It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Belle Richardson, the co-owner and inventor of SealStop, the award-winning water saving device.
This coming year is a crucial one for the UK’s water industry, not least for the hapless and much-criticised Yorkshire Water. As Yorkshire Water ramps up our bills, pollutes our rivers and fails to invest in its ailing infrastructure, the company must also surely be aware that the world is facing a water crisis. By 2030 global freshwater demand is projected to exceed available supply by 40 per cent. This isn’t abstract—it means within just five years, whole regions may be unable to provide enough water for homes, farms, and businesses.
It is absolutely vital, therefore, that Yorkshire Water gets its house in order next year. Being honest, its track record does not inspire confidence, but let’s be positive. The persistent rainfall over the past month has seen reservoir levels at more than 84 per cent in December and the removal of drought permits will enable the company to lift hosepipe restrictions earlier than initially thought, if it wants to. It must do so.
Water waste was the catalyst for inventing SealStop, my award-winning water-saving device which automatically stops water overflowing from a container. I am hoping that next year will see my company to continue to make progress, win more awards and help gardeners across the UK to save water and time. SealStop tackles outdoor waste where it’s hardest to control. In my own small way, I will be continuing to help to save the planet next year.
