How to get started on switching water suppliers

A quick breakdown of the key information you need in advance

Before you start comparing suppliers, the first step you’ll need to take generally involves gathering essential information about your current water usage and contract terms. So, start by reviewing your water bills to understand your consumption patterns. If you have a smart meter, you can get even more precise data about your usage, which will help you identify the right tariff for your needs.

Next, look into the terms of your current contract. Are you tied into a fixed-term agreement? If so, are there any exit fees or penalties if you decide to switch? While you’re doing this, it’s also a good idea to check if your contract includes automatic renewals, which is how a lot of organisations often get caught out by price hikes. Taking the time to review all this now can be particularly useful in helping you avoid any surprises during the transition.

Finally, make sure you know the specifics of your eligibility. While most businesses can switch water suppliers in the UK, some areas may have specific restrictions, so it’s always best to double-check for this before you move on.

Set your priorities – what do you need from your new provider?

Now you’ve got a general overview of your situation, the next step is to have a think about what you need from your new supplier. Two of the most common reasons for switching water suppliers involve looking for either savings on operational costs, or an improvement in the quality of customer service, so these may be good places to start.

You may be able to enjoy cost savings from switching to a better tariff or finding a supplier that offers more competitive rates. If customer service is your main priority on the other hand, you may want to focus on suppliers with strong reputations for reliability and responsiveness. (Of course, that’s not to say that the two goals are mutually exclusive – you may well be able to find a supplier that offers a good balance of both!)

Of course, there are plenty of other aspects to consider, too. For example, you may also want to look at contract flexibility. Some suppliers offer fixed-rate contracts that can provide more stability in terms of costs, while others offer more flexible, variable-rate tariffs that might better suit businesses with fluctuating water consumption. Ultimately, you may need to have a think about what will work best for your business based on your usage patterns and future needs.

Additionally, it’s never a bad idea to consider any extra services or benefits that could help your business, such as water-saving technologies or smart meters. Some suppliers offer advanced metering that can help track and optimise your water usage in real time, potentially saving you money in the long run. Others may provide tailored services like bulk discounts or sustainability-focused options, which could neatly line up with your priorities if you’re looking to reduce water consumption or lower your environmental impact.

A couple of things to watch out for

While switching water suppliers can be a highly rewarding process, it’s worth bearing a couple of key things in mind – especially if you’ve never done it before. First, you’ll need to ensure that you’re able to have the time you need to read the fine print of any contract you’re considering. (We know that just finding the time can often be particularly difficult for business owners and other senior staff, so if you can, you may find it worth temporarily delegating some of your normal responsibilities to ensure you get the space you need.)

Paper billing or account set-up can sometimes be chargeable services, so it’s worth checking if your potential new supplier charges for these, and if so, making sure that you’re taking them into account at an early stage. They may make all the difference in terms of how much you’re actually saving!

Long-term contracts will similarly need a particularly careful review. While locking in a deal for several years may enable you to benefit from lower rates, it could limit your flexibility if your water needs change or if a better deal comes up in the future. So, make sure you know what the terms are in regards to exit clauses or early termination fees before committing.

By the same token, don’t forget to make sure you’re clear on the cancellation terms of your existing supplier. If you’re still under contract with them, you could be liable for exit fees or penalties if you leave early – which again can sometimes undercut your initial savings. You may need to plan your switch carefully to avoid these charges, and make sure you’re aware of the proper notice periods.

Finally, remember to ensure you’re taking a holistic view of the offerings by any new supplier. Sometimes, you might decide it’s worth paying the same business rates for water as long as you’re getting the benefit of better customer service, or specific additional perks. Equally, sometimes long-term flexibility can be more beneficial than short-term savings – it all depends on what fits best with the goals you’ve set for your business.

How we can help you at The Business Water Shop

In short, here at The Business Water Shop we like to save you time, effort and hassle. As we’ve touched on above, we know that switching water suppliers can be a daunting prospect, so we’ve made the entire process simple and straightforward – all you need is your postcode to get started.

We have a network of trusted suppliers that encompasses the whole of the UK, which makes us the perfect option to get you the most competitive water quotes for your business. We’ve even been 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.

And if you ever have any questions, or need any advice, that’s exactly what our team is here for. We’re committed to helping you get exactly what you need from your new supplier, whether that’s lower prices, better customer service, contract flexibility, or more.

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!