Following on from its success in securing a place on the Crown Commercial Service framework earlier in the year, water retailer Business Stream has secured a place on a second English public sector water framework agreement, LASER.

 The LASER framework, which supports the requirements of local authorities, NHS Trusts, housing associations and other public-funded bodies in England, will give the Edinburgh-based retailer access to a market worth around £208 million.

 LASER is a wholly-owned part of Kent County Council, under KCC’s Commercial Services umbrella. It was formed in 1989 and is now one of the largest energy and water public buying organisations (PBOs) in the UK. LASER’s frameworks are created to simplify procurement and save money for public bodies throughout the UK.

LASER’s water framework contains multiple suppliers - public sector customers can select a supplier from the framework through a mini tender process.

 James Cardwell-Moore, Commercial Director, Business Stream said:

 “We are delighted to have secured a place on the LASER framework and are looking forward to working with public sector organisations across the UK. Being awarded a place on the two key public sector water framework agreements is a real achievement and is testament to the vast amount of experience and expertise we have in working with the public sector and our unparalleled record of helping organisations to make savings and reduce their water usage.”

Business Stream, one of the largest suppliers in the Anglo-Scottish market, is one of only seven companies to be appointed to the framework. Last year the company acquired the non-household customer base of Southern Water, increasing its foothold in England.

The firm is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scottish Water and the largest operator in the Scottish non-domestic water market. Its most recent profit before tax was £21.8 million from revenue of £281 million. Headquartered in Edinburgh, it also has offices in Glasgow and Worthing, and employs around 300 staff.