Brewery and pub retailer Marston’s is to supply its own water and wastewater services after being granted a licence.

The company operates more than 1,600 pubs, bars and lodges and is the third firm in England to be given a self-supply licence by regulator Ofwat.

That means it will provide its own retail services such as meter readings.

The opening of the new retail water market in England this April means eligible businesses, charities and public sector organisations can manage their own water retail services, providing an alternative to using a separate retailer and cutting on costs.

Andy Kershaw, Head of Group Facilities for Marston’s said: “This is a great opportunity for Marston’s, enabling us to drive efficiency and cost whilst working towards reducing consumption through our managed sites and breweries. It also gives us the platform to trial innovation and become an active partner in the market.”