Countdown to water competition begins

Business Stream launch ‘Switch Fit Guide’ as businesses in England prepare for market reform

WITH just under one year to go until the water market opens for competition, Business Stream, Scotland’s largest non-domestic suppliers of water and waste-water services, have launched a practical guide to help businesses in England make the most of the change.

From 1 April 2017 all businesses in England will be able to choose their water supplier, an option currently only available to the largest users. It is expected that increased competition will encourage water suppliers to offer more benefits to customers, including reduced costs, improved service levels and lower management overheads.

Business Stream, have launched their Switch Fit Guide to advise organizations on how to secure the financial, efficiency and environmental benefits that will be possible from April 2017.

Since the market opened in Scotland in 2008, businesses north of the border are said to have saved: at least £133 million in discounts and efficiencies; 24 billion litres of water; and 42,000 tonnes of carbon.

The company’s five point checklist urges organizations to carry out a number of simple but important steps in order to prepare and benefit from the changes:

1. Understand your current water usage. This should be your first step and can be done easily by looking over previous bills. This information will outline water usage, waste-water production and how much it is costing, and will help you to secure the best possible supply and service contracts for your organization.
2. Plan ahead. Consider how changes to your organization, such as expansion, relocation or peaks and troughs in activity may impact your water use.
3. Understand your trade effluent arrangements. Make sure you are aware of your trade effluent arrangements and whether you have or need effluent consents put in place.
4. Consider what you want from a supplier. The relationship you have with your supplier is crucial to successful water and waste-water management, and opening of the market is an excellent opportunity to revisit this and consider whether your current supplier is proactively helping you to manage your water and waste-water needs.
5. Speak to Business Stream for further advice or support, so as not miss out on the opportunity to benefit from the opening of the water market in 2017.

Jo Dow, chief executive of Business Stream, said: ‘With just a year to go until the new market reforms are introduced in England, now is the time for businesses to assess their current water needs in order to take full advantage of the changes ahead. Business Stream have helped Scottish businesses to save more than £133 million in their water bills, and we are looking forward to helping to deliver savings to businesses in England too.

‘I’d urge organizations to carry out the simple and quick five-point plan sooner rather than later, to find out how market reform can benefit their business.’