ABOUT
The European FOG Summit is a thought-leadership event hosted by SwiftComply. Now in its third year, the European FOG Summit will take place in the UK for the first time, in Brighton, on 14 October 2021. We are delighted to partner with Southern Water and British Water on this collaborative event.
Every year, FOG-related sewer blockages and spills cost global water authorities billions to clear and can have devastating impacts on the environment. The European FOG Summit will examine the current status of the challenge and what the future might hold, with conversations focusing on proactive mitigation, technological solutions, international research and the role FOG can play in local to global circular initiatives, and sustainability and zero waste goals.
It is our ambition to use this event to make an impact across the UK water industry for FOG, gathering thought leaders to share and learn from each other. This event will be an example of collaboration, thought leadership and positive change.
ABOUT THE ORGANISERS
SwiftComply launched the first European FOG Summit in 2019 from Amsterdam at Waternet’s headquarters. The second event in 2020 was again hosted in Amsterdam.
Both Southern Water and British Water have played an active and contributing role in our past events. Southern Water has been present at both Summits and has been influential in bringing this event to the UK.
British Water also hosts a bi-annual FOG conference in the UK, that will instead support the EU FOG Summit in 2021.
Hosted from the UK for the first time, this event aims to be an industry impacting event for FOG, welcoming delegates from UK and European water companies, extending to the supply chain, governmental, environmental and circular economy groups and associations.
The one day conference will have a forward focus on the circular economy.
To maximise networking opportunities for delegates joining us, there will be additional events the day prior, 13 October 2021, these are:
We’re bringing thought leaders from around the world to discuss the current state of FOG and what the future might hold. The European FOG Summit 2021 will be an event like no other.
The Summit will take place on 14 October 2021 at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, Brighton Pier. Learn more about the venue here.
Participants attending in person will also have an opportunity to join networking events, including an exclusive tour of Brighton’s Victorian sewers on 13 October 2021. All networking events will take place on 18 May 2021.
Tickets available from 14th December 2020. In the meantime, be the first to hear about dates, speakers, and early bird offers.
We are actively monitoring the Covid-19 government safety guidelines. Rest assured, this event will only go ahead under the safest conditions. Whilst it is our ambition to create a fruitful environment for delegates to network and meet, we are considering hybrid and digital opportunities.
All tickets purchased are Covid secure and will be fluid to the situation at the time. In the event of the Summit not being able to take place, tickets will be refunded or the date postponed.
As the UK and European water industries face growing targets around achieving sustainability and a change towards green and circular operations, we ask a panel of sector leaders their thoughts and how this plays an important role in their strategic decisions.
Interactive session with water company representatives on FOG programmes across the world, the EU and the UK, and what measures they have in place to prevent future FOG blockages.
Focus on preventative, proactive programmes.
FOG research is ongoing around the world. What is the latest, and how can we use research to encourage whole life collaboration with stakeholders.
Collaboration activity. Interactive discussion session. Table activities.
Opportunity for delegates to share their thoughts and discuss a topic. Around collaboration and creating industry change as a sector?
PANEL:
FOG falls under many stakeholder strategies and can play a vital role when it comes to achieving sustainability, environmental, carbon and zero waste goals.
In this session, we look at local initiatives at city level, upto influencing circular initiatives for FOG across the European water industry.
FOG is only one part of a more sustainable world. How does FOG fit into the bigger picture of a more sustainable world. We hear from ground-breaking projects on plans for making this a reality.
Ian joined Southern Water as CEO in January 2017 and was appointed to the Board from 1
February.
Ian has more than 30 years of global water and environmental experience and a significant
record of achievement operating in both publicly quoted FTSE 100/250 companies and
privately held enterprises.
Ian holds an honours degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and is a Chartered
Member of the ICE, CIWEM.
Throughout his career he has managed major utility, construction and consulting businesses
in the UK, Belgium, India and the USA. He has enhanced this practical experience with
professional executive education, most notably at Harvard Business School. He has
extensive experience in the UK regulated utility, construction and environmental services
sectors, holding board positions across a broad range of commercial and statutory
organisations.
In his previous role he served as an executive director of the Pennon Group plc and chief
executive of its subsidiary company, Viridor, one of the largest renewable energy and
recycling companies in the UK.
In a non-executive capacity, he served as an independently appointed member of Greater
Manchester Authorities Low Carbon Hub Board and Scottish Government’s 2020 Climate
Change Board. He currently chairs the Greater Brighton Infrastructure Panel. He has also
provided expert input to Government Review Groups and Industry Partnerships with
particular emphasis on the UK skills agenda and development of future smarter regulation
and environmental policy.
CEO
» Southern Water «
Lila is responsible for British Water’s strategic direction. Lila was formerly responsible for the delivery of British Water’s international services leading scoping and business development visits to a wide range of markets including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, China and India to help companies grow their business overseas.
Lila has more than 20 years of experience driving business growth, policy development and stakeholder engagement in a variety of industry sectors. Lila sits on a number of working groups and is a member of the International Water Association UK committee.
CEO
» British Water «
Frederico Fernandes is, since 2015, the CEO of the municipal company responsible for the management of urban water cycle in the city of Porto: Águas do Porto. His main corporate functions include strategic planning, project sponsoring, performance indicators monitoring, IT and innovation management, global budgeting and finance oversee, and institutional relationships.
Previously, between 2014 and 2015, he was member of the Executive Board of this company. Prior to that, he worked in construction and retail companies.
Regarding academic qualifications, Frederico Fernandes obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Porto Business School, and has a master`s degree in Civil Engineering in Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto.
CEO
» Águas do Porto «
Andrea’s career spans over 20 years in the water industry, during which time she has worked in blue chip consultancies, start-up and growth businesses.
She joined Thames Water in September 2018 to lead the Research, Development and Innovation team.
Prior to joining Thames Water, Andrea was the Managing Director, Europe for Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies, a leader in the field of nutrient recycling. Earlier in her career she launched an innovation programme in the UK water industry that supported technology commercialisation for over 50 start-up businesses and attracted over £20m venture investment to the sector.
Head of Research, Development and Innovation
» Thames Water «
Tom Curran is a lecturer in UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering at University College Dublin. He was a Fulbright Scholar (TechImpact Award 2017-18) at North Carolina State University to develop an advance warning system for sewer blockages.
He leads the EU Horizon 2020 AgroCycle waste project with 26 partners across Europe and China. He contributes to media articles about fatbergs.
Director of MSc Environmental Technology Programme
» UCD «
After finding her way into the industry several years ago, Laura has developed a passion for all things water.
Starting in drinking water, she has experienced the extent of regulation required to drive an efficient water sector and the affects water misuse can impose on human and environmental health.
Joining SwiftComply in 2019 to lead the UK business, Laura has come full circle with the challenges the industry faces. She is an advocate for positive change, alongside a keen supporter of women in water.
UK Business Director
» SwiftComply «
Nikolai is a Senior Officer in ICLEI Europe’s Sustainable Resources, Climate and Resilience team, working on
issues related to circular economy, climate and energy planning and bio-economy since three years. Being
part of ICLEI’s European Secretariat, Nikolai works to support local governments in Europe in sustainable
urban development through addressing these issues.
Prior to joining ICLEI, Nikolai worked as a Junior Researcher at the Institute of Social Ecology in Vienna
working on Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and circular economy research. Nikolai began his career as an
Intern at the United Nation’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), where he went on to work as a
Consultant for several years.
Nikolai Jacobi
Senior Officer
» ICLEI Europe «
Ian joined Southern Water as CEO in January 2017 and was appointed to the Board from 1
February.
Ian has more than 30 years of global water and environmental experience and a significant
record of achievement operating in both publicly quoted FTSE 100/250 companies and
privately held enterprises.
Ian holds an honours degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and is a Chartered
Member of the ICE, CIWEM.
Throughout his career he has managed major utility, construction and consulting businesses
in the UK, Belgium, India and the USA. He has enhanced this practical experience with
professional executive education, most notably at Harvard Business School. He has
extensive experience in the UK regulated utility, construction and environmental services
sectors, holding board positions across a broad range of commercial and statutory
organisations.
In his previous role he served as an executive director of the Pennon Group plc and chief
executive of its subsidiary company, Viridor, one of the largest renewable energy and
recycling companies in the UK.
In a non-executive capacity, he served as an independently appointed member of Greater
Manchester Authorities Low Carbon Hub Board and Scottish Government’s 2020 Climate
Change Board. He currently chairs the Greater Brighton Infrastructure Panel. He has also
provided expert input to Government Review Groups and Industry Partnerships with
particular emphasis on the UK skills agenda and development of future smarter regulation
and environmental policy.
Professor in Circular Economy and Co-Director Exeter Centre for the Circular Economy
» Exeter University «
With a professional background in the catering, waste and technology industry, Lily has a heart for innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship.
At Suez she has helped governments from different levels such as local municipalities, European Commission and several ministries in Belgium to deal with waste in a responsible and sustainable way. Her ticket to Google in Dublin has opened her eyes when it comes to opportunities that comes with technology to help businesses thrive.
Today at SwiftComply she's a firm believer that that modern environmental challenges can be tackled in an efficient and smart way. Working together with governments, allows her and the entire team to influence and educate mainstream entrepreneurs on the dangers growing below our feet.
Country Manager Europe
» SwiftComply «
Steve has worked since February 2013 for Southern Water as a Network Protection and Enforcement Officer.
One of his primary responsibilities is the FOG & Unflushables Project, where he works as enforcement for the Trade Effluent Department, Tankering, and 3rd Party Recovery.
Steve’s role is to investigate sewer misuse and abuse from both Traders and Food Service Establishments as well as assisting in the investigation of sewer blockages, internal and external flooding, pollutions, and illegal connections. Steve has made contact with major National and International Food Service Establishments to deal with the issue of FOG at a higher level, ensuring a consistent approach across those companies.
Network Protection & Enforcement
» Southern Water «
Sara Giorgi has a background on Environmental Engineering and Water Management with a focus on wastewater treatment and works as an energy consultant for Waternet, in Amsterdam.<br><br>She focuses on energy transition and in particular on thermal energy recovery from water (sustainable heat) and its technical and financial feasibility. One of the most relevant projects she is involved with is Strandeiland, an island where circularity is applied to both energy and resources.
Sara Giorgi
Energy Advisor
» Waternet «
The SwiftComply story begins in Dublin in 2016, though our roots stretch back to 2008. At this time, Michael O’Dwyer was working as an engineer at Dublin City Council, where he developed Europe’s first fat, oil and grease regulatory programme to solve Dublin’s growing problems with excessive build-up of FOG.
Mick witnessed first-hand how the outdated regulatory processes and fragmented relationships between restaurant owners and regulators hindered virtually all clean-up efforts.
After achieving a staggering 90% reduction in FOG blockages in Dublin, Mick set about creating a tool that would revolutionise how cities around the globe collaborate with the food service industry to solve this problem.
Lila is responsible for British Water’s strategic direction. Lila was formerly responsible for the delivery of British Water’s international services leading scoping and business development visits to a wide range of markets including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, China and India to help companies grow their business overseas.
Lila has more than 20 years of experience driving business growth, policy development and stakeholder engagement in a variety of industry sectors. Lila sits on a number of working groups and is a member of the International Water Association UK committee.
Ian joined Southern Water as CEO in January 2017 and was appointed to the Board from 1
February.
Ian has more than 30 years of global water and environmental experience and a significant
record of achievement operating in both publicly quoted FTSE 100/250 companies and
privately held enterprises.
Ian holds an honours degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and is a Chartered
Member of the ICE, CIWEM.
Throughout his career he has managed major utility, construction and consulting businesses
in the UK, Belgium, India and the USA. He has enhanced this practical experience with
professional executive education, most notably at Harvard Business School. He has
extensive experience in the UK regulated utility, construction and environmental services
sectors, holding board positions across a broad range of commercial and statutory
organisations.
In his previous role he served as an executive director of the Pennon Group plc and chief
executive of its subsidiary company, Viridor, one of the largest renewable energy and
recycling companies in the UK.
In a non-executive capacity, he served as an independently appointed member of Greater
Manchester Authorities Low Carbon Hub Board and Scottish Government’s 2020 Climate
Change Board. He currently chairs the Greater Brighton Infrastructure Panel. He has also
provided expert input to Government Review Groups and Industry Partnerships with
particular emphasis on the UK skills agenda and development of future smarter regulation
and environmental policy.
Frederico Fernandes is, since 2015, the CEO of the municipal company responsible for the management of urban water cycle in the city of Porto: Águas do Porto. His main corporate functions include strategic planning, project sponsoring, performance indicators monitoring, IT and innovation management, global budgeting and finance oversee, and institutional relationships.
Previously, between 2014 and 2015, he was member of the Executive Board of this company. Prior to that, he worked in construction and retail companies.
Regarding academic qualifications, Frederico Fernandes obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Porto Business School, and has a master`s degree in Civil Engineering in Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto.
After finding her way into the industry several years ago, Laura has developed a passion for all things water.
Starting in drinking water, she has experienced the extent of regulation required to drive an efficient water sector and the affects water misuse can impose on human and environmental health.
Joining SwiftComply in 2019 to lead the UK business, Laura has come full circle with the challenges the industry faces. She is an advocate for positive change, alongside a keen supporter of women in water.
Tom Curran is a lecturer in UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering at University College Dublin. He was a Fulbright Scholar (TechImpact Award 2017-18) at North Carolina State University to develop an advance warning system for sewer blockages.
He leads the EU Horizon 2020 AgroCycle waste project with 26 partners across Europe and China. He contributes to media articles about fatbergs.
Andrea’s career spans over 20 years in the water industry, during which time she has worked in blue chip consultancies, start-up and growth businesses.
She joined Thames Water in September 2018 to lead the Research, Development and Innovation team.
Prior to joining Thames Water, Andrea was the Managing Director, Europe for Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies, a leader in the field of nutrient recycling. Earlier in her career she launched an innovation programme in the UK water industry that supported technology commercialisation for over 50 start-up businesses and attracted over £20m venture investment to the sector.
Steve has worked since February 2013 for Southern Water as a Network Protection and Enforcement Officer.
One of his primary responsibilities is the FOG & Unflushables Project, where he works as enforcement for the Trade Effluent Department, Tankering, and 3rd Party Recovery.
Steve’s role is to investigate sewer misuse and abuse from both Traders and Food Service Establishments as well as assisting in the investigation of sewer blockages, internal and external flooding, pollutions, and illegal connections. Steve has made contact with major National and International Food Service Establishments to deal with the issue of FOG at a higher level, ensuring a consistent approach across those companies.
With a professional background in the catering, waste and technology industry, Lily has a heart for innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship.
At Suez she has helped governments from different levels such as local municipalities, European Commission and several ministries in Belgium to deal with waste in a responsible and sustainable way. Her ticket to Google in Dublin has opened her eyes when it comes to opportunities that comes with technology to help businesses thrive.
Today at SwiftComply she’s a firm believer that that modern environmental challenges can be tackled in an efficient and smart way. Working together with governments, allows her and the entire team to influence and educate mainstream entrepreneurs on the dangers growing below our feet.
Nikolai is a Senior Officer in ICLEI Europe’s Sustainable Resources, Climate and Resilience team, working on
issues related to circular economy, climate and energy planning and bio-economy since three years. Being
part of ICLEI’s European Secretariat, Nikolai works to support local governments in Europe in sustainable
urban development through addressing these issues.
Prior to joining ICLEI, Nikolai worked as a Junior Researcher at the Institute of Social Ecology in Vienna
working on Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and circular economy research. Nikolai began his career as an
Intern at the United Nation’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), where he went on to work as a
Consultant for several years.
I joined the Business School in 2017 where I am co-director of the Exeter Centre for Circular Economy. Prior to this I was based at the Bradford Management School where I has two primary roles. Firstly, Director of the University Ecoversity initiative, a whole institutional programme to embed sustainability into the research, teaching and operational performance of the University. This involved the design and build of a new £5M BREEAM outstanding Centre as a home for Ecoversity and circular economy activity. Secondly, since 2009, I led the UniversIty’s strategic partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) as a Global Pioneer for Circular Economy.
In 2014 I established the world’s first MBA in Circular economy. In parallel I created a Global on-line Masterclass – An introduction to Circular Economy for the Ellen MaCarthur Foundation CE100 and Global Partners which ran for 5 years and attracted over 1000 participants. During this time I worked closely with the EMF to translate the principles of circular economy into multiple research and educational contexts including EPSRC and Innovate UK grants, policy and industrial sector application and c-suite, postgraduate, undergraduate and civic society courses and workshops.
THE 2021 EUROPEAN FOG SUMMIT IS A COLLABORATION BETWEEN
CONNECT WITH US
The SwiftComply story begins in Dublin in 2016, though our roots stretch back to 2008. At this time, Michael O’Dwyer was working as an engineer at Dublin City Council, where he developed Europe’s first fat, oil and grease regulatory programme to solve Dublin’s growing problems with excessive build-up of FOG.
Mick witnessed first-hand how the outdated regulatory processes and fragmented relationships between restaurant owners and regulators hindered virtually all clean-up efforts.
After achieving a staggering 90% reduction in FOG blockages in Dublin, Mick set about creating a tool that would revolutionise how cities around the globe collaborate with the food service industry to solve this problem.
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