Dear Members, It has recently come to our attention that a number of training providers are either offering or developing courses for the drainage industry. This is in addition to existing providers delivering training that is not approved by NADC. As you are aware, the NADC’s training division, the National Drainage Academy, delivers a comprehensive range of well-established courses covering all key aspects of day-to-day operations. These include CCTV surveying, HPWJ, electro-mechanical work, lining, and excavation and repair. All courses are endorsed by Energy & Utility Skills. While the NADC/National Drainage Academy does utilise third-party training providers, every course and trainer is subject to a rigorous vetting process prior to approval. The NADC remains fully committed to raising industry standards through certification and supporting opportunities for our members. To maintain these standards, it is essential that we apply consistent due diligence, ensuring quality is upheld for the benefit of stakeholders, contractors, and, most importantly, their clients. We strongly encourage all drainage contractors—whether current NADC/Drain-Safe members or those considering joining—to verify with us which training courses are officially recognised. It has become evident that some external courses do not meet the required standards and will therefore not be accepted. As many of you will know, the Drain-Safe approved contractor scheme continues to gain significant recognition among key stakeholders, including water companies, local authorities, and professional trade associations. Increasingly, NADC/Drain-Safe accreditation is being specified within tender documents. It is therefore vital that field engineer certification aligns with the high standards and quality associated with the Drain-Safe ethos. A full list of approved training courses and providers is available on the National Drainage Academy website at www.nationaldrainageacademy.co.uk, or by contacting Martin Beattie on 07531 239 372 National Drainage Academy Expands Training Provision Across the UK The National Drainage Academy, the training division of the National Association of Drainage Contractors (NADC), continues to build on its commitment to raising standards across the drainage industry by providing high-quality, industry-recognised training. The Academy currently offers a comprehensive range of courses covering key areas of drainage operations, including CCTV surveying, HPWJ, electro-mechanical work, lining, excavation and repair, with courses endorsed by Energy & Utility Skills. As demand for high-quality, recognised training continues to grow, the National Drainage Academy is currently expanding its network of trainers across the country. By bringing more experienced industry professionals on board, the Academy aims to increase the geographical reach of its courses while also expanding the scope of training available to drainage contractors and their engineers. New Trainer – Sean Hesson We are also delighted to welcome Sean Hesson to the National Drainage Academy as our newest trainer. With over 24 years of experience, Sean brings valuable industry experience to the Academy and will be delivering SHEA Drains & Sewers courses. Several dates are already available for this year, with upcoming courses being held in: This is an exciting addition to the Academy’s course offering and provides contractors with further opportunities to access recognised training in locations across the UK. All National Drainage Academy trainers and courses are subject to a thorough approval process to ensure that the high standards expected by the NADC are maintained. This is particularly important as NADC and DrainSafe accreditation continues to gain recognition among water companies, local authorities and other key stakeholders, with accreditation increasingly being specified within tender requirements. We are committed to continuing to develop the National Drainage Academy and ensuring that contractors have access to quality training that supports both their businesses and the wider drainage industry. To find out more about our courses, view upcoming dates and book your place, visit the National Drainage Academy website. With more trainers joining the Academy and new opportunities for training being developed across the country, we look forward to continuing to support the industry and helping to raise standards through quality, recognised training.

Mental health-related absence is now one of the biggest drivers of sickness absence in UK workplaces. The HSE estimates 964,000 workers experienced work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2024/25, leading to 22.1 million working days lost. For employers, getting it wrong can have serious consequences. Inconsistent absence management can impact employee wellbeing, increase legal risk and make it harder to attract and retain talented people. That’s why the experts at our Partner, Citation have created a FREE guide: Managing Mental Health-Related Absences in the UK. The guide explores how to identify early warning signs, manage absences fairly and consistently, support employees back into work, and understand your legal responsibilities. Download now: https://tinyurl.com/46wjseyr Inside you’ll find: Download your free guide: https://tinyurl.com/46wjseyr Citation’s Health & Safety, HR and Employment Law experts support thousands of UK businesses to stay compliant, reduce risk and save time, so you can focus on running your business confidently. Call 0345 844 1111 or click here to learn more. Don’t forget to mention ‘National Association of Drainage Contractors‘ to access your preferential rates.

🚨 Important Consumer & Industry Warning 🚨 The National Association of Drainage Contractors (NADC) wishes to make both the public and drainage contractors aware of a website that we believe may be operating in a misleading manner. We have identified a website that appears to have compiled a database of drainage contractors from a number of online sources, including information taken from the NADC website, without the knowledge or consent of many of the businesses listed. We would like to make it clear that this company has no association, affiliation, approval, or connection with the NADC. The website is not an authorised NADC service, and the NADC does not endorse or support it in any way. We have also received reports from customers who claim they have been asked to make upfront payments for drainage services that were never carried out. At this stage, we cannot confirm who is responsible, but we are concerned that callers may not be speaking to the genuine drainage companies they believe they are contacting. Several contractors and companies have reported that their own companies are listed on there – but with a contact number that is not theirs. The website we are concerned about is: drainreview.com We are taking these reports extremely seriously and have reported the website to the relevant government authorities for investigation. We have also raised concerns regarding a fake review displayed on the front page of the website, including a review that references the NADC. We have not authorised, provided, or verified this review nor has it come from our website. ⚠️ If you are looking for a drainage contractor, please take extra care to ensure you are contacting the genuine business directly. If you are asked to make an unexpected upfront payment, proceed with caution and verify the company’s details independently. If you have encountered this website or believe you have been affected, please report it to the National Cyber Security Centre here:Report a suspicious website | National Cyber Security Centre If you are a drainage contractor and believe your company’s details have been used without your permission, we would encourage you to let us know. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as more information becomes available. ThanksThe NADC Team

Following our recent announcement that Whale Tankers will be returning as the Headline Sponsor of the National Drainage Awards for the third year running, we’re delighted to reveal four more fantastic organisations that have come on board to support this year’s event. The National Drainage Awards continue to celebrate the outstanding achievements, dedication and innovation within the drainage industry, and we’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors for helping make the event possible. Venue Sponsor – The Drainage Show We’re pleased to announce that The Drainage Show is our official Venue Sponsor for the 2026 National Drainage Awards. The NADC will also be exhibiting at The Drainage Show on 25th and 26th November at the ExCel in London, where we’ll be meeting visitors and catching up with members. If you’re attending the exhibition, be sure to stop by and say hello to the team. You can register to visit here Individual Operative of the Year Sponsor – Metcor Group Ltd We’re delighted to welcome Metcor Group Ltd as the sponsor of the Individual Operative of the Year award. This prestigious award recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional skill, professionalism and commitment to the drainage industry. It’s an opportunity to celebrate those who consistently go above and beyond in their role and make a real difference to their company and the wider industry. Find out more about Metcor Group here DrainSafe Contractor of the Year Sponsor – Brown & Brown We’re also pleased to announce Brown & Brown as the sponsor of the DrainSafe Contractor of the Year award. This award recognises a DrainSafe registered contractor that has demonstrated outstanding workmanship, excellent customer service and a commitment to maintaining the highest industry standards while proudly representing the DrainSafe quality mark. Find out more about Brown & Brown here Sustainability Champion of the Year Sponsor – RAUSCH UK We are proud to announce that RAUSCH UK are the sponsor of the Sustainability Champion of the Year award. This category celebrates organisations and individuals who are leading the way in sustainable practices, environmental responsibility, and innovation, helping to create a greener future for the drainage industry. Find out more about them here Innovation of the Year Award Sponsor – Roadvacs We are also delighted to welcome Roadvacs as the sponsor of the Innovation of the Year Award. This award recognises pioneering products, services, technologies, or processes that are driving the drainage industry forward through creativity, efficiency, and forward-thinking solutions. You can read more about Roadvacs here Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsor – Drain Trader Finally, we’re delighted that Drain Trader is once again sponsoring the Lifetime Achievement Award. This special award honours an individual who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the drainage industry throughout their career. It celebrates years of dedication, leadership and commitment, recognising those whose impact has helped shape the industry for future generations. You can find out more about Drain Trader Magazine here Thank You to Our Sponsors We’re incredibly grateful to all of our sponsors for their continued support of the National Drainage Awards. Their commitment helps us recognise the outstanding people, businesses and innovations that continue to drive the drainage industry forward. With more sponsor announcements still to come, keep an eye on our website and social media channels for the latest updates. We look forward to celebrating the very best of the drainage industry at the National Drainage Awards 2026. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor at the National Drainage Awards 2026 please click here or contact jayne@nadc.org.uk for more information You can also book tickets for the awards by clicking here

Tickets for the National Drainage Awards 2026 Are Now on Sale The wait is over – tickets for the National Drainage Awards 2026 have officially been released. Please click here to secure your tickets National Drainage Awards 2026 Tickets, Wednesday 25 November  •  6:30 PM – 11:45 PM | Eventbrite Join us on Wednesday 25th November 2026 for an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence, innovation, and achievement across the drainage industry. Bringing together professionals from across the sector, the National Drainage Awards recognise the outstanding individuals, teams, and organisations that continue to drive standards forward and make a lasting impact on the industry. This year’s awards ceremony will take place at the stunning Woolwich Works – The Fireworks Factory, located within London’s historic Royal Arsenal. Event Details Date: Wednesday 25th November 2026Venue: Woolwich Works, The Fireworks FactoryAddress: 11 No. 1 Street, Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6HD The National Drainage Awards provide a fantastic opportunity to network and recognise the exceptional work being carried out across the UK drainage sector. Guests can look forward to an evening of entertainment, fine dining, and the presentation of awards honouring excellence across a wide range of categories. This years special guest will include iconic footballer and media personality John Barnes. Nominations Are Still Open If you know an individual, team, or organisation that deserves recognition for their outstanding contribution to the drainage industry, there is still time to submit a nomination. The awards celebrate excellence from across the sector, and we encourage businesses of all sizes to put forward their achievements and success stories. To find our more information and to make a nomination, please click here Sponsorship Opportunities Available Businesses looking to raise their profile and demonstrate their support for the industry can also take advantage of the remaining sponsorship opportunities. Sponsoring the National Drainage Awards offers valuable brand exposure, networking opportunities, and the chance to align your organisation with one of the industry’s premier events. A limited number of sponsorship packages are still available, so early enquiries are recommended. To find out more about sponsorship, please click here Open to the Whole Industry The National Drainage Awards are open to everyone working within or supporting the drainage sector. With demand expected to be high, we encourage attendees to secure their places as early as possible. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the celebration. Book your tickets today, submit your nominations, and secure your sponsorship opportunity while availability remains. We look forward to welcoming you to the National Drainage Awards 2026.

The countdown is officially on for the National Drainage Awards 2026, and we are delighted to announce that football legend John Barnes will appear as this years special guest. Recognised as one of the most iconic footballers of his generation, John Barnes enjoyed a glittering career with clubs including Liverpool F.C. and Watford F.C. – whilst also earning 79 caps for the England national football team. Known for his charisma, leadership, and inspirational presence, John Barnes is expected to bring a memorable touch to an evening dedicated to recognising excellence, innovation, and achievement across the drainage sector. The National Drainage Awards have quickly become a flagship event within the industry calendar, bringing together contractors, suppliers, engineers, and professionals from across the UK to celebrate outstanding work and industry progress. The 2026 awards will once again shine a spotlight on businesses and individuals driving standards forward in the drainage industry. Hosted at the impressive Woolwich Works venue in the heart of London’s historic Royal Arsenal district, guests can expect an evening of networking, entertainment, fine dining, and well-deserved recognition. The addition of John Barnes as special guest further elevates what is already shaping up to be an unforgettable event. Event Details: Tickets will be available very soon – but in the mean time nominations are open, please click here if you’d like to make a nomination or to find out more about the awards. There is also still time to become a sponsor of the awards! If you’d like to read more about it – Please click here or contact jayne@nadc.org.uk Please also note that you don’t need to be an NADC registered contractor to attend the awards, to make a nomination OR be nominated! However, if you would like to find out more about joining the NADC, please click here

Nominations Now Open for the 4th National Drainage Awards 2026! Nominations are now officially open for the 4th National Drainage Awards, set to take place on Wednesday 25th November 2026 at the prestigious Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, located at 11 No. 1 Street, Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6HD. The National Drainage Awards continue to celebrate excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievement across the UK drainage industry. Now in its fourth year, the event brings together professionals, businesses, and suppliers from across the sector for an evening of recognition, networking, and celebration. Importantly, the awards are open to everyone in the industry – you do not need to be a registered NADC contractor to submit a nomination, attend the event, or be considered for an award. Organisers encourage entries from across the entire drainage community, ensuring the awards reflect the full breadth of talent and dedication within the sector. You can fill in the nomination forms here – and if you would like more information please view our nomination brochure here. Whether you’re recognising a colleague or showcasing a project that deserves industry-wide recognition, this is your opportunity to be part of one of the sector’s most anticipated events. Sponsorship Opportunities In addition to nominations, opportunities are now available for organisations interested in supporting the event. Sponsorship packages provide excellent visibility and engagement with key industry professionals. Those interested in becoming a sponsor are encouraged to contact jayne@nadc.org.uk Please see the official sponsorship brochure by clicking here. Watch this space as tickets will be available very soon! Key Details: For further information on nominations, attendance, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact jayne@nadc.org.uk Join us in celebrating the very best of the drainage industry in 2026.

Are Rats Coming From the Drains? Why This Matters More Than Ever Recurring rat infestations are one of the most frustrating challenges for property owners and pest control professionals alike. But increasingly, the industry is recognising a critical truth: In many cases, rats are coming from the drains. In Episode 59 of Pest Perspectives, Martin Beattie, Co-Founder & Chairman of the NADC, explores the growing link between pest control and drainage—and why understanding this connection is essential for solving problems properly. Looking Beyond the Surface Traditional pest control often focuses on treating the visible issue. But as highlighted in the episode, this approach can fall short when the root cause lies underground. Damaged drainage systems—such as cracked pipes, displaced joints, or structural defects—create hidden access routes for rodents. Without identifying and repairing these faults, infestations are likely to return again and again. This is where the drainage sector, and organisations like the NADC, play a vital role. Raising Standards Across the Industry The National Association of Drainage Contractors exists to promote professionalism, training, and high standards within the drainage industry. As the demand for integrated pest and drainage solutions grows, the NADC is helping to ensure that: This is particularly important when it comes to diagnosing rodent-related drainage issues, where poor workmanship or incomplete surveys can lead to ongoing problems. The Importance of CCTV Drain Surveys One of the key tools discussed in the episode is the CCTV drain survey—a method that allows professionals to inspect pipework internally and identify defects that may be invisible from above ground. When carried out by trained specialists, CCTV surveys can: Through its network and standards, the NADC promotes best practice in how these surveys are conducted and reported. Martin Beattie also runs a Drain Surveying Course monthly, so if you’d like to find out more – please visit the National Drainage Academy website here A Growing Opportunity—Done the Right Way As pest control and drainage continue to overlap, there is a clear opportunity for professionals to expand their services. However, as emphasised by Martin Beattie, this must be approached with the right foundation: The NADC supports contractors in meeting these expectations—helping businesses grow while maintaining the integrity of the industry. Safety Cannot Be Overlooked Drainage work brings its own set of risks, particularly when dealing with confined spaces and hazardous environments. This focus on safety is essential—not just for contractors, but for the reputation of the industry as a whole. The Future of Pest and Drainage Collaboration The message from this episode is clear: Effective pest control increasingly relies on understanding drainage systems. As the industries become more closely linked, organisations like the NADC are at the forefront—supporting professionals with the knowledge, standards, and training needed to deliver lasting solutions. Join the NADC If you work in drainage, becoming a member of the National Association of Drainage Contractors is a valuable step. Membership provides access to: 👉 To find out more and apply for membership, visit:https://nadc.org.uk

Dear Members, It has recently come to our attention that a number of training providers are either offering or developing courses for the drainage industry. This is in addition to existing providers delivering training that is not approved by NADC. As you are aware, the NADC’s training division, the National Drainage Academy, delivers a comprehensive range of well-established courses covering all key aspects of day-to-day operations. These include CCTV surveying, HPWJ, electro-mechanical work, lining, and excavation and repair. All courses are endorsed by Energy & Utility Skills. While the NADC/National Drainage Academy does utilise third-party training providers, every course and trainer is subject to a rigorous vetting process prior to approval. The NADC remains fully committed to raising industry standards through certification and supporting opportunities for our members. To maintain these standards, it is essential that we apply consistent due diligence, ensuring quality is upheld for the benefit of stakeholders, contractors, and, most importantly, their clients. We strongly encourage all drainage contractors—whether current NADC/Drain-Safe members or those considering joining—to verify with us which training courses are officially recognised. It has become evident that some external courses do not meet the required standards and will therefore not be accepted. As many of you will know, the Drain-Safe approved contractor scheme continues to gain significant recognition among key stakeholders, including water companies, local authorities, and professional trade associations. Increasingly, NADC/Drain-Safe accreditation is being specified within tender documents. It is therefore vital that field engineer certification aligns with the high standards and quality associated with the Drain-Safe ethos. A full list of approved training courses and providers is available on the National Drainage Academy website at www.nationaldrainageacademy.co.uk, or by contacting Martin Beattie on 07531 239 372