Suffolk Chamber water group advancing investigations into business water trading platform

A recent meeting of the Suffolk Business Water Trading Group (SBWTG) saw local firms, water companies and politicians come together with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce to discuss the water scarcity challenges in Suffolk and the feasibility of a potential new and innovative trading mechanism to help growing businesses access the commodity while new strategic water supply schemes are developed.

The SBWTG was set up earlier this year by Suffolk Chamber’s Suffolk Business Water Group to investigate the feasibility of a scheme aimed at facilitating business-to-business trades in surplus water. In effect, this is envisaged to be a trading platform where businesses invest, directly and where available, through grant funding, to reduce their water usage and so create a surplus which they can trade with others, especially businesses that need more water to accelerate their current growth plans.

The feasibility study for this groundbreaking scheme will require input from, amongst others, businesses, water companies, councils and regulators after which a timeline for a pilot scheme will be worked up.  In the meantime, businesses should continue to focus on water efficiency.

This latter body was itself launched in 2024 in response to the growing water use restrictions on non-domestic properties and their potential negative impact on businesses’ investment and job creation plans across the county.

The Group is made up of companies in the soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, leisure, manufacturing and agricultural sectors, Anglian Water and Essex & Suffolk Water – plus Freeport East, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and a senior planning officer.

The SBWTG meeting was hosted by Alan Ridealgh of Humber Doucey Brewery, and was attended by Will Robinson from Essex & Suffolk Water, Grant Tuffs of Anglian Water, Phil Clark (Konings Juices and Drinks), Pete Richardson (Aspall), Craig Woodburn (Molson Coors), Patrick Spencer MP and staff, a staff member from Adrian Ramsey MP’s office, as well as the Suffolk Chamber team.

The meeting considered three relevant models for a water trading platform:

• Market operator
• Bespoke broker
• Water company grant

After a lengthy discussion, it was agreed by the businesses present to work up more detailed proposals for the market operator and water company grant options.

Alan Ridealgh, managing director of Humber Doucey, said: “It was a pleasure to host the first face to face meeting of the Water Group at Finbows Tap. This is such a serious subject, so it was really encouraging to be involved in a cooperative and collaborative atmosphere. I feel more hopeful now that a sensible, practical, and forward-thinking solution can be found.”

William Robinson, water resources & supply strategy manager at Essex & Suffolk Water, added: “We’re delighted to continue our support for the Suffolk Business Water Group, working in partnership with the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and its members. Suffolk is one of the driest regions in the country making this collaboration vital in developing innovative ways for businesses to optimise their use of existing water supplies while new infrastructure schemes are delivered. Central to this will be reducing consumption through water efficiency initiatives.”

Grant Tuffs, Regional Engagement Manager at Anglian Water Services said: “Water scarcity in the East of England is an escalating challenge, particularly as businesses seek to grow while embracing more sustainable practices. Addressing this critical issue requires coordinated action, expert guidance, and a strong collective voice. Thanks to the leadership and convening power of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, progress is being made. The Chamber has brought together key stakeholders—including water companies, policymakers, regulators, and, most importantly, local businesses, to explore the development of a regional water trading and credit scheme.

This collaborative initiative marks an important first step in building a more resilient and sustainable water future for the region. While there is still more to be done, the momentum is clear, and the commitment from all parties is encouraging.”

Paul Simon, head of public affairs at Suffolk Chamber, concluded: “Suffolk is especially vulnerable to the business impacts of growing water scarcity. So, with necessity being the mother of invention, it is really encouraging to see investigations into this water trading initiative being advanced with such thoroughness by all interested parties.”