Nine out of ten businesses in the west are satisfied with the service they receive from their water company and are unlikely to switch supplier when water market reforms are introduced this year, a survey has revealed.

Ofwat has launched a new consultsation on the Market Arrangements Code which forms part of the legal and regulatory framework being put in place to facilitate the new business retail market in England which opens in April 2017.

Ofwat has received a Water Supply and Sewerage Licence application from a commercial gas supplier targeting new business in the water sector ahead of the opening of the non-household retail market to competition in April next year.

In preparation for English market opening, Tesco commissioned independent water specialists Waterscan to look at how it could optimise current supply agreements in Scotland, where retail competition already exists.

Water industry regulator Ofwat has launched a new consultation on credit arrangements between wholesalers and retailers for the new business retail market which opens for competition in April 2017.

MOSL has provided an update on the work of the independent Open Water Assurance Group set up by Defra to inform policy advice officials provide to the Secretary of State in respect of the opening the non-household retail market for water and sewerage services in 2017.

Scottish water retailer Business Stream is gearing up for the opening of the English market to competition in 2017, saying it is “aiming to grow a sizeable foothold in England”.

Ofwat has confirmed that the modification of the water companies’ conditions of appointment to include a readiness condition ahead of the opening of the new retail market in England in April 2017 is now in place.

In an Expert Focus article for Waterbriefing, Mark Hodgens, managing director at Talis UK, asks whether increased pressure on water companies to improve their reputation and customer relationships as a result of market reforms will lead to a more efficient network.

Ofwat has said it is important that the same regulatory framework in the new retail market should apply to all appointed companies, including small companies, "otherwise the market arrangements will not work effectively for customers and other market participants."