Thames Water Commercial Services has trebled the size of its Scottish operation in a bid to seize a greater share of Scotland’s £330million non-household water retail market.
Thames said the creation of the experienced six-strong team in Edinburgh would allow it to build on a highly successful first 12 months north of the border.
The water company is looking to double the number of its customers with the promise of cheaper, tailored water and wastewater solutions for firms and organisations.
With 600 Scottish sites already on its books, the move to expand is part of Thames Water Commercial Services’ (TWCS) long-term plan to become the obvious choice for business customers – especially ahead of a competitive water retail market opening in England in 2017.
Alan Munro, who heads the revamped Scottish team, said Thames Water Commercial Services is fully committed to improving the quality of services for business customers, while promising potential cost savings of up to 20%.
He said:
“Despite the success of an open market, many companies in Scotland have been unaware of the importance of managing water usage as a business cost and of the alternative solutions providers like Thames Water Commercial Services can deliver, and are delivering.
“Not only are we cheaper, but we listen and tailor our services to each customers’ individual needs, helping to improve water management and reduce bills. Water savings can also cut your energy bills.
“We’re making the team bigger, simply because the demand for the quality we’re providing is out there.”
Since 2008, when the retail market was opened to competition in Scotland, around 130,000 non-household customers in Scotland have been able to chose who can supply their water and wastewater services – the first water market of its kind in the world. The sector is currently led by Scottish Water subsidiary Business Stream, followed by United Utilities.
The Warrington-based company has won 150 new business customers since it obtained a water supply licence to operate in the competitive Scottish water market. United Utilities has established a new dedicated sales force in Scotland to service the new customers, covering around 2,000 sites.
United Utilities’ year-end report published back in May said the new business was expected to bring in an extra £10m in revenue.
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