Here’s how the size of your business affects your business water contract
WEDNESDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2023
When it comes to water management size really does matter
Today’s corporate landscape is constantly evolving, and amongst all the noise it’s easy for businesses to overlook their water contract. Whether you’re a fledgling start-up or a national enterprise, understanding how the size of your business affects your water contract can be crucial in managing overhead costs and ensuring sustainability.
The size of a business undeniably influences its water contract. While larger businesses might benefit from volume discounts and dedicated customer service, smaller ones enjoy greater flexibility and simpler contract terms.
But regardless of the size, it's necessary to read the fine print, understand consumption patterns, and negotiate a contract that aligns with both your operational needs and values.
Here’s how the size of your organisation can impact your water contract.
Understanding the basics
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand what a business water contract is. When it comes to contracts, water for business purposes isn't dissimilar to water for domestic purposes – a supplier charges for the provision of clean, reliable water. This contract typically outlines rates, service terms, and other pertinent details.
Size matters: bigger demand means bigger bargains
Large enterprises, such as manufacturing plants or hotels, use a significant amount of water daily. Due to the sheer volume of their consumption, these businesses often negotiate bulk rates or volume discounts. In other words, the more water your business uses, the better bargaining power you may have to negotiate a favourable rate.
Dedicated customer service
With larger businesses come larger responsibilities – and larger potential issues. Recognising this, many water suppliers offer dedicated customer service lines or account managers for businesses that have more substantial contracts. This tailored service ensures that in case of disruptions or queries, big enterprises get swift resolutions, minimising operational downtime.
Infrastructure and installation
A bigger business typically has a larger physical footprint. Large premises might require specialised infrastructure, such as bigger pipelines, storage solutions, or even on-site treatment facilities. The size of the business, therefore, plays a role in determining the initial installation cost and ongoing maintenance fees.
Regulatory compliance and reporting
Businesses of all sizes must comply with rigorous sustainability criteria, and large businesses in particular can find themselves directly under the spotlight of scrutiny. Big organisations, especially those working in water-intensive industries, may be subjected to strict regulatory oversight. These contracts might include clauses related to mandatory audits, reporting, and adherence to sustainability standards.
Flexibility in contract terms
While larger businesses have bargaining power due to volume, smaller businesses often have the advantage of flexibility. Smaller contracts can sometimes be adjusted or terminated with more ease compared to large-scale contracts, which might have stricter terms owing to the high stakes involved.
Environmental and sustainability initiatives
Today’s consumers are increasingly conscious of environmental responsibilities. Larger businesses, with their larger water footprints, might find clauses in their contracts that pertain to water conservation, waste reduction, or other sustainability efforts. Embracing these initiatives not only bolsters the company's public image but can also lead to long-term savings.
In this age of resource consciousness, businesses of all sizes have an opportunity – and responsibility – to utilise water resources efficiently. Recognising how the size of your business impacts your water contract is the first step in this journey.
Get in touch with Everflow today
Looking for the best water management support for your business? You’re in the right place. Everflow are dedicated to serve environmentally friendly utilities solutions to businesses across the UK. Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can support your organisation