Business Stream, one of the UK’s largest water retailers, has partnered with The Purpose Coalition’s Purpose Labs on a six-month programme. It will bring university and college-level STEM students together to examine attitudes towards water use and scarcity, and to explore water sector careers.
The programme runs from September 2026 until February 2027 through a series of monthly sessions. Its stated aim is to understand the next generation’s views on some of the biggest challenges facing the UK water sector, while showcasing career opportunities across the industry.
Monthly sessions on water use and scarcity
Between 15 and 20 students will take part in each session. They will give their views on the challenges facing the industry and the action they believe businesses, consumers and the wider sector should be taking. Topics will include awareness of water scarcity, innovation and behavioural change.
Each session will focus on a different theme. The series will begin with students’ understanding of water use and water scarcity in the UK, and what they believe needs to change to address future challenges.
Later discussions will consider how public perceptions of water use and the water sector can be changed. They will also look at ways to encourage greater innovation in the industry.
Promoting water sector careers to young people
The sessions will also explore ways to inspire the next generation to consider careers in the industry. Business Stream staff will join individual sessions to share their own career experiences and give an insight into the range of opportunities available.
Sophia Goring, Head of Regulation and Sustainability at Business Stream, said: “The water sector faces a number of significant long-term challenges and it’s vital that the next generation has a voice in how we respond to them.
“This partnership gives us an opportunity to listen directly to young people, understand how they view issues impacting the sector and explore what more we can do to engage, inspire and attract the talent we will need in the years ahead.”
Paid experience for students from deprived areas
Purpose Labs works with students from socio-economically deprived areas. It provides paid opportunities for them to work directly with businesses and gain experience that can strengthen their CVs.
Rt Hon Justine Greening, Former Secretary of State for Education and Chair of The Purpose Coalition, said: “Young people bring fresh perspectives to the challenges businesses face. Giving them the chance to work on a real environmental issue means businesses can hear new ideas and better understand the priorities of the next generation.
“With too many young people not in education, employment or training, we also need to make the path into work more visible. Direct contact with businesses through programmes like Purpose Lab can introduce students to careers they may never have considered and help them see where their skills could take them.
“That exchange has value on both sides, with young people gaining experience and connections, while businesses gain insight and a stronger link to future talent.”
H2O Global News has previously reported on how youth innovators are helping communities around the world solve urgent water challenges.
Business Stream and the retail water market
The company said the partnership forms part of its wider social value activity. It also said the programme is aligned with its vision, launched in 2019, to make a positive difference to its customers, people, the environment and local communities.
Business Stream was formed in 2006 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scottish Water, with its own board and independent management team. It serves more than 300,000 customers across the UK. The company said it has supported a range of partnerships aimed at improving sustainability, water efficiency and community impact.
The Scottish retail water market opened in 2008. The English retail water market opened in April 2017, allowing more than 1.2 million businesses and public bodies in England to choose their water supplier.
In January 2026, Business Stream was awarded a Gold rating by the sustainability assessor EcoVadis. The company said this placed it within the top 98th percentile of all organisations assessed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Business Stream and Purpose Labs programme?
It is a six-month partnership between Business Stream and The Purpose Coalition’s Purpose Labs. It brings university and college-level STEM students together to explore attitudes towards water use and scarcity, encourage innovation and highlight careers in the water industry.
When does the Purpose Labs water programme run?
The programme runs from September 2026 until February 2027, with one session each month.
How many students take part in each session?
Between 15 and 20 students will take part in each monthly session.
Are students paid to take part in Purpose Labs?
Yes. Purpose Labs works with students from socio-economically deprived areas and provides paid opportunities for them to work directly with businesses and gain experience for their CVs.
Who owns Business Stream?
Business Stream is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scottish Water, with its own board and independent management team. It serves more than 300,000 customers across the UK.
