Kye Smith

Kye has extensive water industry experience covering more than 25 years’ in a variety of roles across the distribution service chain from production to tap. Kye has knowledge beyond the non-household water market framework moving between regulated, unregulated and multi-utility businesses and began his water career ‘on the tools’ in 1996 for a water meter maintenance and repair contractor. He progressed into supervisory positions before securing a role with United Utilities Commercial Business Stream in 2003 and moving into Contract Solutions in 2004.

Kye currently works within  United Utilities Market Services as a Relationship Manager giving him a rounded knowledge of the issues retailers and wholesalers face within the non-household market. He previously held a number of technical, water engineering and operational management roles and was employed as Key Stakeholder Manager for Developer Services in 2010. Since this appointment Kye has since specialised in facilitating competitive services and industry Stakeholder Management.

During his time in Developer Services, Kye was appointed Chair of the Water Industry Registration Scheme Advisory panel (WIRSAP) overseeing the self-lay scheme in England and Wales. While Kye occupied this position, he was an integral part of the group tasked to re-write the National Self-Lay Code of Practice to line up more closely with the Gas and Electricity industry.  

Kye was also a significant member of Water UK Developer Network and The Water UK/HBF Joint industry Committee and has a strong track record in leading national change within a diverse group membership. In 2014, Kye was recognised for his contribution to the water and construction industry by The Home Builders Federation who awarded him Utility Individual of the year in recognition of his work on the following projects;-

• Addenda to UKWIR guidance for laying pipes in contaminated land
• Accreditation scheme for water service pipe installation in conjunction with Water UK, HBF, WRAS & BPEC
• National best practice principles for water mains design on new developments sites
• Re-write of the National Self-Lay Code of Practice.

Kye is a family man with a passion for outdoor activities. You’ll often find him at the top of a mountain, swimming in open water, or on his holidays, he loves nothing more than getting ‘outback’ on his surf-board.