Non-Domestic Water Suppliers in Scotland

Business Stream  is expanding in the English market after buying Southern Water's non-domestic business 

Edinburgh-based Business Stream said the deal would create the UK's third largest non-domestic water supplier. It will take effect from April next year, when England's business retail market is due to open up to competition. Business Stream said the deal would almost double its customer base.  Details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

From 1 April 2017, about 1.2 million businesses and public bodies in England will be able to choose their water supplier - an option only currently available to the largest users. 

The Southern Water acquisition means Business Stream will take on about 105,000 non-domestic customers across Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The expanded business will have a UK market share of more than 10%, according to the water supplier.

'Huge opportunities'

A number of Southern Water's account managers will be transferring to Business Stream as part of the acquisition.

Business Stream chief executive Jo Dow said: "The acquisition of Southern Water's customer base provides us with a springboard for growth ahead of the English market opening next year. 

'Hugely dominant'

In Scotland, Business Stream is hugely dominant. But it claims to have saved its customers quite a bit of money, by helping to identify ways to reduce water consumption and waste water, and by negotiating deals with those who might otherwise be tempted to look elsewhere.

"We are fully committed to keeping Business Stream in public ownership but it is right that Business Stream takes every opportunity to compete in the commercial marketplace in which it operates."

Source: Scotland Business

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• Water
• Water Supply
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