Mitie Waste and Environmental Ltd has applied for a Water licence and Sewerage Licence with retail authorisations. The UK facilities management company is expanding its environmental services by entering the water retail market in England, Wales, and Scotland.

Ofwat has published an information notice setting out the details of Mitie’s application, which was made on 7 October 2024, for a WSSL with the following authorisations:

• Retail authorisation (water)
• Retail authorisation (sewerage)
• Restricted retail authorisation

If granted, this will enable Mitie to provide retail services to eligible premises within the water retail market.

The synopsis of Mitie’s business plans ays the organisation, which serves 4,200 customers with 65,000 employees and generated £4.5 billion in turnover last year. has sufficient internal financial resources to support its expansion into the water retail market.

The synopsis states:

“Mitie Waste and Environmental Services (MWE) the division leading this initiative, operates within the Group’s financial framework and benefits from the strong financial position of the wider organisation. This financial strength ensures that MWE has the capacity to fund the necessary investments for licensing, compliance, technology, and team expansion for the water retail business without external financial backing and Mitie Group will provide a Parent Company Guarantee to enable post payment credit terms with wholesalers defined within the business terms.”

Part of the Business Services division, MWE specialises in sustainable waste management, environmental compliance, and water services. MWE will be the focal point to consolidate water-related services across the group through the Managed Water Services team being established, which will lead the water retail element of the business once the WSSL is established and Market Entry Assurance Certification (MEAC) obtained.

The facilities management company has recruited experienced leaders to guide the Managed Water Services team and will focus on proactive customer support, real-time digital reporting and regulatory alignment with Ofwat and industry bodies to ensure market success.

The Group already undertakes bill validation and management along with proviiding comprehensive on-site water and wastewater management, trade effluent solutions and compliance services.

By integrating water retail with its own internal initiatives, Mitie is aiming to work with its client base throughout UK focused on water efficiency and impending water scarcity to reduce water consumption in line with DEFRA targets.

The synopsis describes Mitie’s entry into the water retail market as “a strategic extension of its waste and environmental services, aligning with its mission to support clients’ sustainability goals and operational efficiency.”

By leveraging its existing expertise and managing £100 million in water contracts, Mitie is aiming to deliver significant improvements in water management across the UK.

Deadline to submit representations or objections with respect to the application and Ofwat’s proposal to modify the standard licence conditions must be received by Ofwat no later than 17.00 hours, 20 working days from the date of publication of the notice which isdated 24 October.

Submissions should be made in writing to Ofwat at Centre City Tower, 7 Hill Street, Birmingham, B5 4UA or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Click here to download the information notice.