Businesses are backing plans for a major new reservoir in Oxfordshire, that would provide water security for 15 million people across the South East, including Thames Water, Affinity Water and Southern Water customers.
Launched yesterday, the White Horse Reservoir Growth Coalition brings together businesses across the country which recognise White Horse Reservoir’s role in unlocking economic growth to businesses of all sizes, supporting the development of new homes and providing the water security the nation needs.
10 high-profile members have publicly written to the Prime Minster, calling for the reservoir to be granted Critical National Priority. This would put the project on a level playing field with nationally significant energy projects, helping remove planning barriers and accelerate delivery.
Signatories include BusinessLDN, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, Pinsent Masons, Activate Learning Education Trust, Britain ReMade, Abingdon and Witney College, Infrastructure Matters, Arup, Peabody, Looking for Growth and Water UK.
Paul Britton, Chief Executive, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce said:
The Thames Valley is home to some of the UK and world’s biggest businesses. It’s therefore critical the country is investing in resilient infrastructure, including a safe and secure supply of water. White Horse Reservoir would deliver the water security that the Thames Valley and South East needs, unlocking economic growth and attracting investment. The right Government support, will ensure we future proof the regions water supply.
The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management estimates that water scarcity could cost the economy £25bn over the next five years through halted housing development.
While in the Oxford-Cambridge arc alone, water scarcity could cut growth by more than 10%, cost the UK economy almost £800 million and put over 1 million planned homes at risk. London faces a similar threat, with a severe drought costing the capital up to £500 million a day.
Leonie Dubois, Delivery Director, Consents and Place, Thames Water said: “This summer was the hottest on UK record and demonstrated the economic and environmental cost of climate change.
“Long-term water security is fundamental to businesses up and down the country, including manufacturing, industry and construction, through to restaurants and pubs, which is why it’s vital we progress White Horse Reservoir at the pace the country urgently needs.
“The businesses behind White Horse Reservoir Growth Coalition reflects the projects’ fundamental role in unlocking economic growth and strengthening both national and local supply chains. We’ll also be delivering local jobs, for local people.”
Parliamentary event
The White Horse Reservoir Growth Coalition was launched at a parliamentary event hosted on Tuesday 15 September 2026. Founding members BusinessLDN and Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomed 40 business leaders who came out in support of the project and to discuss the economic case for the reservoir and its role in supporting growth across the country.
The coalition unites organisations from across the South East, spanning a range of sectors including technology, engineering, infrastructure, housing, education and skills, legal, professional services, and policy and think tanks.
Next steps
The project is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs during construction, with opportunities for businesses across the national supply chain.
Thames Water is on track to submit its Development Consent Order application to the Planning Inspectorate in November 2026.
The White Horse Reservoir Growth Coalition will continue to bring together businesses and organisations from across the South East to support the case for the reservoir and highlight its role in securing the region’s long-term water supplies and supporting future economic growth.
