Top utility company in the country

09/12/2008

Northumbrian Water was officially crowned as the best utility company in the country last night.

The water company, which supplies water and wastewater services to 2.6 million customers across the North East, and water services to 1.8 million customers in Essex and Suffolk, was named Utility Company of the Year 2008 at the glittering Utility Industry Achievement Awards dinner held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.

The event, which was organised by Utility Week magazine, was attended by 1200 people and recognises outstanding achievement, innovation, excellent customer service, efficiency and quality in the water, gas, electricity and telecom industries.

Competition was strong with Northumbrian Water, Scottish Water and Scottish Power shortlisted for Utility Company of the Year. 

It is the only category, out of ten in total, which is not open for entry. A ten-strong judging panel of experts from across the utility sector vote for the company they think best deserves the top honour.

John Cuthbert, Northumbrian Water’s managing director, said:  "We are extremely proud our company has won this award and each and every employee has played a vital part in our success.

“Our quality service and customer focus, investment in our assets, providing value for money and our commitment to improving the local communities we serve are at the heart of our business and were all recognised.”

Steve Hobson, Editor of Utility Week, said:  “Last year for the first time we asked our panel of eminent judges to nominate and vote for the utility they felt deserved the accolade Utility Company of the Year. The aim was to open this top category to companies that deserve such recognition but often don’t enter awards for various reasons.

“Northumbrian Water was a worthy winner for the way it builds its business around customers and the community, principles that usually do not make headlines but show that a successful utility really does put customers at the heart of its business.”

This latest achievement follows Northumbrian Water being ranked the multi-utilities sector national leader in the Business in the Community Corporate Responsibility Index - the UK’s leading benchmark of responsible business practice – and achieved a platinum rating and Impact on Society Big Tick for work done in the marketplace, workplace, environment and community.  The company’s northern customer centre also recently won North East Customer Centre of the Year (under 200 seats).

For more information about the awards log onto www.utilityweekawards.co.uk

For further information contact Cara Hall on 0191 301 6720.