BGEN Welcomes Glen Lagdon to Support Delivery for Anglian Water

BGEN is pleased to welcome Glen Lagdon to the business, strengthening its capability to support Anglian Water as part of the wider M Group team.

Bringing more than 40 years of experience across the UK water sector, Glen joins BGEN at a pivotal time as the industry prepares to deliver an increasingly ambitious programme of investment. His extensive background in engineering, operations and major infrastructure delivery will play a key role in enhancing BGEN’s regional presence and supporting collaborative, high-quality outcomes for Anglian Water.

Strengthening Delivery Through Experience

Glen’s career in the water industry began in 1984 when he joined Thames Water as an Electrical Apprentice. Over the next two decades, he developed his expertise across instrumentation, control and automation before progressing into leadership roles managing mechanical and electrical teams responsible for maintaining and improving critical pumping infrastructure across London.

He later transitioned into consultancy, holding Director-level roles with Hyder and Jacobs, where he contributed to major programmes including the London 2012 Olympic Games, Crossrail, and Anglian Water’s AMP5 investment programme.

Glen has since held a number of senior leadership roles across the sector, including:

• UK Head of Engineering Services at Veolia
• Operations Manager at MWH Treatment, working within the @one Alliance during AMP6
• General Manager for the MEPS Alliance, delivering prefabricated treatment solutions across multiple water company frameworks
• Senior positions at South Staffordshire Infrastructure Services, including Framework Manager for Essex & Suffolk Water’s AMP7 programme and Business Manager for Renewables

His experience spans both client and contractor environments, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the sector’s challenges, opportunities and delivery models.

Supporting Anglian Water Through Collaboration

A key focus for Glen in his new role will be supporting BGEN’s work with Anglian Water, helping to build and integrate teams capable of delivering at scale.

“I see my role as working with M Group Water to integrate our BGEN team to deliver for Anglian Water. It’s about building a skilled and motivated team, drawing on existing expertise, and working collaboratively to meet the challenges ahead.”

Having worked closely with Anglian Water during previous programmes, Glen highlights the organisation’s collaborative approach as a key strength:

“Anglian Water has developed a delivery model that brings together a wide range of expertise and allows it to evolve over time. That consistency creates the right environment for collaboration, innovation and shared accountability.”

Leadership That Enables Performance

Glen brings a people-focused leadership style shaped by both his professional career and his experience as a volunteer leader with St John Ambulance, where he led over 1,000 volunteers.

“People perform best when they enjoy and believe in what they’re doing. As a leader, my role is to influence and motivate, not just instruct.”

His leadership philosophy is grounded in trust, accountability and understanding:

“Listen twice as much as you speak, understand what drives people, make the right decisions – not the easy ones – and never ask anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.”

Understanding the Challenges Ahead

With over four decades in the sector, Glen brings a clear perspective on the realities of water industry delivery.

“There’s a misconception that the sector is straightforward, but in reality it is highly demanding. We are constantly balancing cost, programme, resources and quality, while maintaining very high standards for safety and environmental performance.”

He also recognises the importance of rebuilding public trust and delivering meaningful improvements across the industry:

“The focus now must be on delivering real outcomes that make a difference to customers and the environment, while rebuilding confidence in the sector.”

Looking Ahead

As the scale of investment across the water sector continues to grow, Glen sees people, skills and collaboration as critical enablers of success.

“We need to attract skilled people back into the sector while continuing to develop our own talent. Strong teams and a collaborative approach will be key to delivering the programme ahead.”

He is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to long-term improvements:

“What excites me most is being part of turning ambitious plans into real solutions that benefit both communities and the environment.”

Welcome to the Team

Glen’s appointment reflects BGEN’s continued commitment to strengthening its leadership capability and delivering high-quality, collaborative solutions for its clients.

His experience, insight and people-first approach will play an important role in supporting Anglian Water and contributing to the successful delivery of future infrastructure programmes.

Welcome to BGEN, Glen.