Louise Beardmore takes over as United Utilities chief

Louise Beardmore took over from Steve Mogford as chief executive of United Utilities last week.

Beardmore (pictured) pledged to make the North West stronger, greener and healthier as she took up post, including by bringing forward £914m of investment as part of the sector-wide £1.6bn accelerated investment package Ofwat is consulting on until 24 April.

United Utilities said its £914m would be spent as follows:

• £719m for reducing storm overflow spills, helping protect water quality at inland waterways across the North West – including Windermere in the Lake District;

• £117m for habitat improvements in and around the River Eden in Cumbria; and

• £78m to reduce the frequency of storm overflow spills into bathing waters.