The sale was made necessary by CKI's decision to make a firm offer to purchase Northumbrian Water. A prohibition exists on the ownership of a significant interest in more than one regulated water utility in the UK.
In what is described as "a wise solution to protect Cambridge Water as a company", HSBC said it saw its role as custodian-owner, with three seats on the Cambridge Water board. The bank said the expertise of its experienced Power and Utilities specialist team in London ensured its understanding and grasp of the operation of a water company.
In a statement, Cambridge Water said it is aware of the central position it holds in the community, and is satisfied that HSBC understands this.
No staff changes are planned as a result of the change in ownership nor changes in customers’ charges which are fixed for 5-year periods by The Water Services Regulation Authority (OFWAT).
A spokesman for HSBC said:
“Cambridge Water has sought and received assurances from us that the company will continue to operate in exactly the same way as before. HSBC is concerned to protect the integrity of Cambridge Water, an objective shared by the local non-executive directors and the management of the company.”
Stephen Kay, Managing Director of Cambridge Water, commented:
“At Cambridge Water our commitment is to deliver quality water and excellent service to our customers. This remains unchanged under our new owners.”
With the UK government demanding a 50% reduction in storm overflow spills by 2029, the era of reactive management is over. Speaking in the House of Commons on 21 July 2025, then environment secretary Steve Reed said, “This Government will cut water companies’ sewage pollution in half by the end of the decade.”
ERG, the leading supplier of odour control systems and industrial gas cleaning & thermal systems, has been awarded the coveted King’s Award for Enterprise.
Welsh Water’s new artificial intelligence-driven tool, ORAI, has been shortlisted for three categories at the prestigious British Data Awards 2026 – underscoring the company’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology to deliver better outcome for customers.
Barhale has completed work on two separate Rapid Action Taskforce Spills projects it is carrying out for Severn Trent.
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.