Speculative Notice – NATIONAL

1 Authority Details

1.1

Authority Name and Address

1.2

Address from which further information may be obtained

2 Contract Details

2.1

Title

Supply chain conference: Delivering the next generation of water infrastructure for Wales

2.2

Description of the goods or services required

Introduction and background

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (“DCWW”) is delivering a significant infrastructure transformation programme, with over £4 billion of investment planned between 2025 and 2030.

To help maximise supply-chain opportunities, DCWW is hosting the Supply chain conference: “Delivering the next generation of water infrastructure for Wales” on 10 November 2026 at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales), Coldra Woods, Newport, NP18 1DE.

The event will bring together potential suppliers, current delivery partners and businesses from across the wider supply chain to explore how they can contribute to this programme of major delivery.

The event is intended for organisations of all sizes, including existing and prospective suppliers, growing businesses, specialist contractors, Welsh businesses, SMEs, investors, lenders and other interested organisations. This event is an opportunity to be part of DCWW’s landmark investment plans that will help modernise essential infrastructure, support economic growth and create a stronger, more prosperous future for Wales.

Purpose of the event

The event aims to:

• Understand the opportunities: Hear about DCWW's investment programme, forthcoming supply-chain opportunities and the vision for Wales.

• Understand what DCWW needs: Learn about the skills, goods and services required to work with DCWW.

• Prepare to participate: Understand how organisations can position themselves to participate in future opportunities.

• Understand delivery expectations: Hear about the duties and considerations that support successful and inclusive projects across Wales, including Welsh language requirements and the well-being of future generations.

• Connect and collaborate: Engage with DCWW, existing and prospective delivery partners and other organisations to explore potential supply-chain relationships and collaboration.

The event will also include updates on DCWW’s £600m Direct Procurement for Customers (“DPC”) Cwm Taf Water Supply Strategy (“Cwm Taf WSS”) scheme. Preliminary market engagement for Cwm Taf WSS (Procurement Identifier: ocds-h6vhtk-06d32b) has been undertaken and continues ahead of the formal procurement process currently envisaged to launch in Q1 2027. A separate Preliminary Market Engagement Notice has been published and updated for the Cwm Taf WSS scheme. The conference will also provide networking opportunities for organisations interested in Cwm Taf WSS, including prospective delivery partners, supply-chain SMEs, investors and lenders.

Event format

The proposed event programme comprises four elements, A-D below. The final programme and arrangements will be confirmed ahead of the event and made available via the Business Wales event webpage.

A. Plenary session

The plenary is expected to feature presentations covering:

• DCWW's future outlook and investment programme,

• Update from Welsh Government on investment in Wales,

• Procurement and supply-chain opportunities.

• Programme and project updates, including the Cwm Taf WSS scheme, and

• Sustainability and future generations considerations.

B. Meet DCWW & Framework Suppliers

The area will provide a forum for organisations to introduce their capabilities, ask questions and explore opportunities to work with DCWW.

Representatives from DCWW’s supply-chain-facing functions will be available on a drop-in basis to discuss operational requirements, priorities and potential supply-chain opportunities.

Framework Suppliers

A selection of DCWW's existing framework suppliers will host exhibition stands, providing opportunities for potential suppliers to learn about their activities, discuss capabilities and explore potential collaboration opportunities.

The list of participating existing DCWW framework suppliers, along with a list of attending organisations, will be shared with registered organisations ahead of the event via their registration email addresses.

C. Innovation and Ideas Area

Attending organisations will be able to engage with DCWW representatives on innovation, emerging technologies and new approaches relevant to the water sector that could enhance infrastructure delivery and add value for customers.

DCWW will host information stands covering innovation and health and safety, providing opportunities for businesses to discuss relevant solutions, ideas and capabilities.

D. Networking and Collaboration Area

This event provides a general networking opportunity for attendees to connect with other organisations, identify complementary capabilities and explore potential collaboration opportunities. This includes networking among organisations interested in the Cwm Taf WSS scheme, such as potential delivery, financing and supply-chain partners. Formal procurement requirements, deadlines and participation arrangements for Cwm Taf WSS will be communicated separately through the relevant Sell2Wales and Find a Tender public procurement notices and documentation.

Who should attend?

The event is open to established suppliers, growing businesses, specialist contractors and organisations with expertise in infrastructure, engineering, technology, skills or professional services, as well as investors, lenders and other organisations interested in working with DCWW.

Organisations of all sizes are welcome, including Welsh businesses, SMEs, existing framework suppliers and businesses seeking to establish a relationship with DCWW for the first time.

Attendance is not restricted to specific sectors or categories of suppliers.

Organisations do not need to be existing DCWW suppliers or framework members to register for and attend the event.

Event details and registration

Event: Supply chain conference: “Delivering the next generation of water infrastructure for Wales”

Date: Tuesday 10 November 2026

Venue: ICC Wales, Coldra Woods, Newport, NP18 1DE

Time: 09:30 to 14:00 (registration from 09:30; main event starts at 10:00)

Registration deadline: 4 November 2026

Registration: https://wales.business-events.org.uk/en/events/supply-chain-conference-delivering-the-next-generation-of-water-infrastructure-for-wales/

Event contact: supplychainconference@dwrcymru.com

Places are subject to availability. Attendance is limited to two delegates per business, and each delegate must register separately.

Accessibility and attendance requirements: If you need reasonable adjustments or have specific access needs, please contact supplychainconference@dwrcymru.com by 4 November 2026.

2.3

Notice Coding and Classification

3 Administrative Information

3.1

Reference number attributed to the notice by the contracting authority

3.2

Estimated Start of the Award Procedure

4 Other Information

4.1

Additional Information

General

This event is intended to support general supplier engagement, information sharing, networking and collaboration across DCWW’s activities and investment programme. It is not a formal procurement exercise and does not constitute an invitation to tender for any future procurement process or an opportunity to submit a tender.

Participation in the event does not constitute prequalification for, or confer any advantage in, any current or future procurements. Attendance is not a condition of participating in any future procurement opportunity. Any future procurement will be conducted separately and any formal procurement requirements, deadlines and participation arrangements will be communicated separately through the relevant Sell2Wales and Find a Tender public procurement notices and documentation in accordance with applicable legislation.

DCWW will take appropriate steps to ensure that participation in the event does not give any supplier an unfair advantage in relation to any future procurement or otherwise distort competition. Where information relevant to a current or future procurement is shared through the event, DCWW will consider how that information should be made available more broadly to ensure a fair and transparent procurement process. DCWW will also retain appropriate records of information shared and feedback received through the event.

Where suppliers provide information to DCWW that is commercially sensitive or confidential, suppliers should clearly identify this when providing the information. DCWW will consider and handle such information in accordance with its legal and procurement obligations.

DCWW reserves the right to amend the event programme, format, speakers and participation arrangements.

Personal data

DCWW will process personal data provided in connection with the event, including names and contact details, in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. Personal data will be used to administer the event and, where appropriate and in accordance with DCWW’s privacy arrangements, to communicate with participants regarding relevant future engagement activities.

(WA Ref:172412)

4.2

Download Additional Documentation

4.3

Publication date of this notice