The Plug & Play Innovation Hub
At the heart of R2IC’s value is its ‘plug and play’ design. By enabling containerised and bespoke technologies to be deployed quickly and safely, the centre provides a controlled environment where new processes can be trialled at a meaningful but manageable scale.
This small‑scale experimentation is crucial: it allows teams to gather real‑world performance data, understand operational impacts, and identify both opportunities and risks long before full‑scale investment is considered. Instead of relying on theoretical models or vendor claims, Severn Trent can see how innovations behave under genuine site conditions—accelerating learning while reducing uncertainty.
Over the past six years, this approach has paid dividends. R2IC has hosted a diverse portfolio of trials spanning treatment optimisation, resource recovery, energy efficiency, digital monitoring, and more.
Each trial contributes a piece to the wider innovation puzzle, helping Severn Trent build a clearer picture of which technologies are ready to scale, which need refinement, and which could unlock entirely new ways of working.
The Aerial Advantage
At Severn Trent, we’re proud to operate a specialist in‑house Drones Team—home to two fully qualified, highly experienced pilots who bring cutting‑edge aerial capability to the entire business. As the legally designated authority for every drone flight across our estate, we’re the central hub for all things airborne. If you’re looking to fly a drone, gather aerial intelligence, or unlock new perspectives on our assets, we’re the team that makes it possible.
But our role goes far beyond flying drones — we deliver a full aerial intelligence service.
We provide an end‑to‑end aerial service: planning, authorising, managing, and delivering safe,compliant, high‑value drone operations that support teams across Operations, Engineering, Property, Capital Delivery, and beyond.
Every request is handled with precision, expertise, and a deep understanding of both aviation law and Severn Trent’s operational needs. Every flight is meticulously assessed, approved, and executed to the highest professional standards. As the final decision‑makers for all drone activity on Severn Trent land, we follow robust processes designed to protect our colleagues, our customers, our assets, and our reputation.
There’s no room for shortcuts — unauthorised or unsafe flights could lead to investigations, legal consequences, or serious safety risks. That’s why we maintain strong working relationships with aviation authorities and law enforcement, ensuring full transparency and compliance at all times.