Latest news with #BusinessStream
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
The role water efficiency plays in a greener Scotland: Here's how your business can save water and money
Business Stream Given the climate crisis, increasing costs and the need to protect what is fast becoming a precious resource, Stephen Sheridan, Head of Account Management at Business Stream shares his insights into what businesses can do to reduce water use - and benefit from financial and environmental savings. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The climate crisis has brought with it a new sense of urgency for businesses to act. From decarbonisation to resource efficiency, pressure is mounting from customers, investors, regulators and employees to demonstrate genuine progress - not just ambition. Yet in the race to reduce emissions and support sustainability targets, there's one area that often remains overlooked: water. It can be taken for granted. And in a country known for its rainfall, it doesn't always feel like a pressing concern. But the reality is quite different. The truth is water is a precious resource, and we are already facing shortage issues in the UK. And while water resources are a bigger issue in England, particularly the South of England, we're starting to see water shortage issues impact Scotland too. In addition, we also know that the amount of energy used to treat, heat and re-heat water negatively impacts our energy emissions and subsequent net zero targets. Against this backdrop, the need for water efficiency has never been clearer. As a water retailer, we believe we have an important role to play in promoting this message and helping our customers to use less water. Most businesses are aware of the practical interventions that can be taken, such as installing water efficient devices and undertaking water audits. But there are other initiatives and solutions designed to help businesses achieve water efficiencies that are worth exploring. For a start, technology in this space is rapidly evolving, which gives businesses the opportunity to truly understand their water use and identify savings. Last year, we launched Power BI Intelligent Water Management (IWM) reporting for our customers, giving them self-serve access to a suite of comprehensive reports for their sites. This new functionality enables us to analyse customers' consumption data on a site-by-site basis to identify anomalies, send high consumption alerts, track the carbon impact of water use and realise opportunities to achieve water efficiency savings. All of this is then visually displayed for customers to see so they can take ownership of their water use. And for those customers who are committed to embedding sustainability within the culture of their organisation, we've launched our Water Stewardship Programme, a UK-first initiative delivered in partnership with sustainability experts 20FIFTY Partners. The programme is designed to equip businesses with the knowledge, tools and support they need to understand their water use, identify opportunities to reduce it, and put in place practical strategies that drive change across their sites. It's a 12-week programme that combines group learning, one-to-one mentoring, and real-world action planning, with all participants receiving an accreditation on completion. And it's already delivering results. Businesses that took part in our pilot programme have reported improved efficiencies, greater engagement across their teams, and progress against their sustainability goals. There are also funding opportunities available. For public sector organisations, for example, we offer a £100,000 annual Water Efficiency Fund, which organisations can apply for. This fund has already helped organisations like National Museums Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue and Edinburgh Council to roll out water-saving interventions, from installing water-efficient urinals and taps, to undertaking water audits across large estates. Given the increasing focus on water scarcity and the on-going need for us all to address the climate crisis we're facing, water efficiency is growing in importance. For businesses that are pro-active in this space, the benefits are clear - using less water is good for the environment, supports sustainability targets and, ultimately, reduces costs.
Scotsman
27-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
New Charter sets customer care standard within water industry
One of the UK's leading water retailers has announced the launch of an industry-first Charter, marking a major milestone in the sector's customer service standards. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Developed in response to colleague and customer feedback, Business Stream's Customer Care Charter sets out 12 commitments that the Edinburgh-based water retailer is committed to delivering to meet and exceed its customers' needs. Jo Mayes, Customer Services Director at Business Stream, said: 'As a customer-centric business, we're passionate about delivering a great service to our customers, every day. This initiative was born out of a desire across the company to always be transparent, to use customer insight to help shape our service delivery and to hold ourselves to account. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The Charter provides a framework around the initiatives and services we're already delivering – or are striving to deliver - for our customers, and also demonstrates our intent to continuously improve the service we provide.' Jo Mayes, Customer Services Director at Business Stream The Customer Care Charter focuses on four key areas: Simple and Easy, Trust, Experience and Expertise, and Care. Each pillar, which has been informed by customer research and insight, is backed by clear, measurable actions that exceed business-as-usual expectations Commitments include longer opening hours, a new live chat service, faster call response times and tailored support for vulnerable customers. Other commitments include maintaining high satisfaction and Trustpilot ratings, further investment in water efficiency services, solutions and data analytics, and meeting environmental and social value targets. Jo Mayes added: 'We'll report annually on our progress, as we want to be transparent and build real trust around our commitment to this Charter. And we'll regularly review our commitments to ensure they continue to reflect what matters most to our customers and colleagues. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This initiative is strongly aligned to our vision to make a positive difference and our hope is that this Charter helps set a new benchmark for customer care in our industry.'
Scotsman
08-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Water retailer launches feelgood tariffs
Scottish businesses are being offered the chance to divert water bill savings towards food banks or nature restoration projects, through new 'feelgood' tariffs. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Leading water retailer Business Stream has launched the new offering, with plans to expand the programme over the coming months to its customer base in England, helping to raise significant sums for good causes. Early response to an initial 3-month pilot run last year was promising, with 65 business sites who renewed in Scotland signing up, highlighting a growing trend among companies to align their purchasing decisions with broader ethical considerations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad These tariffs enable customers to redirect a 2% tariff discount to support local food waste projects by redistributing surplus food to charities with FareShare or landscape restoration with Ecologi, with Business Stream matching this contribution. Jo Dow, Chief Executive of Business Stream Jo Dow, Chief Executive at Business Stream, said: 'Our feelgood tariffs are about more than just water savings, they represent a commitment to making a tangible difference to local communities and the environment we all depend on. 'The fact that businesses are already adopting these tariffs is a clear sign that our customers value a partnership that goes beyond the basics. We're proud to match their contributions to help make a lasting impact.' In collaboration with FareShare, the "Naturally Share" tariff directs funds to redistribute surplus food to those in need within the local area, while also helping to reduce food waste. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kirsty Ford, Head of Fundraising at FareShare said: 'We are so grateful to Business Stream for their support for FareShare. Donations through the 'Naturally Share' tariff will help us get good-to-eat food to the people who need it rather than going to waste. Every day, the food we redistribute to a network of over 8,000 charities in every region helps to strengthen communities. From homelessness shelters and afterschool clubs to refuges and older people's lunch clubs, these groups are all working harder than ever. 'The generous support of Business Stream and their customers is instrumental in helping charities unite more people through food to form connections and access essential support services. Thank you for helping FareShare make the food go further.' The "Naturally Care" tariff, in partnership with Ecologi, the UK's most trusted climate action brand, supports the regeneration of UK woodlands, helping to combat biodiversity loss. This option complements the partnership Business Stream has already developed with the climate action specialists to invest in nature-based projects. Ecologi's UK based rewilding projects include restoration of peatlands, heathland, woodland and wildflower meadows. Dimitri Theocharis, CEO at Ecologi said: 'Nature restoration and forest protection plays a crucial role in tackling biodiversity loss, so it's fantastic to see Business Stream empowering their customers to make a real impact. By redirecting tariff discounts to support vital rewilding and habitat restoration projects, they are directly contributing to the restoration of the UK's natural landscapes. This includes protecting wetlands, woodlands and wildflower meadows which are critical for both biodiversity and carbon storage. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This initiative not only improves local ecosystems but also sets a powerful example to the utilities sector, demonstrating how businesses can incorporate reforestation and restoration initiatives as a meaningful part of their sustainability efforts. We're excited to be a part of this journey and look forward to seeing the positive change it brings.' 'Naturally Fair', a third tariff option, reassures customers that they will get the lowest possible tariff at Business Stream. Business Stream's driving vision is to make a positive difference to its customers, its people, the environment, and local communities. Since its vision was launched six years ago, the company has introduced over 35 new initiatives which align with its sustainability goals and achieved a Gold rating through EcoVadis, the world's largest sustainability assessment platform.
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Twenty-three North Lanarkshire schools to benefit practical sustainability water usage initiative
As part of its commitment under the Public Sector Scotland (PSS) Framework, water retailer Business Stream has provided free water butts to the schools. Twenty-three North Lanarkshire schools are set to benefit from a practical sustainability initiative that aims to inspire young minds while helping cut water usage. As part of its commitment under the Public Sector Scotland (PSS) Framework, water retailer Business Stream has provided free water butts to the schools. The water butts, which capture and store rainwater for outdoor use, are expected to save up to 2000 litres of water a year in each school. Sophia Goring, head of environmental, social and governance (ESG) at Business Stream, said: 'This innovative water-saving project, not only helps schools reduce water consumption but also provides a practical, hands-on learning opportunity for young students to understand environmental sustainability. 'By introducing water butts into primary schools, we're empowering the next generation to become environmentally conscious citizens.' Each school is encouraged to locate and secure their water butt in a safe and practical area, ensuring it supports outdoor learning and gardening activities while adhering to health and safety guidelines. As part of the rollout, local authorities will also be invited to share feedback and case studies from participating schools, capturing the environmental and educational impact of the initiative for future learning and reporting. The initiative underlines Business Stream's wider environmental commitment. Since launching its 'Make A Positive Difference' (MAPD) vision in 2019, the organisation has delivered more than 30 ESG-focused initiatives. Sophia added: 'This initiative is a perfect example of how small, practical actions can deliver long-term benefits for both people and planet. 'We're committed to helping our public sector customers meet their environmental goals, and this is a fantastic way to encourage sustainable thinking from a young age. 'Our hope is that these water butts become a lasting resource for schools, both as a tool for reducing water usage and as an opportunity to bring sustainability to life for children in a fun and hands-on way.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
