Leep Utilities is making waves in the UK water sector, marking a significant milestone with its 150,000th connection. This achievement was celebrated with the announcement that Leep will own, maintain, and operate the clean and wastewater networks for Persimmon Homes’ Long Lands View development in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. This new build comprises over 160 homes, ranging from one to four-bedroom units, and it’s just one of many projects Leep has secured from the major housebuilder. This partnership comes on the heels of Leep being named a partner on Persimmon’s New Appointments and Variations (NAV) adoption framework, further solidifying its role in the housing sector.
Leep’s recent success isn’t merely a stroke of luck; it’s the result of a strategic pivot towards digital transformation. Earlier this year, the company became the first water utility in the UK to migrate all 37,000 of its customers onto a digital platform. This innovative platform not only enhances water efficiency and service levels but also boosts environmental performance. It’s a game-changer, especially for residents of Persimmon Homes’ Summerhill Park development in Maghull, Merseyside, where the clean and wastewater networks are also under Leep’s purview. With over 430 homes in that development alone, the ability to manage bills digitally sets a new standard in customer experience.
Louise Manfredi, CEO of Leep Utilities, articulated the company’s growing appeal: “As the UK’s largest adoption-only NAV, we’re becoming an increasingly popular partner for residential and commercial property companies across the nation. As we’re not limited by geography, we’re able to operate more flexibly and work with developers to ensure the best commercial value is realised for them.” This flexibility is crucial as the UK grapples with mounting pressures on its water supply, driven by environmental concerns, population growth, leakage issues, and the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Leep’s innovative approach, combined with transparent pricing and cutting-edge technology, positions it well to tackle these challenges head-on. The company’s growth trajectory has been bolstered since Ancala’s investment in 2017, which has helped Leep scale from a mere 2,000 connections to an impressive 150,000 today. Ancala’s backing has allowed Leep to secure new sites, acquire SSE Water, and even create over 100 new jobs. Tasso Politis, Vice President of Ancala, emphasized the significance of this milestone: “Reaching 150,000 contracted connections is a significant accomplishment for the team at Leep Utilities. It strengthens the business’ position as a leading last-mile utility network owner and operator that offers flexible solutions for a wide range of customers.”
As the water industry continues to evolve, Leep Utilities is not just keeping pace but setting the agenda. This shift towards digitization and customer-centric solutions could very well redefine how utilities operate in the UK. With the pressures on water supply set to intensify, the sector must embrace innovation and flexibility to meet the demands of a changing landscape. Leep’s trajectory suggests that the future of water management lies in smart technology and strategic partnerships, promising a more sustainable and efficient approach to utility services.
