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Lord Taylor of Goss Moor appointed as champion for water customers

29th September 2020

Lord Matthew Taylor of Goss Moor has been appointed as the independent chair of a panel which will champion the voice of Bournemouth Water customers, giving them a greater say in the company.

Lord Taylor, who was an MP for more than 20 years, was selected as Chair of the advisory WaterShare+ Panel following a competitive and publicly advertised appointment process.  A graduate of Oxford University, he has a detailed knowledge of the region and a strong understanding of the water industry, having been a non-executive director of South West Water (Bournemouth Water’s owner).

His appointment follows the launch of Bournemouth Water’s unique WaterShare+ scheme, which shares the company’s success with customers and gives them more control in the company.  Bournemouth Water is currently inviting customers to choose how they would like to receive £20 from a pot of £20 million earned from outperformance over the past five years – either as a credit on their bill or as shares in Pennon Group plc, Bournemouth Water and South West Water's parent company.

Lord Taylor will chair quarterly meetings of the WaterShare+ Panel at which customers can question directors on progress against plans.  The first meeting in public will be in January 2021, following a meeting this Friday to establish the panel.  Meetings will be held virtually at first, due to Covid-19 restrictions, but as circumstances allow they will be held in locations in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. There will also be an Annual General Meeting for customers from 2021.

Lord Taylor said: “The main purpose of the panel will be to hold the company to delivering its plan to improve services and cut bills - and allow customers to quiz the executive team to tackle any issues that arise with the delivery of those commitments. I am determined the panel works as an effective champion for customers in holding the business to account, enabling a water sector-leading involvement of customers in the business.”

WaterShare+ is part of Bournemouth Water’s 2020-25 New Deal, which was designed by customers for customers following the company’s biggest ever customer consultation. 

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

  • Pennon acquired Bournemouth Water in 2015, when it became part of South West Water

For further information please contact:

Bournemouth Water 

www.bournemouthwater.co.uk/contact-us/