Event: United Utilities Supplier Day 2026

Date: March 2026

Location: Blackpool, UK

Role: Attendee

Type of CPD: Utility–supplier engagement / innovation and capability development / environmental performance

Duration: Full‑day event (plenary sessions + workshops + supplier engagement + networking)

Summary of the Event

I attended the United Utilities Supplier Day 2026 in Blackpool, an annual event designed to strengthen collaboration between the utility and its supply chain. The day brought together technology providers, engineering consultancies, contractors, innovators, regulators and United Utilities leadership teams.

The programme focused on PR24 delivery, environmental performance, digital transformation, innovation adoption, supply‑chain capability, and the role of collaborative partnerships in achieving long‑term outcomes for customers, communities and the environment.

United Utilities outlined its strategic priorities for the 2025–2030 period, including storm‑overflow reduction, treatment‑works optimisation, climate resilience, nature‑based solutions and the integration of real‑time monitoring across networks and assets.

Key Themes Covered

• Environmental performance and river health Pollution reduction, compliance, transparency and ecological outcomes.
• Digital transformation and real‑time monitoring Biological, chemical and physical sensors, digital twins, predictive analytics and automation.
• PR24 delivery and long‑term planning Investment priorities, regulatory expectations and customer outcomes.
• Innovation adoption and scaling Procurement pathways, pilot opportunities, capability building and data governance.
• Supply‑chain collaboration Partnership models, shared accountability, safety, quality and performance improvement.
• Climate resilience and nature‑based solutions Flood mitigation, drought planning, wetlands, catchment management and carbon reduction.