Business leader Charley Law finds

solutions to the global water crisis

In the face of a global water crisis that threatens the health, security and sustainability of our planet, innovative leadership and entrepreneurial spirit are more critical than ever.

Charley Law, the newly appointed Head of Business Development at Chelsea Water, embodies these qualities. His journey from being a seasoned entrepreneur in the metals and mining sector to becoming a key player in the mission to expand clean water access showcases a powerful shift in the private sector toward impactful business practices.

“With over 15 years of experience in logistics and development, my expertise has been pivotal in driving business growth and fostering strategic partnerships. Navigating complex environments is crucial for delivering sustainable clean water technologies to regions that face the greatest challenges in the global water crisis, enhancing water security, and supporting peace-building efforts.”

Under the stewardship of leaders like Charley and Chelsea Water Commercial Director Colin Laubscher, Chelsea Water’s mission exemplifies how business could impact the world’s most critical environmental challenges.

Entrepreneurs and start–ups finding clean water solutions

Language around sustainability and the global water crisis can be so complex they present a barrier to entry for most of us. We ask Charley to break it down. Just why is Chelsea Water such a clear example of a business solution that addresses Earth’s most urgent needs? 

The global water crisis is a dire reality across Africa, affecting nearly 400 million people

“Access to clean water has a domino effect on communities. It fulfills immediate humanitarian needs, reduces disease, secures food supply through reliable irrigation, and supports the move towards self-sufficiency. This transformation is key to rebuilding societies and fostering cooperation, ultimately leading to stability and prosperity.  

We supply a range of water purification products that meet WHO standards, from rapid response mobile units for emergencies to long-term solutions for communities. For instance, our desalination plant at Chelsea Village in Mogadishu now produces 120,000 litres of potable water daily, reducing reliance on plastic bottled water. Our goal is to offer cost-effective, low-maintenance solutions that ensure sustainable access to clean water.”  

Charley’s transition to Chelsea Water represents a broader trend of leaders moving from profit-driven industries to roles with an added, significant social and environmental impact. This shift reflects a growing recognition among entrepreneurs that business success can and should be measured by its contribution to solving global challenges. “With each project, we reinforce our dedication to addressing human needs, driving global change and making a positive impact,” says Charley, capturing the essence of a modern leadership that prioritises sustainability alongside scalability. 

“Clean water is integral to Chelsea Group’s portfolio, complementing our life-support solutions. Delivering this service aligns with our overarching goal of enhancing quality of life and minimising risk,” states Alexander Bethell, COO of Chelsea Group, reiterating this strategic pivot towards sustainable business models. 

Chelsea Water: Innovating for clean water and a thirsty planet

Chelsea Water is dedicated to addressing the global water crisis through cutting-edge clean water solutions. On the African context, Charley says: “The water crisis in Africa is a dire reality affecting nearly 400 million people who lack access to safe, clean water. The implications are far-reaching – from a staggering 800 million lacking basic sanitation and hygiene to the tragic loss of 4,000 children daily from waterborne diseases. This scarcity not only affects individual survival but also sows the seeds for conflict and instability.”  

“[Chelsea Water’s] solutions are designed to succeed in harsher regions, taking in the realities of the challenges faced in Chelsea Group’s countries of operation: some are ideal for emergency response, while others are mobile and can be easily moved to new sites. They’re built to serve communities where access to clean water can mean the difference between life and death,” Charley explains. This approach not only highlights Chelsea Water’s innovative tech but also its commitment to adapt and evolve in the face of diverse global challenges. 

Chelsea Water’s mobile trailer units can be rapidly deployed, giving access to clean water in emergencies

The global water crisis and the UN SDGs: An urgent call to action

According to the United Nations (UN), billions of people worldwide lack safe water and sanitation, a crisis that the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – specifically Goal 6 – aim to address by 2030.  

The path to meeting the SDGs is fraught with challenges, particularly in regions where water scarcity is compounded by climate change, population growth, and political instability. Chelsea Water’s mission is critical in navigating these challenges, and Charley’s strategic vision carefully integrates the complexity and interconnectedness of the SDGs.  

“Water scarcity breeds desperation, which can lead to conflict at both local and regional levels. The situation is exacerbated by a host of complex issues – territorial disputes, cultural and religious discord, and political volatility – along with the challenges posed by climate change and rapid population growth. All these factors contribute to regional tensions, making water security central to peace-building efforts.”  

If we’re to gain any traction towards the 2030 deadline for the SDGs (where global progress is at less than half of what’s needed), private sector innovators must rapidly demonstrate how entrepreneurship and sustainability can further intersect.

A leader’s vision: On finding solutions to the global water crisis

Charley’s passion and vision for Chelsea Water spark each time he speaks. “Together with our Commercial Director Colin Laubscher, I’m looking forward to igniting this start-up, building momentum, developing leads, forging relationships, and getting these unique products into regions where water scarcity is negatively impacting communities,” he shares. His dedication to making an impact is clear – “I’m excited to be a part of an industry that plays a pivotal role in addressing one of the most pressing global challenges of our time: access to clean water.” 

Charley Law, new Head of Business Development at Chelsea Water

Charley’s journey with Chelsea Water is only just beginning, and as more private sector players answer the call to innovate around sustainability solutions, there is cause for optimism. As Charley strides forward alongside Colin and the rest of the Chelsea Water team, the mission goes beyond providing innovative clean water solutions. It’s about trying to be an example of how business can – and must – operate in harmony with the planet. Long may this era of leadership thrive, steering the global community towards a more equitable, resilient, and water-secure future. 

Learn more about Chelsea Water. 

Listen to The Charley Law podcast.