Cutting water waste in the UK, increasing awareness around water efficiency amongst organisations – and focusing on employees – has resulted in a string of awards for water retailer Water Plus.
It’s won two British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards, in the West Midlands Region, after it was nominated for Workforce Developer and Green Business of the Year, in the Planet Saver category. It’s the first time the business has been shortlisted – and won British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards.
The company, which has its main office in Stoke-on-Trent, was put forward in the British Chambers of Commerce awards by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
In a first for their industry, Water Plus also won two National Sustainability Awards for its work with organisations on Water Reduction and its support for projects that prevent carbon emissions being released. It makes four awards, in recent weeks, for the company.
Chris Plant, Deputy CEO at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “We’re delighted that Water Plus has been recognised as one of the leading employers within the West Midlands for developing their employees through a range of resources and programmes. They are also a great example of a business that is focused on helping their customers to cut costs and help the environment by supporting them to cut their water waste and improve efficiency.”
Its work engaging businesses with their water use also saw business customers in a survey this year say it’d saved them energy, saved water and helped with budgeting*. Being more aware of water that’s used helps organisations reduce water waste and risks to supply interruptions on site water pipes.
Water Plus is also part of a Careers Hub in Staffordshire and a Careers Enterprise Programme to encourage people into work in the future. In November – and October, the company had pupils visiting their main office to learn more from those working there about jobs, learning, qualifications and other elements of employment.
The company is also highlighting water efficiency information and tips to school pupils – and other organisations – under their #BeWiseOnWater awareness campaign. During the November visit, this included asking children to turn off taps while brushing teeth, to reduce water waste (and carbon emissions linked to providing the water). Where less water needs to be heated there is also an energy saving too.
Mrs Claire Thomas, Associate Assistant Principal at Christ Church Academy, in Stone, Staffordshire, said: “The initial pupils who visited Water Plus found this very helpful to learn more about different job roles and what it’s like to work in and around offices with a company that has customers all across England and Scotland. It’s brilliant Water Plus have joined the Careers Hub to deliver workshops and visits – to help build interest and curiosity around the world of work to help young people for the future.
“Most pupils I spoke to, after Water Plus staff took part in a Careers Day at the school, said they were much more aware of the importance of saving water. They were able to quote a variety of different methods, including not leaving taps on when brushing teeth and shorter showers. Some pupils also stated that they are much more aware of how privileged they are in terms of their access to clean water.”
Water Plus, which works with organisations including the public sector, providing water retail services, is currently recruiting for roles – and has increased the number of apprenticeships – doubling the number of people on these in the Innovation and Technology area of the business this year. This year, more than 22 people are on apprenticeships, as they develop their skills for the future, including working towards degrees.
Andy Hughes, Chief Executive of water retailer Water Plus, said: “We really value all our people with a passion for delivering great customer service – and the success we have – and these awards – are a reflection of all their work with customers and providing the other great services we can offer to organisations in England and Scotland.
“Water Plus employees can choose to do one day of volunteering each year – and some are choosing to be involved in careers’ insights and workplace skills for young people in Staffordshire as part of this, while others have supported local charity North Staffs Mind by re-painting counselling rooms this year.
“As a leading business in the Staffordshire area, we aim to help prepare and support young and unemployed people from the local area to move into, or return to, the world of work. We’ll do this by helping them to develop a range of skills and provide experiences which improve their confidence and prospects of employability for the future.”
People in customer service teams at Water Plus also work towards National Qualifications in Customer Service, in a programme accredited by best practice leaders The Institute of Customer Service.
Water Plus provides water and wastewater billing and customer service, along with a range of technical water services and information around water efficiency, for organisations of all sizes. The company also won a Green Apple Environment Award in 2021, for its work with organisations around cutting water waste and raising awareness around water efficiency.
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