The water industry must raise its game to ensure the success of the English non-domestic water market when it opens to competition next April, according to Jo Dow, Chief Executive of Business Stream, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scottish Water.

As the water industry in England prepares for the ‘soft launch’ of retail competition for business customers today, Dow has warned that non-domestic suppliers and industry bodies need to work hard at raising awareness among business decision-makers of both the ability to switch and the benefits of switching.

 The warning comes as the ‘shadow market’ operations begin on 3 October, during which market processes and systems, along with supplier capabilities, will be tested to ensure a successful competitive environment.

 Business Stream has led the way in the non-household water retail market since the Scottish market opened to competition eight years ago.

 With six months before market opening, awareness of the changes in England is thought to be particularly low amongst SMEs, which constitute 90% of the business community. Dow believes that this may ultimately result in the market underperforming, with little incentive for suppliers to innovate and improve services due to lack of demand.

 The industry must also address misconceptions regarding the benefits of switching, particularly among larger organisations. A survey earlier this year by the Major Energy Users’ Council found that lower prices and consolidated billing were the only two significant incentives for those considering switching. However, with margins in the market set relatively low, it is unlikely that suppliers will be able to offer discounts which meet customer’s expectations, informed by their expectations in the Scottish retail market.

Business Stream is the largest supplier in Scotland and the third biggest in the combined Anglo-Scottish market following its purchase of Southern Water’s non-household customer base.

Jo Dow said:

“We have operated in a competitive water market for eight years. That’s longer than anyone else so we understand the challenges ahead for England. The shadow market is a crucial part of the preparations for English market opening, helping to ensure that both the market and its suppliers are ready for business in April.”

“However, it’s also crucial that we don’t lose sight of the customer during the next six months. If customers are not aware of the choices on offer, we risk leaving them behind, and many could fail to gain from the changes. There is still much work to be done to ensure that customers fully understand the choices available to them – and the benefits to be had. We must engage with these businesses now, and create the demand which will motivate suppliers to innovate and improve services for all customers - not just the large users. This in turn will help to ensure the long-term success of an open market.”

 Since 2008, when the Scottish water market was opened, customers of Business Stream have saved more than £133m. However, margins for the English market have been set by Ofwat at lower levels than those in place during the comparable time in Scotland.

Edinburgh-headquartered Business Stream is the largest operator in the Scottish non-domestic water market. In June 2016 Business Stream announced it was buying the non-domestic customer base of Southern Water. The acquisition will see it become the third biggest provider in the Anglo-Scottish market with an 11% share and is expected to create around 40 new jobs. The deal will formally take effect from 1 April 2017 when the English market fully opens for competition.

The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scottish Water with its own board and independent management team. It was formed in 2007 with the goal of providing a first class service for business customers on the opening of the competitive market.