A SPID number is a Supply Point Identification number – it’s a unique reference that’s assigned to a specific water supply point for a business. It identifies the exact location where water is delivered, and serves as a unique identifier to help both water retailers and wholesalers to distinguish your supply, and ensure the correct billing and service. 

That makes it an essential piece of information for managing water accounts, switching suppliers, and accurately tracking consumption.

There are a few different places that you can find your SPID number. The easiest one is on a copy of your most recent water bill or invoice from your current water retailer. It may also be listed in your contract documents or account details online. 

If you’re unable to find your SPID number, or if you’ve just moved into a new site and you don’t know it, then we can help – just give us a call on 020 8051 7675 and one of our team will be happy to assist.

Your annual consumption is generally calculated using meter readings, either from actual historical data or estimates based on your previous bills.

If you think the consumption isn’t accurate when we send you your quote, feel free to send over a recent meter reading, and we can adjust this for you.

Essentially, a water wholesaler owns and maintains the physical water infrastructure, like pipes and treatment plants, and supplies water to an area. A wholesaler manages the water supply and wastewater services, but doesn’t bill a customer directly.

A retailer, on the other hand, sells water services directly to the end user (businesses and other commercial entities, in this case), as well as managing customer accounts, billing for usage, and providing customer support.  

No. If you choose us here at The Business Water Shop to handle the switch, you can count on us to take care of the entire process for you! That includes setting up the contract with your new supplier on your behalf, and if necessary, letting your current business water supplier know that you’ll be leaving them. 

This way, we can ensure a seamless switch between providers, and you can have peace of mind that there will be no disruption to your business water supply.

Yes, switching business water suppliers involves signing a new business water contract. It’s a legally binding agreement between your business and the new supplier, and outlines pricing, contract length, payment methods, and any additional fees or terms. If you need us to, we can help you review all the contract terms before you commit, so you can fully understand all the implications involved. 

Business water contracts can be quite detailed, and contain several key sections. Here’s what to expect:

Details of your business

• Business name: the legal name responsible for paying bills.
• Business registration number: your Companies House registration.
• Business SIC code: determines VAT on your water bills.
• Contact details: name, email, and phone number of your business contact.

Details of your water supplier

• Supplier name and branding: legal name and logos.
• Broker name (if applicable): the third-party intermediary you used.

Details of your water supply

• Supply address(es): location of the properties receiving water.
• SPID numbers: unique identifiers for each supply point.
• Estimated consumption: expected annual water use in cubic metres.

Pricing and fees

• Wholesale water rates: charges from the local water company.
• Retail fees: supplier’s additional charges for their service.
• Contract term: the duration of the agreement in months.

Payment information

• Payment methods: options like direct debit or BACS transfers.
• Payment terms: details on when payments are due.
• Expected yearly charge: estimated annual cost based on your consumption.
• Direct debit details: banking information (if you pay by direct debit).

We’ve ensured that it’s never been easier to compare business water prices and switching water suppliers.

In short, all you need to do is:

• Enter your details into our business water comparison service
• We’ll then compare tariffs and contract options from a range of business water suppliers
• We present our findings to you, and you choose the best one suited to your business
• We take care of the switch for you

That’s essentially all there is to it! You can find out more information in our post about how to get started on switching business water suppliers.

Switching your business water supplier usually takes between 20 to 30 working days from the time you confirm your new contract. We coordinate closely with both your existing supplier and the new supplier to process all necessary paperwork, verify your details, and arrange the transfer. The exact timeline depends on a couple of factors, including the responsiveness of suppliers and accuracy of meter readings, but rest assured that the process is generally designed to be as efficient as possible. What’s more, your water supply continues uninterrupted during this period, and you can count on us to keep you informed about each step until the switch is complete.

Yes. If you are a sole trader or self-employed, you can still switch business water suppliers using our service – the process is the same as for any other business type. If necessary, we can advise you in gathering vital data like your SPID number and accurate water usage information, then help you compare tariffs that suit your business needs. With our service, you can then enjoy competitive pricing and contract options regardless of your business structure, helping you reduce costs and manage your water supply more effectively.

The amount you can save by switching depends on your water consumption, current contract, and the tariffs available in your area. We compare multiple suppliers to find the best rates and terms for your business. Many businesses save significant amounts by moving to a supplier with lower unit rates, fewer fees, or better contract conditions. We can also help you understand any potential exit fees or contract obligations with your current supplier, so you can make an informed decision.