WaterShare+

A greater say in your water

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Giving you a greater say in your water company

WaterShare+ is a unique scheme that rewards our customers when we outperform and gives you a greater say in how we operate.

As part of the scheme, we offer our customers shares in our parent company, Pennon Group Plc, or money off your water bill. 

So far, we have issued shares in 2020 and 2022, with 1 in 14 customers now shareholders in our business. We are incredibly proud that we now have a greater number of customer shareholders than any other shareholder group.

As well as this, the independent WaterShare+ Panel perform a vital role- they directly represent customers, meeting with us to challenge on performance, champion customer concerns, and provide assurance on our performance reporting. The Panel are designated as our Independent Challenge Group by our economic regulator, Ofwat.

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Everyone is invited – come along to The Panel’s public meetings!

The Panel’s public meetings are a great opportunity for you to engage and put your questions directly to our senior leadership.

Where these meetings occur in-person, we bring along staff from specialist teams so that you can learn more about your water. Don’t worry if you can’t make it in person though – many of the Panel’s public meetings are online.

Details of our next meeting:

Date: Friday, September 20, 2024

Time: 10am – 1:30pm

Location: Mayflower Water Treatment Works, Little Down Lane, Roborough, Plymouth PL6 7BD

What to expect: Come along for a tour of our cutting-edge drinking water treatment works outside Plymouth, learn more about the WaterShare+ Panel, and put your questions directly to the company’s leaders in a ‘Q&A’ session.

Topic: Customer Annual General Meeting

Timeline of events:
10:00 – 10:30 – Batch 1 site tour
10:30 – 11:00 – Batch 2 site tour
11:00 – 11:15 – Refreshment break
11:15 – 13:00 – Presentation and Q&A
13:00 – 13:30 – Networking and lunch

Please note: The venue is not accessible for those with mobility issues. For more details, contact our team at WaterShareCustomerPanel@southwestwater.co.uk



REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.
The registration for this meeting is now closed as we have reached capacity.
If you have any queries, please get in touch with our WaterShare+ team.

Upcoming meeting dates

Date

Time

Location

Panel

Meeting

20/09/2024

10:00 – 13:30

Plymouth PL6 7BD

WaterShare+

Public

Meet the WaterShare+ Panel

Chaired by Lord Matthew Taylor, The Panel is formed of eight members who act as advocates for local customers and other stakeholders. The panel members represent all of our supply areas, including Devon, Cornwall, Bristol, and Bournemouth.

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Lord Matthew Taylor, Chair

Formerly an MP in Cornwall for 23 years, Matthew has a passion for sustainable planning and housing policy, and he continues to advise government and businesses on a significant number of new sustainable developments. Following a decade of working in the water sector with a focus on improving customer outcomes, Matthew continues to champion customers by holding the company to account as chair of the WaterShare+ Panel.

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Peaches Golding OBE, Deputy Chair

Peaches is His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Bristol; Vice President of the Royal Society of St George; Non-Executive Consultant of Moon Consulting Ltd, and a Trustee of the SS Great Britain and the Bristol Zoological Society. She has also been awarded an OBE for services to minority ethnic people in the South West and the CStJ for services to faith and humanity. Peaches has an honorary MBA from the University of the West of England (UWE), a Doctorate of the University from UWE and a Doctorate of Letters from the University of Bristol. She is an Honorary Captain of the Royal Naval Reserves and President of the affiliation between Bristol and HMS Prince of Wales.

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Nick Buckland OBE

Nick continues to champion the needs of customers having chaired South West Water’s independent WaterShare and WaterFuture Panels. Nick is the Chair of the social mobility charity Future First and a Chair, Non-Executive Director and Trustee of other organisations. In recognition of his outstanding services to innovation and technology, Nick was appointed OBE in 2009. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Technology by Plymouth University in 2013.

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Anthony Denham

After retiring from a career in the electrical power industry, Anthony became a champion for water customers in the Southwest when he joined WaterVoice (latterly the Customer Council for Water). Since 2015 Anthony has been the deputy chair of the independent Bristol Water Challenge Panel where he helps to lead the challenge to the water company on behalf of customers.

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Richard Lacey

Richard previously chaired the Bournemouth Water Customer View Group ensuring that the company delivered against its promises and was instrumental in ensuring services to Bournemouth Water customers were not impacted when South West Water acquired the company in 2016. Richard continues to ensure that Bournemouth Water’s customer needs are considered on the WaterShare+ Panel. Richard is a Chartered Civil Engineer with a lifetime’s experience in the Water Industry.

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Carole Theobald

Carole has worked in the public and charitable sectors in Cornwall for more than 20 years. Carole is the chief executive at iSightCornwall, a leading sight loss charity supporting more than 4,000 people each year and Non-Executive Member of the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) for quality, citizen engagement and equalities. Carole is a versatile senior leader with a wealth of experience in customer advocacy.

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Ben Harper

Ben is the Chief Executive of the award-winning Watergate Bay group of hospitality companies. His previous roles include spending six years helping the serviced apartment company SACO (now EDYN Group) to double inventory, revenues and profitability and transitioning the business through a private equity cycle.

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Dinah Cox OBE

Dinah is Chair of the grant-making trust the Devon Community Foundation; a Non-Executive Director for Inclusion and Race Equality for Devon and Cornwall Police and a Non-Executive Director of the Devon Partnership NHS Trust. She is also a Regional Advisory Group Member for the National Trust. The former Chief Executive of Race on the Agenda (ROTA), Dinah was awarded an OBE in 2008 for services to Community Relations in London.

Bristol Water Challenge Panel

The Bristol Water Challenge Panel (BWCP) takes on a similar role to the WaterShare+ panel but focuses exclusively on Bristol Water. The BWCP have overseen the integration of Bristol Water since it was acquired by South West Water’s parent company, Pennon Group, ensuring that the priorities of its customers have been heard throughout the process. The BWCP members meet quarterly, and a full list of its members can be found below:

Panel Member

Organisation

Panel role

Peaches Golding OBE

Independent

Chair

Tony Denham

Independent

Deputy Chair

Fran Begley

South Bristol Advice Centre

Panel member

Dr Tabinda Rashid-Fadel

NHS

Panel member

Cllr Patrick Keating

North Somerset Council

Panel member

Cllr Ros Wyke

Somerset Council

Panel member

Catherine Jones

CCW

Panel member

Tamsin Sutton

Environment Agency

Panel member

Laura Henley

Natural England

Panel member

Colin Williams

Independent

Panel member

Please remember information on this web page in relation to the share alternative under the WaterShare+ scheme is information only and not recommendation or advice. You might wish to consult an authorised financial advisor.

The Panel’s Publications

WaterShare+ FAQs

Who is Pennon Group?
Who is Pennon Group?

Pennon Group Plc owns Bristol Water as well as other companies such as South West Water, Bournemouth Water and Pennon Water Services. It is a public limited company (plc), and its shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange. Pennon is based in Exeter in Devon. For information visit pennon-group.co.uk.

Why am I getting this £13?
Why am I getting this £13?

In Pennon's five-year business plans, there's a commitment to sharing its success with customers. Thanks to performance between 2020 to 2022, Pennon will be sharing approximately £20 million with all its customers. This is part of the WaterShare+ scheme, which gives customers the choice between acquiring a share in Pennon Group Plc and a bill reduction, and a greater say in the company and how we are run.

Will I still get £13 if I owe you money from unpaid bills?
Will I still get £13 if I owe you money from unpaid bills?

Yes. We can also help you if you are struggling to pay your water bills – please let us know as various support schemes are available. If you are struggling to pay your water bills, then it is unlikely that the share option is the right choice for you. 

Do I have to pay tax on my £13?
Do I have to pay tax on my £13?

No. However, if you choose the share option – you may have to pay capital gains tax if you make a profit above a certain limit when you sell shares. There could also be other tax consequences, for example in connection with any dividends declared on the shares. Individual circumstances will vary, and you may wish to seek qualified independent financial advice.

How does the share scheme work?
How does the share scheme work?

If you choose the share option, your £13 will be used to purchase Pennon shares listed on the London Stock Exchange. The number of shares will be rounded down to the nearest whole number, which means you may also receive a credit on your water bill to make up for the difference in share price and the amount you are eligible to receive. If the Pennon share price is more than £13 at the relevant time, Pennon may at its discretion top up the amount you’re eligible to receive so that you still receive a share. The shares will be acquired by Link Market Services Trustees Limited, part of Link Market Services, Pennon’s share registrar, who will hold the shares on behalf of participating customers. Customers will then receive dividends and hold voting rights in Pennon Group on the Pennon shares they acquire and be sent quarterly statements on how those shares are performing.

The share scheme is online only - customers need to provide an email address and bank account details. This will allow company reports and dividends to be delivered and processed electronically.

For the Pennon shares option, please be aware that terms, conditions, and risks apply. See the Customer Guide for further details. This service is only available to individual household customers, where the individual is at least 18 years old and a resident in the United Kingdom, is a UK tax resident only, is not a tax resident in any other jurisdiction and is not a US citizen. Please note, nothing in this letter should be taken as a recommendation to take any particular action.

Please note that the value of shares and any income derived from them can either decrease or increase, and you may not get back your original investment. If you are in any doubt as to what action to take, please contact an authorised financial advisor.

Can I sell a Pennon share received under WaterShare+?
Can I sell a Pennon share received under WaterShare+?

Yes, you can.

Can I buy more shares?
Can I buy more shares?

Yes, you can.

What happens if I move home or stop being an account holder after the scheme has started?
What happens if I move home or stop being an account holder after the scheme has started?

If you move to a new home after you have registered your choice during the registration period, then don’t worry. You are still entitled to the £13 credit on your account. You will still also be eligible for the Pennon shares option, provided your new home is in the United Kingdom and you continue to meet the other eligibility criteria for shares.

If you opt for a share – this will be yours until you decide to sell it even if you no longer live in the south west region. However, customers should make themselves aware of certain restrictions that may apply should they hold shares while being resident outside the United Kingdom.

Who is Pennon Group?

Pennon Group Plc owns Bristol Water as well as other companies such as South West Water, Bournemouth Water and Pennon Water Services. It is a public limited company (plc), and its shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange. Pennon is based in Exeter in Devon. For information visit pennon-group.co.uk.

Why am I getting this £13?

In Pennon's five-year business plans, there's a commitment to sharing its success with customers. Thanks to performance between 2020 to 2022, Pennon will be sharing approximately £20 million with all its customers. This is part of the WaterShare+ scheme, which gives customers the choice between acquiring a share in Pennon Group Plc and a bill reduction, and a greater say in the company and how we are run.

Will I still get £13 if I owe you money from unpaid bills?

Yes. We can also help you if you are struggling to pay your water bills – please let us know as various support schemes are available. If you are struggling to pay your water bills, then it is unlikely that the share option is the right choice for you. 

Do I have to pay tax on my £13?

No. However, if you choose the share option – you may have to pay capital gains tax if you make a profit above a certain limit when you sell shares. There could also be other tax consequences, for example in connection with any dividends declared on the shares. Individual circumstances will vary, and you may wish to seek qualified independent financial advice.

How does the share scheme work?

If you choose the share option, your £13 will be used to purchase Pennon shares listed on the London Stock Exchange. The number of shares will be rounded down to the nearest whole number, which means you may also receive a credit on your water bill to make up for the difference in share price and the amount you are eligible to receive. If the Pennon share price is more than £13 at the relevant time, Pennon may at its discretion top up the amount you’re eligible to receive so that you still receive a share. The shares will be acquired by Link Market Services Trustees Limited, part of Link Market Services, Pennon’s share registrar, who will hold the shares on behalf of participating customers. Customers will then receive dividends and hold voting rights in Pennon Group on the Pennon shares they acquire and be sent quarterly statements on how those shares are performing.

The share scheme is online only - customers need to provide an email address and bank account details. This will allow company reports and dividends to be delivered and processed electronically.

For the Pennon shares option, please be aware that terms, conditions, and risks apply. See the Customer Guide for further details. This service is only available to individual household customers, where the individual is at least 18 years old and a resident in the United Kingdom, is a UK tax resident only, is not a tax resident in any other jurisdiction and is not a US citizen. Please note, nothing in this letter should be taken as a recommendation to take any particular action.

Please note that the value of shares and any income derived from them can either decrease or increase, and you may not get back your original investment. If you are in any doubt as to what action to take, please contact an authorised financial advisor.

Can I sell a Pennon share received under WaterShare+?

Yes, you can.

Can I buy more shares?

Yes, you can.

What happens if I move home or stop being an account holder after the scheme has started?

If you move to a new home after you have registered your choice during the registration period, then don’t worry. You are still entitled to the £13 credit on your account. You will still also be eligible for the Pennon shares option, provided your new home is in the United Kingdom and you continue to meet the other eligibility criteria for shares.

If you opt for a share – this will be yours until you decide to sell it even if you no longer live in the south west region. However, customers should make themselves aware of certain restrictions that may apply should they hold shares while being resident outside the United Kingdom.

Important information

References to and details of the customer share offer (the “Offer”) in Pennon Group Plc (“Pennon”) on this website are an advertisement and not a prospectus for the purposes of the EU Prospectus Regulations. The references to and details of the Offer, which have been prepared by and are the sole responsibility of Pennon, have been approved solely for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2020, as amended by Barclays Bank PLC (“Barclays”) on 11 November 2022. 

Barclays, whose registered address is at 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP, is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.  Barclays is acting exclusively for Pennon and for no-one else in relation to or in connection with the Offer and will not be responsible to anyone other than Pennon for the protection offered to clients of Barclays and is not providing, and will not provide, advice in relation to the Offer or any related matter. 

Customers should not elect to acquire the Pennon shares in the Offer except on the basis of the information contained in the customer guide published by Pennon.  You can read the customer guide by clicking on the link on this page.

This advertisement does not constitute an offer or recommendation concerning the Pennon shares. The Nominee Service is provided by Link Group which is a trading name of Link Market Services Trustees Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.  Registered office: Central Square, 10th Floor, 29 Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 4DL. Registered in England and Wales No. 027279260. For further information, including the legal and regulatory status of this company, can be found via this web link