Business Stream, Scottish Water’s non-domestic arm, has appointed two new non-executive directors as it prepares for the opening of a competitive market in England.
Amanda McMillan, who is currently managing director of Glasgow Airport, and Willie MacDiarmid, a former director of energy retail at Scottish Power, both join the company’s board ahead of changes expected to be unveiled this week south of the Border.
The non-household sector in England is estimated to be worth about £2 billion a year but at present 21 companies have regional monopolies over both domestic and non-domestic customers in England.
Business Stream already faces competition in the Scottish market – which was deregulated in 2008 – from Anglia Water’s Osprey subsidiary, plus Aimera, Severn Trent and Wessex Water Utility Solutions.
Business Stream chief executive Mark Powles said the opportunities will cut both ways, as more companies will enter the £360 million market in Scotland once reforms to the English system are laid out.
Ministers are expected to publish the draft water bill before Westminster rises for the summer recess on Friday.
The Scottish market is already moving to another stage, as the new Customer Forum provides a chance for both business and individual customers to have a say in the future of the industry, from pricing to issues of quality and service levels.
