Gareth Cooper receives Inspirational Leader Award 2026
In the world of water hygiene and Legionella control, leadership matters. At the heart of one of the UK’s most respected regional providers stands Gareth Cooper, Managing Director of C&M Water Ltd, whose direction and commitment to excellence have been recognised with one of our E2 Media Inspirational Leader Award for 2026—a testament to his vision, leadership, and outstanding contribution to both his company and the wider water services sector.
Gareth Cooper has been at the helm of C&M Water Ltd since his appointment as Director in April 2024, guiding the firm from a modest family-run business into a respected name across Devon and the Southwest. He is not only a company Director but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the business and ensuring its values align with exceptional service delivery and industry best practice.
C&M Water Ltd has strengthened its reputation for quality and compliance. Gareth champions a people-centric approach, focusing on staff development, technical training, and strong client relationships that have become trademarks of the C&M Water service model. His leadership philosophy emphasises practical problem-solving, integrity in service delivery, and an unwavering commitment to keeping people and buildings safe—qualities that have clearly resonated with both clients and industry observers.
C&M Water Ltd itself has flourished under Gareth’s leadership. Based in Okehampton, Devon, the company provides comprehensive water hygiene services designed to protect building occupants and ensure regulatory compliance throughout the life of a property’s water systems. Their core mission is to maintain safe, clean, and compliant water environments for a wide range of clients—from schools and healthcare facilities to commercial and industrial sites.
The company’s offerings include Legionella risk assessments in line with ACoP L8 and HSG274 guidance, water sampling and UKAS-accredited testing, system cleaning and disinfection, TMV servicing, temperature monitoring, and bespoke Legionella control strategies tailored to each site’s unique needs. Their hands-on service and meticulous documentation have earned C&M Water a reputation for reliability and technical competence, with clients regularly praising their professionalism and attention to detail.
Beyond technical excellence, Gareth has instilled a culture of continuous improvement and staff development at C&M Water. The company’s investment in training and quality management systems reinforces its commitment to safety, compliance, and customer satisfaction—values that sit at the heart of the business and drive its success year on year.
As Gareth’s reputation grows and demand for his expertise rises, the key challenge ahead will be sustaining the high standards that have been central to his success. However, based on his proven track record, we’re confident Gareth is more than capable of meeting that challenge. With C&M Water Ltd continuing to flourish, the 2026 Inspirational Leader Award stands as a tribute to Gareth’s commitment, leadership, and the lasting impact of the exceptional service he delivers.