Hygiene companies missing out on water spend

Hygiene specialists working in the water sector are overlooking a lucrative GBP20bn market according to the IWEX Report, commissioned by the organisers of IWEX 2005.

Hygiene specialists working in the water sector are overlooking a lucrative GBP20bn market according to the IWEX Report, commissioned by the organisers of IWEX 2005.

The Report shows that UK manufacturers are spending almost 4.43% of their turnover (which equates to GBP20bn) every year buying water and disposing of wastewater and effluent.

They also have plans to make major investments in water-related equipment and services.

However, despite the massive amount of money being spent, many industrial water users feel let down by suppliers and consultants.

40% of industrial users say they do not know enough suppliers and consultants to help them with their water needs, and 26% report that the suppliers they are aware of do not understand their business sector well enough.

This could be a costly oversight given that 26% of industrial water users plan to significantly invest in new and upgraded equipment over the next two years - and have hygiene monitoring high on their shopping lists.

For instance almost a third are interested improving end product performance and reducing the water used in plant clean down, while for over a quarter, improving microbial control is a massive issue.

Improving the quality of source water is a concern for 19% of businesses.

Dan Ware, Event Manager of IWEX 2005 says that hygiene companies are missing out on an extremely lucrative market.

"The IWEX Report shows a massive demand among UK companies for help to better manage their use of water and treatment of wastewater and effluent, and hygiene monitoring products and services will undoubtedly play a role in this, yet most suppliers have not realised the potential and are not targeting these companies effectively.

"Even among those with supplier relationships, many complain of poor back-up and one in ten say their suppliers' innovation agendas don't match their needs.

That's why many industrial water users will be visiting IWEX 2005, to find out about the latest information and developments affecting them - and to find new suppliers." The IWEX Report questioned over 100 companies, from small businesses to major blue-chip corporations, in a range of industry sectors, including: brewing, food and drink manufacturing; pulp, paper and packaging; chemical and pharmaceutical production; industrial and petrochemical; as well as agriculture.

These companies are prepared to make a significant investment in their water strategy.

They already allocate 1.27% of turnover to water equipment and pumps, 0.81% to wastewater treatment, and 0.96% to environmental monitoring and assessment.

Some of the largest companies questioned also spend 1.28% of turnover on water consultants.

But time and time again, companies say they are not getting enough support, advice or information from suppliers and consultants as Dan Ware concludes: "Leading industrial water users are telling us loud and clear that water management is a big issue for them.

They have real needs, a formal water strategy and money to invest.

They just need the suppliers to match.

That's why we believe IWEX 2005 will be a real opportunity for hygiene companies to get much closer to this market." IWEX 2005, the event for the UK water industry and all industrial water users, will take place at the NEC, Birmingham from 18th to 20th October 2005.

For more information about the show or a copy of The IWEX Report visit the show website at www.iwex.co.uk or call +44 (0)1895 454545.

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