Chamber launches new group as Suffolk businesses face tough choices over water use

The big picture: Suffolk companies, particularly those in manufacturing, agriculture and drinks production, are grappling with growing pressure to reduce their water consumption while maintaining productivity.

Why it matters:

• The county sits in England's most water-depleted region

• Government requirements call for a 9% reduction in non-domestic water usage by 2038

• Businesses may consider relocating to less water-stressed areas if solutions aren't found

The response: Suffolk Chamber of Commerce has launched the Suffolk Business Water Group, bringing together:

• Major water users from drinks, leisure, manufacturing and agricultural sectors

• Water suppliers Anglian Water and Essex & Suffolk Water

• Key stakeholders including Freeport East and the Federation of Small Businesses

The group has established a three-point action plan:

• Creating an internal channel to share information about grants and initiatives

• Developing a Water Hub on the Chamber's website

• Setting up a task group to explore business-to-business water trading

What they're saying: Paul Simon, Suffolk Chamber’s head of public affairs said: “This Group is the direct result of the Suffolk Water Summit. It provides an honest and informed forum for companies to share concerns and best practice and to work with the water companies to lobby for additional help from other stakeholders to help the transition to a lower water use economy – especially important as our county is part of the most water depleted region in the country.”

"Water is not only vital for life, but also crucial to support the social and economic growth of the region – especially important for businesses looking to invest and expand," added Geoff Darch, head of strategic asset planning at Anglian Water.

Will Robinson, water resources and supply strategy manager at Essex & Suffolk Water, said: “As a group, we’re keen to support the business community in identifying grants, schemes and initiatives, as we work together to boost awareness of the water stress challenges, we’re all facing in Suffolk.

Providing practical shared solutions that could help businesses while protecting our existing water supplies will be a priority while we develop new strategic water supply schemes and build resilience for the future.”

The bottom line: With water companies, the chamber and local business leaders now working together, Suffolk firms hope to establish a clearer path to meeting tough new water restrictions while maintaining and growing their operations in the region.