Facilities management giant Mitie to enter the water market

Facilities management firm Mitie has applied for a water retail licence.

The Mitie Waste and Environmental Services division is leading the initiative, with the £4.5bn turnover Mitie Group financing the investment and guaranteeing post-payment credit terms with wholesalers, without the need for any external backing.

A Managed Water Services team is being established to lead the water retail element of the business; experienced leaders have been recruited. Mitie already manages £100m in water contracts for its client base, and undertakes bill validation, onsite water and wastewater management, trade effluent and compliance services. Ofwat’s consultation on the licence application said integrating retail services with its existing activities will provide the opportunity for Mitie to expand its water efficiency and water management services. 

• Ofwat is consulting until 26 November on a self-supply licence application by Futamura Chemical. The company supplies renewable and compostable packaging films and cellulose casings produced primarily from wood pulp. Ofwat’s consultation said Futamura Chemical is working towards a 5% water reduction goal compared to a 2016 baseline. Waterscan will act as managing agent.