Water rarely tops the agenda when business owners review their utility costs. Gas and electricity tend to dominate the conversation — but for many UK companies, water is a significant and surprisingly flexible overhead. Since the commercial water market opened to competition in England in 2017, eligible businesses have had the freedom to compare business water solutions and move to a provider that better suits their needs. Most haven't taken advantage of that freedom yet. If you're one of them, this guide is the practical starting point you need.
We cover how the comparison process works, how to get set up with a new water retailer, the considerations that matter before you commit, and the answers to questions UK businesses ask most often about the commercial water market.
The Commercial Water Market: More Choice Than Most Businesses Realise
For decades, businesses in England had no say in who supplied their water. You were assigned a regional wholesaler based on your postcode and that was the end of it. The 2017 deregulation of the non-household water market changed that — opening up retail competition and allowing licensed water retailers to compete for commercial customers across England.
Scotland opened its commercial water market even earlier, in 2008, and has a well-established pool of competing retailers. Businesses in Wales and Northern Ireland remain with their regional providers for now, as those markets have not yet been opened to retail competition.
The practical implication for eligible businesses is significant. You can now choose the company that manages your water account, handles your invoices, and supports you day to day — regardless of which wholesale network physically delivers the water to your premises. The wholesaler, and the water itself, don't change. What changes is the commercial relationship: the pricing, the service, the billing model, and the value-added services your retailer provides.
For businesses that have never made a proactive choice about their water retailer — or that haven't reviewed their account since deregulation — comparing the market is long overdue.
How to Set Up or Switch Your Business Water Account
Moving to a new water retailer follows a straightforward process. Here's what to expect at each stage:
- Confirm your eligibility. If your business operates from non-household premises in England or Scotland, you are eligible to choose your water retailer. Verify this before starting the comparison process, particularly if you operate across multiple sites in different regions.
- Collect your current account information. You'll need your current water retailer's name, your account number, your Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN), and your most recent bill showing annual consumption in cubic metres. Having these details to hand makes the comparison process significantly faster and ensures the quotes you receive are accurate.
- Use a specialist business utilities comparison platform. Rather than approaching individual water retailers one by one, use a service like SmartBiz Utility to view competing offers side by side based on your actual usage and location. This gives you a genuine market view and surfaces deals you might never find through direct outreach alone.
- Evaluate shortlisted options on more than just price. The best water retailer for your business is not automatically the cheapest one. Consider the full package: pricing structure, contract terms, service inclusions, online account tools, and customer service quality before making a final decision.
- Confirm your switch. Your chosen retailer manages most of the transition — liaising with your existing provider and the regional wholesaler. You'll need to confirm your account details and agree to the new contract terms. The process is handled administratively; your physical water supply is never interrupted.
- Take a meter reading on your switch date. Record your water meter reading on the exact day your new contract begins. This creates a clear starting point for billing under the new retailer and prevents any overlap disputes.
- Activate your online account and monitor usage. Once your new supply is live, register for the retailer's account portal. Regular monitoring helps you track spending, spot unusual consumption that might indicate a leak, and manage your water costs proactively throughout the contract term.
Key Considerations When Comparing Business Water Solutions
Comparing water retailers effectively requires looking at the full picture — not just the headline rate. Here's what deserves close attention:
- Volumetric charge and standing charge combined. Your water bill consists of a charge per cubic metre consumed and a fixed daily standing charge. Always calculate the total annual cost across both components before comparing deals. A lower volumetric rate can easily be offset by a higher standing charge, particularly for businesses with moderate consumption.
- Sewerage and surface water drainage charges. Many businesses pay separate charges for foul water sewerage and surface water drainage in addition to their clean water supply. Ensure any comparison you make accounts for all components of the bill — not just the supply element — to get an accurate like-for-like view.
- Contract length and exit flexibility. Commercial water contracts vary in length and terms. Shorter agreements offer the freedom to switch again when better deals emerge; longer contracts may deliver lower rates but reduce your options if circumstances change. Match the contract length to your premises stability and business outlook.
- Leak detection and water efficiency services. Some of the stronger commercial water retailers offer proactive leak detection as part of their standard service — alerting businesses to unusual consumption patterns before a minor issue becomes a costly problem. For older premises or high-consumption sites, this capability can be genuinely valuable.
- Multi-site billing and account management. Businesses operating across more than one premises benefit significantly from retailers that consolidate all accounts into a single bill with centralised management. This reduces administrative burden and can improve pricing through volume. Confirm whether a prospective retailer can handle your full portfolio before signing.
- Online account tools and consumption data. The quality of a retailer's digital platform matters more than most businesses expect. Real-time or regular consumption data allows you to track usage trends, manage costs, identify inefficiencies, and provide accurate data for sustainability reporting — all increasingly important for businesses with ESG commitments.
- Customer service track record. Since the physical water supply doesn't change when you switch, the quality of your day-to-day commercial relationship with the retailer is one of the most meaningful differentiators. Check independent review platforms for feedback on responsiveness, billing accuracy, and dispute resolution before committing.
- Water efficiency audits and sustainability support. Some retailers go beyond basic billing to offer water usage assessments, efficiency recommendations, and support for businesses pursuing sustainability certifications. If reducing your environmental footprint is a business priority, these services are worth factoring into your overall assessment of value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which businesses are eligible to compare and switch water retailers?
Businesses operating from non-household premises in England and Scotland are eligible. This covers a wide range of property types including offices, retail units, restaurants, warehouses, manufacturing sites, and more. Businesses in Wales and Northern Ireland are not currently eligible as those markets remain with regional providers.
Will my water supply be affected when I switch retailer?
No. The physical water infrastructure — pipes, treatment, and delivery — is managed by the regional wholesale water company, which doesn't change when you switch retailer. Only your billing and account management transfer to the new provider. Your supply remains completely uninterrupted throughout the process.
How long does a business water switch take?
Most switches complete within 21 to 30 days from the point your new retailer confirms the agreement. During this time, your water supply continues as normal. The process is managed largely by your new retailer, with minimal administrative input required from your side beyond confirming account details.
What is the difference between a water wholesaler and a water retailer?
The wholesaler owns and operates the physical infrastructure — the pipes, treatment facilities, and pumping stations — that deliver water to your premises. The retailer manages your commercial account: issuing invoices, handling queries, and providing customer service. Deregulation allows you to choose your retailer; the wholesaler is fixed based on your location.
Can switching water retailer save my business money?
Yes, for many businesses. The level of saving depends on your current rate, consumption volume, and the deals available in the market at the time you compare. Businesses that have never actively chosen a retailer since deregulation — or that haven't reviewed their account in several years — often find the most meaningful savings.
What if I have premises across multiple regions?
Several water retailers operate nationally and can manage accounts across multiple wholesale regions under a single contract. This is particularly valuable for businesses with sites in different parts of England, as it simplifies billing and account management considerably. Confirm multi-region capability with any retailer you are considering before signing.
How often should I review my business water account?
At a minimum, review your water account every 12 to 24 months or at least three months before your current contract expires. The commercial water market continues to evolve as more retailers enter and competition increases — deals that weren't available when you last compared may be accessible now.
Compare Your Options and Take Control of Your Water Costs
The commercial water market offers real opportunity for businesses willing to look beyond their existing provider. Whether your priority is lower costs, better service, simplified billing across multiple sites, or stronger sustainability support, comparing your options is the essential first step.
Gather your current water bill, confirm your eligibility, and use a trusted business utilities platform to see what the market can offer your business today. The right water solution is out there — and finding it is far simpler than most business owners expect.
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