£2m secured as Catholic organisations embrace water framework

MORE THAN £2 million in contracts has now been secured through a national water services framework supporting Catholic organisations across England.

The framework, launched in 2024, delivered through a partnership between Churchmarketplace, Wodr and Business Stream, has rapidly gained traction since its launch. To date, 170 Catholic organisations including schools and dioceses have joined the framework to reduce their costs while improving water efficiency.

Churchmarketplace was established in 2010 as the purchasing platform for the Catholic Church in England and Wales to deliver best value on a wide range of goods and services. Wodr, a specialist water consultancy and broker, led and delivered a competitive tender process on behalf of Churchmarketplace, resulting in the appointment of Business Stream as its exclusive water retailer.

Jennifer Booth, Director at Churchmarketplace said: “We’re delighted that this framework is having such a positive impact already. The framework provides a streamlined solution for Catholic organisations to receive expert support, insight and tools to manage their water use effectively, helping to generate financial and environmental savings.”

Since its introduction, the framework has enabled organisations to access more competitive pricing and tailored support. Participating organisations have reported strong early results, with feedback highlighting both the ease of transition and the immediate financial benefits.

Nikki Sinclair, Office Manager at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School & Nursery, Northampton Diocese said: “From the very start the team have been very informative and made the whole process so easy. The service received has been amazing and it has taken a significant weight off our shoulders.”

Beyond financial savings, the framework is also delivering a wide range of environmental benefits.

Organisations have access to water efficiency tools including site audits, leak detection support and automated meter reading technology, enabling them to monitor and reduce consumption.

An education programme has also been introduced to support schools in promoting water stewardship among pupils, linking practical action with curriculum-based learning. This initiative reinforces the Catholic Church’s commitment to environmental responsibility, encouraging younger generations to understand the importance of conserving natural resources.

The framework’s success reflects a growing demand for solutions that combine cost efficiency with environmental and social value. With more organisations expected to join in the coming months, the framework is well positioned to build on its early momentum and deliver long-term value for participating institutions.