Sixty five jobs have been created in Dorset with the launch of a new national customer service centre.
Bournemouth Water Business (BWB) is a new, dedicated hub for non-household customers across Dorset and the New Forest.
It is one of four brands under the Pennon Water Services (PWS) umbrella which was launched by Pennon Group plc in readiness for the opening of the water market in 2017.
Based in Bournemouth, the other brands under PWS are South West Water Business, Source for Business and AquaCare, serving commercial customers across England and Scotland.
The business services team are experts in how businesses use water and offer a one-stop shop for all customers’ water management needs.
The new business hub is staffed by multi-skilled customer service executives, all trained to handle a range of billing enquiries, give expert advice and resolve queries promptly. They are supported by colleagues in accounting, administrative and commercial roles within the business centre.
The hub’s water management arm has also moved into the business centre.
Richard Stanbrook, Director of Bournemouth Water Business, said research showed that customers wanted three things:
· To be treated like a business
· Have queries resolved first time
· Accurate billing.
He added: “As a local, dedicated business service, we’re here to look after our customers’ water and wastewater needs.
“We can offer a combined water and waste bill and a comprehensive range of value-added services including water hygiene and water efficiency solutions, leak detection and water loggers.
“We’re experts in how businesses use water. We can help them save money and enhance their green credentials.”
Currently businesses based wholly in England which use more than five mega litres of water per year can choose their water retailer.
From April next year, the remaining 1.2 million estimated businesses, charities and public sector organisations will either be able to stay with their existing supplier or shop around and switch.
“The market is set to become very competitive but we believe that by offering a ‘one-stop shop’ for all things water, and with our many years of experience, the future looks bright for both our customers and for our business,” added Mr Stanbrook.
