Water industry regulator Ofwat is inviting mall and medium sized businesses from around the country to help shape the biggest competitive water retail market in the world.

Since 1 April this year, businesses in England can shop around and choose where they buy their water and wastewater retail services and no longer have to rely on the local monopoly water company.

In order to gauge how the new market is working for businesses, Ofwat is inviting SMEs to join free seminars in London and Birmingham where businesses will be able to shape the regulation of the market and discuss if more should be done to help small businesses.

Following the seminars, Ofwat will be convening an SME panel to help inform and challenge its oversight of the market as well as discuss any emerging issues or trends businesses are experiencing.

Ofwat Market Outcomes and Enforcement Programme Director, Giles Stevens, said:

“The new retail market launched in April and already thousands of businesses have renegotiated or switched suppliers to get a better deal. But we want to make sure as many businesses as possible – and especially small and medium sized businesses – are able to benefit from the opportunities this new market offers. We want to hear directly from small and medium sized businesses about their experiences of the market so far and how it can be improved”.

The seminars, which run from 10am-1pm, including a networking lunch, will take place in London on Wednesday 19 July and Birmingham on Monday 24 July respectively. Companies wishing to attend should send an RSVP by 14 July to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .