Annual lecture 2026 – The Future of Water Security – 24 June 2026
The 41st Annual Lecture at the World Plumbing Conference was presented at the NEC by renowned futurist Matthew Griffin.
Annual lecture – The future of Water Security
This years’ 41st Annual lecture headlined at day 2 of the prestigious World Plumbing Conference held at the NEC. The lecture was delivered by Matthew Griffin, a multi-award-winning futurist and internationally recognised expert in disruption and innovation.
The presentation left attendees in no doubt that water scarcity is a strategic challenge, not only for the UK but for the world as a whole. Matthew highlighted the surprising fact that London is one of Europe’s driest capital cities, receiving less annual rainfall than New York, Rome and Sydney. He also drew attention to the significant inequalities in global water access, with an alarming one in four people still lacking access to safe drinking water.
Matthew explored a range of emerging trends that could shape how we address future water security challenges, including workforce shortages, increasing cyber threats and breakthrough technologies. One particularly thought-provoking point was the growing classification of water as an investment asset. While investment is essential to support innovation and improve access to water, there is also a need for political leaders to ensure that access remains equitable. The acceleration of cyber-attacks was another concern raised during the lecture, highlighting the vulnerabilities that accompany our growing reliance on technology.
It was encouraging to hear about innovative solutions that are already being developed and implemented, including desalination technologies and vertical farming. One message came across clearly: plumbing professionals have a vital role to play in protecting precious water resources for future generations.
The audience engaged enthusiastically throughout the session, with a wide range of questions covering topics such as water access inequalities and the practical solutions needed to address them.
At the conclusion of the lecture, Master Sandra Raine presented Certificates of Excellence to three bursary award winners, as well as the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners of SkillPLUMB UK
• Jack – Carshalton College
• Jessica – Vision West Nottinghamshire College
• Jack – South West Skills Campus
• Dillon Newton – BPEC Gold Winner (pictured with the Master)
• Jackson Gill – BPEC Silver Winner (pictured with the Master)
• Jack Fenton – BPEC Bronze Winner (pictured with the Master)
Finally, the Master presented the Gold Medal to Andrew McCann, who has been selected to represent the UK at the International WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai later this year. WorldSkills competitors were also in attendance at the lecture and Installer Show demonstrating their outstanding skills and inspiring visitors throughout the event.
Gala Dinner and more awards!
Following the lecture, attendees joined the World Plumbing Conference Gala Dinner, where CIPHE’s very own Kevin Wellman received a prestigious honour being awarded the WPC Geoffrey Marsh Distinguished Service Award . It was wonderful to see Kevin recognised for his significant contribution to the profession and the wider plumbing industry.
CIPHE’s technical manager and liveryman, Jerry Whiteley, and CIPHE’s training manager, Mike Maskrey, receivedMaster Plumbers Awards
The awards were a fitting conclusion to what had been a highly successful conference, one that showcased the importance of innovation, skills development and collaboration in addressing the challenges facing the industry today.
Members of the Livery may be able to access a recording of the lecture in the coming weeks—watch this space for more details