From April 2017, businesses in England will no longer be compelled to use their local water provider and can shop around for the best deal and service from among more than 20 suppliers.

OFWAT, the economic regulator of the water sector, requested that water suppliers should release their indicative wholesale prices for 2017-18 before the end of 2016.

Some water suppliers have chosen to withdraw from the commercial market, which means that customers currently using their services would be automatically required to switch supplier.