Category: News

The WHA to stage first in person AGM

Posted on by Phillipa ClowPosted in Charity, Events, News, Press Release, UncategorisedLeave a Comment on The WHA to stage first in person AGM

We are delighted to say that we have just announced plans to hold our first in person AGM and General Meeting since the formation of the WHA in January 2020.

The event, taking place in the West Midlands on 22 September 2022, is for WHA members only.

Phillipa Atkinson-Clow, general manager of the WHA, said: “In surveys, many members name ‘networking’ as one of the benefits of WHA membership which they most value. It is therefore so pleasing to be able to hold our first face-to-face meeting for members in order to provide this aspect of our service to the industry. This is more than just an AGM. Our General Meeting is an interactive seminar and workshop, effectively, delivering information on what’s new in the sector as well as providing a forum for discussion.  Members have the opportunity to continue networking by joining in a members’ supper.”

Money raised because of the General Meeting will be donated to the Association’s chosen charity, Just a Drop. Members are being asked to make a voluntary contribution to the charity when they book to attend. The WHA is currently raising money for the industry’s 7th water source in Africa.

 

The event will be enhanced by an exhibition area where supplier members of the WHA can display new products and exhibit details of services they offer. By exhibiting they will automatically be donating to Just a Drop.

 

As well as the essential formalities of the AGM, including the election of non-executives to the Executive Council, plans will be revealed about the conference and trade show planned for March 2023 – a keenly awaited event which, like the AGM, has not taken place since the WHA’s formation.

Although this is a members-only event, non-members and potential members will have the opportunity to attend a WHA event in March 2023 for what will become the annual conference and trade show.”  Members wishing to attend the AGM and General Meeting in September need to pre-book via the general manager.

Water World – expanding horizons for the hospitality sector

Posted on by Phillipa ClowPosted in Hydration, News, Sustainability, UncategorisedLeave a Comment on Water World – expanding horizons for the hospitality sector

 

It’s just over 12 years since all restaurants in England and Wales that serve alcohol have been legally required to give customers free tap water. Since then, things have come a long way, thanks largely to companies that are members of the WHA who are making available an array of methods of dispensing water.

“Whilst much of the business world was shut down, the water dispense sector was working hard to respond to the new climate of change and the need to appeal to ‘safety first’ attitudes. After such a long time away from restaurants, pubs, and bars, customers have come back to find that the familiar water cooler is now popping up in unfamiliar formats and not just in the workplace. It’s one of the few good things to have emerged from the pandemic,” says Phillipa Atkinson-Clow, General Manager of the WHA.

Now there are many options for the on-trade for both back-of-house staff and for consumers.

Hospitality systems that resemble bar pumps are available, delivering still or sparkling water in any quantity required, without the need for using precious storage space. These generally come with sturdy but elegant reusable bottles that can be cleansed and reused time after time, so the environment impact is minimal. The bottles can be branded with the venue’s own logo, reinforcing the identity of the business and providing social media opportunities if the bottles are caught on camera.

There are also touch-free countertop and free-standing systems dispensing mains-fed water, especially useful in establishments where counter-service is operated so guests can serve themselves with water.

Integrated Tap Systems represent the fastest growing category in the water dispense sector, according to the latest research from Zenith Global.

Other new developments include the introduction of smart device app controls; microbial coating for touch areas; and other safety measures.

Jon Wicks, chairman of the WHA, said: “The water dispense sector has developed to meet new needs and has seen a rise in the number of Integrated Tap Systems, touchless machines, hospitality systems, all alongside of course tradition bottled water coolers and mains fed coolers. It’s no longer a ‘one size fits all’ approach. The industry has risen to the challenges magnificently.  The key thing which all these have in common is the provision of a safe, convenient means of drinking what is arguably one of the healthiest of drinks, water – and, thanks to the WHA-safe standards due to our Association’s auditing and training, these systems are all provided safely and sustainably. It’s just how water delivery should be.”

Drink 8 glasses of water daily for a healthy heart, research shows

Posted on by Phillipa ClowPosted in Hydration, News, UncategorisedLeave a Comment on Drink 8 glasses of water daily for a healthy heart, research shows

The WHA’s General Manager was recently quoted in a national newspaper talking about the contribution of water to good health.

The coverage resulted from Water Dispenser & Hydration Association (the WHA) welcoming scientific research showing that continuously being well-hydrated can help save your life.

Staying well hydrated throughout life could reduce the risk of developing heart failure, according to research based on studies of over 15,700 people over 25 years.

“Our study suggests that maintaining good hydration can prevent or at least slow down the changes within the heart that lead to heart failure,” said study author Dr Natalia Dmitrieva of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, US. “The findings indicate that we need to pay attention to the amount of fluid we consume every day and take action if we find that we drink too little.”

Recommendations on daily fluid intake vary from 1.6 to 2.1 litres for women and 2 to 3 litres for men. However, worldwide surveys have shown that many people do not meet even the lower ends of these ranges.

Phillipa Atkinson-Clow, General Manager of the WHA, the trade body that represents water dispenser distributors, said: “Maintaining good hydration levels is something that we always recommend. For many people it’s not enough to rely on thirst as by the time you are thirsty you are already dehydrated.

“This latest extensive piece of scientific research bears out the need for everyone – from schools to businesses and those managing public spaces – to offer hydration. Of course, water isn’t the only fluid but for those wanting a delicious, calorie-free option, water is usually the best choice. Having access to a water dispenser is a great way to encourage healthy drinking. People should take the healthy hydration habit with them from work or school to home. Many people are now installing water dispense systems where they live and some public places even have on-the-go water dispensers.”

As those in this sector are aware, water dispensers are more sustainable than drinking water from single use plastic bottles and usually the water tastes pleasanter than tap water. The very presence of a dispenser can help nudge people to drink the amount they should.

“One of the best ways to quickly see if you’re drinking enough is to look at the colour of your urine,” Phillipa Atkinson-Clow commented. “It should be pale lemon in colour. If it’s darker, drink up. The good news is that downing a glass or two of water will help restore your fluid levels very quickly.” Download a hydration chart here.