Europe’s largest resource efficiency event, RWM appoints Barry Dennis as Chairman

The organisers of RWM, i2i Events Group has appointed Barry Dennis as RWM Chairman.  Recently retired as director general of the Environmental Services Association (ESA), Barry will work with the RWM team to help shape the strategic direction of the event, designed to support and showcase the innovations in the recycling and waste management industry during a period of dynamic change.

With over fifty years in the industry, Barry brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise with him. He helped oversee a raft of changes at the ESA, with its remit changing to focus more on policy and to lobby the Government on key issues, including waste crime, infrastructure investment and the circular economy. While at ESA, Barry was also sworn in as CIWM President in 2010/11, and remains on the board to this day. Barry is also a member of the WAMITAB board, representing the sector’s commitment to training, improving operating standards and promoting best practice.

Barry commented: “Whilst the industry is undoubtedly going through a period of rapid change, the RWM team works hard year on year to showcase innovations from all sectors of the marketplace. I am incredibly honoured to be given the role of chairman and intend to work collaboratively with the industry to ensure this event goes from strength to strength, meeting the needs of its exhibitors, visitors and the community as a whole.”

Russell Bacon, Portfolio Director – Environment at i2i Events Group added: “Barry is an industry champion who has worked tirelessly over many years to further the waste sector’s cause with government. We’re thrilled to have someone of his calibre on board and his expertise and guidance will further cement our position as the industry event.”

Additionally, Barry will support the team of RWM Ambassadors comprising 22 leading experts from organisations including Unilever, Nestle, SITA and CIWM, who meet regularly to discuss key waste and resource efficiency issues and provide insight and advice on the development of the event.

These exciting industry advancements will culminate at RWM, partnered with the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, where over 13,000 senior industry professionals share best practice, network, and grow their business.

To find out more about the Resource and Waste Management Exhibition 2015 which takes place from    15-17 September visit www.rwmexhibition.com or call 0203 033 2049 or email info@rwmexhibition.com.

Notes to editors

About RWM and i2i Events Group

RWM in partnership with CIWM (www.rwmexhibition.com) is Europe’s premier event dedicated to resource and waste management solutions and takes place from 15 to17 September 2015 at the NEC Birmingham (halls 4 to 5). The event is the result of the merger in December 2010 of the i2i Events Group’s (formerly Emap) RWM exhibition and CIWM and ESA’s Futuresource show, and is now the major annual show for the sector attracting over 13,000 visitors.

i2i Events Group: i2i Events Group delivers world-class exhibitions and large scale events in key sectors including home and gift, fashion, retail, healthcare, energy, environment, education, technology and media. Its portfolio of world-wide events includes World Retail Congress, RWM, Spring Fair, Naidex, BVE, Bett and Pure London. i2i Events prides itself on opening up possibilities for its customers and each year brings more than 200,000 decision makers together to network, source, test, buy and sell brilliant products, services, ideas and solutions. i2ieventsgroup.com

Barry Dennis – summary biography

Barry first joined the recycling and waste management industry in 1963 through his family business – The Deard’s Group of Companies – as a manager, and subsequently as a main board director.

In 1993 he joined NAWDC (the National Association of Waste Disposal Contractors) – the predecessor to the ESA – firstly as executive director, then as commercial director. Barry then played a pivotal role when it was agreed to change the name of NAWDC to the ‘Environmental Services Association’ in 1996, to fully represent the changing remit and face of the waste sector in the UK. He became deputy chief executive in 2000 – a position he held for 10 years. In 2010, Barry became director general at ESA, which he retired from at the end of 2014.

He was CIWM President in 2010/11, and remains on the board to this day and has been a member of the WAMITAB Board since 2003. Dennis was also master of his livery company – the Worshipful Company of Water Conservators – in 2011, with which he continues to be involved.