, working for off-shore customers. Phil Breeze was second and Chris Sandelands was third.

The WJA Award for Manufacturer of the Year went to Jetter Conversions, recognising the company’s outstanding van pack jetting systems and excellent service. Flowplant Group took second place, and Bucher Municipal was third.

Howden Insurance won WJA Member of the Year, sponsored by BigChange, recognised for its consistent support for both the WJA and its members, through social media promotion, expert guidance, and discounted member rates. Close behind in second place was Flow 3 Drains (UK).

In a tightly fought contest, the WJA Innovation of the Year Award, sponsored by Superjet, was picked up Rioned UK, for its RioConnect intelligent jetting vehicle fleet management system. RGL Services was placed in second and JCE Renewable Services was third.

The WJA Award for Trainer of the Year, sponsored by Brown & Brown Insurance Brokers, was won by Lee O’Callaghan of Water Jet Training.

Lee was praised for making training enjoyable while making complex jetting procedures easy to understand. Chris Sutton, of Flowplant Group, took second, and Shawn Dwyer, of Jetchem/Superjet was third.

The WJA Feedback of the Year Award, which recognises positive feedback from candidates for water jetting training instructors, was won by Gary Cochrane, with Rob Mackenzie in second place and Lee O’Callaghan in third.

The WJA Best Photo of the Year Award, celebrating stunning images of water jetting in action, was won by Veolia UK, for a picture of a robotic tank cleaning machine. Pictures submitted by Bucher Municipal and RGL Services were placed second and third, respectively.

Ready to serve our members

During the AGM, presentations were given to report progress and future plans relating to five WJA Board workstreams – finance, technical, training, membership and marketing – with key decision voted on by members.

Members also voted on selected options for board membership. The WJA Board is now made up of Lee O’Callaghan as WJA Chairman, and board member for marketing, where he is joined by new board member Ryan McKenzie.

Steve Smith is board member for finance. Technical board members are David Malin and Jamie Ings. Training board members are Darren Hamilton, Steve McIver, and Stacey Bowling. While membership board members are John Rhode and Steve Williams.

Want to join the WJA?

Find out more about the value to your business of being a WJA member. Go to the membership section for more information and to download our easy-to-fill in membership forms.

Or talk to us today.
Telephone: +44 (0) 208 320 1090.
Email: info@waterjetting.org.uk.