Water sector amp8 comms management

Turning the tide on water’s reputation

Copper’s important research into public attitudes, in partnership with the Future Water Association, shows strong support for Asset Management Plan 8 (AMP8). But success depends on early, strategic engagement and clear communication with stakeholders. With rich insights and industry expertise, Copper crafts compelling narratives that drive confident and credible delivery.

We have the experience to reclaim the conversation and communicate the facts

In the water sector, perception has overtaken reality as myths and rumours dominate the narrative, but we know that the ingredients for change are there.

Working with the Future Water Association and contractors during bid stages and delivery, we know that public frustration can hamper even the best-planned projects. That’s why we’re expertly placed to support site teams and help contractors respond quickly to issues, keep residents informed and resolve conflicts before they escalate.

We combine this hands-on support with forward-thinking social value and stakeholder strategies that demonstrate impact and gain local trust.

South West Water – Isles of Scilly

Copper provided critical communications and engagement support for South West Water’s transformational infrastructure upgrade on the Isles of Scilly. Facing the archipelago’s isolation and complex stakeholder landscape, Copper quickly built strong relationships with diverse local communities. Through tailored messaging and public events, we empowered residents to share their views and participate in designing new desalination plants and wastewater treatment works. Our strategic approach identified risks and built advocacy, significantly raising awareness of the importance of stakeholder engagement in such unique environments, strengthening support and contributing to the project’s ultimate success.

Tailored messaging and public events

@one Alliance

Copper facilitated the @one Alliance communications strategy by building on its strengths and creating a proactive, stand-alone plan aligned with Anglian Water’s business goals. With a long-standing partnership delivering Anglian Water’s capital programme, @one Alliance manages a £3 billion portfolio for AMP8 (2025–2030), covering over 800 schemes. We focused on strengthening collaboration with delivery partners to maximise reach and impact across internal and external channels, helping to attract and retain talent while enhancing the brand. Our work included developing a comprehensive channel strategy with new strategic pillars, creative brand guidelines and a campaign for International Women in Engineering Day to boost the project’s media presence.

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Pennon Group – Amplify

Copper provided strategic communications counsel to Amplify – the consortium of contractors responsible for delivering a £2.8 billion record investment programme into water infrastructure, as part of AMP8. By developing a communications toolkit, we provided simple, actionable advice to support contractors navigating a complex stakeholder landscape and engaging with potentially hostile communities when communicating the facts and benefits of the programme. Through holding a series of communications workshops at the Pennon Group AMP8 launch event, we empowered Pennon and its partners to confidently deliver their recommendations.

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Thames Water – Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan (DWMP)

Copper and Binnies are spearheading stakeholder engagement for Cycle 2 of Thames Water’s Drainage and Wastewater 25-year Management Plan, proactively bringing together key partners to shape London’s future water strategy. By organising dynamic workshops and crafting tailored materials, enabling clear communication throughout the project, we are fostering strong relationships and ensuring that stakeholder insights directly influence the plan’s development. Even amid industry challenges, their collaborative methods maintained momentum and built trust. Ultimately, Copper and Binnies set a new standard for inclusive, expert-led engagement, demonstrating how active participation and transparent processes drive successful, resilient infrastructure planning for London’s long-term needs.

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