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igem news

ENGAGING THE POLITICAL WORLD

By Zenon Przybyszewski, North West Section Chair

IGEM’S NORTH WEST Section homes affordably and the effect net
enjoyed a fantastic evening in zero will have on those suffering from
February looking at the future of gas fuel poverty.
and the role of political engagement. The Section would like to extend a big
The event, which took place at ‘thank you’ to Mike for facilitating such
Birchwood Golf Club, started with a an interesting evening.
curry buffet and an opportunity to Following the event, one delegate
network with colleagues. commented: “These types of evenings
The topic for the presentation can often be dry and overly techy, but
coincided the Section Chair’s theme for Mike’s presentation and discussion was
this year, that of the future of the industry. hugely engaging and enjoyable.
The assembled audience was treated to “He is clearly an accomplished speaker
an excellent presentation by Mike Foster, and I was hugely impressed with the ease
CEO of the Energy Utilities Alliance. with which he held the room. Moreover,
Mike gave an in-depth perspective I found his insight into the political
of the government apparatus, drawing environment and the machinations of
from his experience as an MP and as Westminster fascinating and, for that
Minister for International Development. content alone, I would recommend
He also gave the Section an insight others hear him speak.
into how government committees “The knowledge and depth of
work and how the EUA engages with understanding he brought to his
them. Mike then explained how EUA thoughts on the future of gas were
champions customer engagement, engrossing and enlightening, but SECTION CHAIR ZENON (R)
the rights of customers to heat their equally balanced and objective.” THANKS MIKE FOR HIS TALK

LIVE DEMOS IN THE NORTH EAST ending with a Q&A session, which was

then followed by live demonstrations.
Radius Subterra showcased its
Subline DR technology – a close-fit pipe
lining technique whereby a PE liner is
reduced in diameter through a rig for
ease of insertion into the host main.
Delegates also had the chance to
view how the MiniMuss branch saddle
works before enjoying a light buffet
and an opportunity for networking.
Daren, who sits on the North East
& Yorkshire Section committee, said:
“It’s important that new starters to the
gas sector are encouraged to join IGEM
and further their industry knowledge
and understanding through events
like these, in the same way that Radius
Subterra has encouraged me to get
involved in the Institution.”
Feedback was very positive with
the suggestion that the technical visit
would make a great bi-annual addition
to the IGEM calendar.
Following the event, one delegate
IN FEBRUARY, Radius Subterra hosted turn for the worse, the turnout from said: “I was totally unaware of the
a successful technical visit and tooling members was very good. range of products that Radius Subterra
demonstration at its Newton Aycliffe Daren Dickinson, Radius Subterra can offer, I was particularly impressed
maintenance centre on behalf of the Lead Technician, and Colin Coulthard, with the equal tee branch saddle,
IGEM North East & Yorkshire Section. Senior Site Technician, gave a as that is something my team could
Although the weather had taken a stimulating technical presentation utilise on our network.”

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