How to deal with your business water when you move premises

Plan early and enable up to six weeks for a smooth switch

Timeline: Six to eight weeks before moving

It’s best to start by mapping out a detailed timeline for everything relating to your water supply. Things tend to go the most smoothly when you assign roles internally – ideally someone needs to handle comparisons, another person should oversee supplier communication, and someone else should be responsible for the meter logistics. (Of course, depending on how many staff members you have, we know that sometimes they might all end up being the same person!)

Once you’ve delegated, you’ll need to check your current water contract. Are you in a fixed-term deal? If so, you might need to give formal notice or face early exit fees. These are the sorts of things that catch a lot of people off-guard, especially if the contract was signed by someone else years ago. So, it’s best to get clarity now, and if a written termination is needed, make sure to send it as soon as possible.

It’s also wise to log important dates in your calendar: when to compare, when to confirm a contract, and when to notify your current supplier. And make sure to double-check regulatory details – if your lease starts before your physical move, you may be on the hook for water charges from day one. That can end up being an unpleasant surprise if you’re not ready for it.

Compare suppliers and secure a contract before your move

Timeline: Five to six weeks before moving

As soon as you’ve got all the initial planning sorted, the next key step is to make the decision as to whether or not you’ll switch suppliers. To do that, you’ll need to compare their offerings – and that’s exactly where we can help at The Business Water Shop. We only need a few quick details from you, and then we’ll be able to provide tailored quotes from licensed providers who operate in that specific wholesaler region. That saves you the time and hassle of contacting suppliers one by one.

Crucially, everything we do is designed to make things faster, simpler and easier for you. You’ll see each offer broken down by unit rate, standing charge, contract term, billing method, and exit conditions. Whether you’re focused on keeping costs down, securing a flexible contract, or avoiding hidden fees, you can count on us to guide you towards the right deal based on your business type and consumption patterns.

Then once you’ve chosen a contract, we handle the legwork – gathering your business details, submitting documents, verifying tenancy if needed, and ensuring your new supplier receives everything in time. We’ll also make sure your supply is registered with the central market operator so you’re active from the day you move in.

Check the meter at your new site before moving in

Timeline: Three to four weeks before moving

As part of your due diligence for your new site, it’s best to arrange a site visit to your new premises and locate the water meter. If you can’t get in yet, ask the landlord or managing agent to send photos of the meter, along with its location and serial number. The meter location isn’t always as obvious as it feels like it should be – for example it might be outside, underground, or inside a locked cupboard.

From there, check that the meter is readable and in good working order – you’ll want to make sure it’s not damaged, sealed, obscured, or doesn’t match the details you have for it. Meter problems can delay billing or cause confusion over who’s responsible for charges – especially in shared or multi-unit properties.

And as you may already be aware, it’s always good practice to take a clear photo showing the serial number and current reading. That photo becomes your baseline and protects you from being billed for the previous occupant’s water use. Also keep an eye out for leaks or unexplained flow. If the meter is moving even though no one’s using water, it’s worth flagging. Early fixes here save you hassle – and money – later.

Notify your current supplier and prepare to close your account

Timeline: Two to three weeks before moving

With the move date now approaching fast, you’ll need to tell your current supplier when you’re moving out, and give them a forwarding address for your final bill. Ask them what steps are needed to close the account. They may want a final meter reading, a signed form, or written confirmation on company letterhead.

If you’re staying with the same supplier, they may not transfer the contract automatically – it’s a common assumption! In other cases, you may find that your supplier treats it as a completely new contract, especially if your new premises are in a different wholesaler region.

Either way, always get confirmation in writing. You’ll want proof that the account is closing and that no further charges will be applied after your move-out date. Make sure to document everything – who you spoke to, what they said, and when. That record can protect you if things go wrong later.

Take meter readings at both sites on moving day

Timeline: On moving day

Take a clear, time-stamped photo of the final meter reading at your old premises – ideally after all equipment is turned off. This locks in your exact usage total, and prevents you being billed for someone else’s consumption.

Do the same thing the moment you arrive at your new premises. That opening reading is your starting point for all future charges. Label both sets of photos with the site address, date, and meter serial number.

Both your outgoing and incoming suppliers need that information to ensure the records match and that your final and first bills are accurate. It’s a good idea to store your readings securely along with your move documentation. We’d generally recommend saving them in at least two places and making sure your accounts or facilities team have access.

Confirm everything in writing and check your first bill carefully

Timeline: Within one week after moving

Once your move is complete, make sure your previous account is formally closed. Ask your old supplier to send written confirmation and check that the final reading they’ve used matches the one you sent. If it doesn’t, flag it immediately.

Check your new account too. If you’ve used us to change business water suppliers, we can confirm that your registration has gone through, but you should still review the first invoice yourself to ensure the tariff, billing cycle, and meter reading are all correct. It’s not uncommon for suppliers to make input errors during setup.

Keep all key documentation together – your contract, confirmation emails, readings, tenancy agreement, and the first invoice. These will be useful if you ever need to challenge a charge, request a refund, or compare rates down the line.

That’s all the key points covered! And if you’ve already concluded that switching your business water supplier is the right solution, that’s exactly where we can help here at The Business Water Shop. With a network of trusted suppliers at our disposal that spans across the UK, we’re perfectly positioned to get you the most competitive water quotes for your business. In fact, we’re able to save some customers up to 55% on their water bills, and you can count on us to use all our resources and industry expertise to get you the best deal.

It only takes a few minutes to get your online quote – so if you’re thinking about moving to switch business water suppliers, there’s never been a better time to do it!