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Scottish water supplier Business Stream has said it will consider offering a multi-utility service to customers when the English water market opens in April next year.
The company has emphasised that it is “growth-focussed”, and is currently exploring opportunities for partnerships and acquisitions.
Speaking exclusively to Utility Week, chief executive Johanna Dow said: “As part of our review, we have been considering a multi-utility offering.
“I’m sure we are not alone in believing that there is customer demand for a bundled proposition and we’re keen to meet this demand. Watch this space!”
The company, which bought Southern Water’s 105,000-strong business customer-base in June, has made no secret of the fact that its key focus is growing market share. It has approximately 90,000 business customers in the Scottish market.
“Naturally we are exploring a number of possible options which would help deliver strategic growth, including partnership opportunities and further acquisitions – where we can find the right fit,” Dow said.
Rumours of energy company involvement in the water market are rife within the industry. However, so far only four energy companies have expressed tentative interest.
Last month, D-Energi told Utility Week it is “looking to diversify into the water market”, and Corona Energy told Utility Week that it is “reviewing opportunities in water”.
Ecotricity chief executive Dale Vince exclusively told Utility Week in September that the company is interested in the water market, and would look to bring “an eco-approach to water”.
In the same month, Regent Water – a subsidiary of gas supplier Regent Gas – applied to Ofwat for a water supply and sewerage licence.
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