Affinity Water has appointed five law firms to its new Legal Panel to work with the company on a range of important issues in a heavily regulated sector facing a number of challenges including climate change and the increasing pressure on water resources.

The Legal Panel firms: Addleshaw Goddard, Burges Salmon, DLA Piper, Hogan Lovells and Pinsent Masons were appointed following a competitive tendering process.

Stuart Ledger, Affinity Water’s Interim Chief Executive said:

“We are delighted to be working with our five panel firms. As the UK’s largest water only company the expert advice we receive from them will help us to protect the environment, and ensure we deliver a first-rate service to our communities at a challenging time for the climate and the water sector.”

The firms will work closely with Affinity Water’s in-house legal team, who will be able to draw on technology solutions offered by the firms to help it efficiently and transparently manage legal work and fees. They will advise Affinity Water on a wide range of sector issues including regulation, the environment, energy, competition, property, employment and corporate finance.

The appointments will run for three years initially, with an option to extend for up to a further five years.

Sunita Kaushal, the water company’s General Counsel and Company Secretary, said the newly appointed Legal Panel will provide Affinity with the knowledge and expertise needed to allow it to improve decision making as it prepares business plans for the future. The water industry has to grapple with climate change and other pressing issues which impact on the environment and water resources particularly in the South-East, he added.

David Shaw, Partner, Head of Water, Addleshaw Goddard said the industry had seen some massive changes over the last few years, from retail market opening to the introduction of the new regulatory funding model, Direct Procurement for Customers.

According to Michael Barlow, Partner, Burges Salmon, there is now perhaps a greater than ever appreciation of the current challenges facing the industry, from climate change to Net Zero targets.

Gordon McCreath, Partner Pinsent Masons commented:

“The challenges facing today’s water companies range from making major investments to respond to climate change, to meeting the expectations of regulators on innovation and new funding models, all whilst delivering first class service and best value for customers. Affinity Water is at the forefront of industry efforts to meet those challenges.”