Water JV eyes greater flow of business

● New brand aims to tap into potential of both private and public sector areas

deregulation of the English watermarketinaprilthisyear, opening the floodgates for 1.2 million businesses, charities and public sector organisations to choose their own supplier. It follows the move by Scotland in 2008, opening up the market for about 130,000 organisations, and with the biggest competitor Scottish Water unit Business Stream.

Donnelly noted Wave's active pursuitofthesmemarket,and sees potential in the industrial and commercial sector, with the focus overall on organic growth “in a controlled way”. He also highlighted the securing of contracts worth £35m since April this year, adding: “What we’re seeing more and more, now that the market’s opened in England, is that a lot of people are looking for a Ukwide supplier."

Looking at the aim for Wave several years down the line, Donnelly says it is to be the goto for customers in the markets where it operates, amid high competition.

“Growing is not easy. We aspire to do so. I would like to grow substantially and I would like to see an increased margin in our business here in Scotland and across the UK.”

He also cited Anglian’s involvement in Scotland since 2000. “We would hope to be involved for a whole lot more than that going forward.”