Beakbane, a Kidderminster based machinery protection equipment manufacturer, is among 14 Worcestershire businesses set to save money in a new energy efficiency scheme.
The firms will save an estimated £170,000 and 700 tonnes of CO2 emissions through Resource Efficient Worcestershire, a scheme led by Worcestershire County Council together with Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.
European funding is making the scheme possible.
Businesses have free assessments, which provide a practical appraisal of current premises, equipment, processes and performance to identify opportunities to produce savings, which can be made through improved resource efficiency.
The companies can then qualify for grants to help reduce the costs of energy, waste, water and raw materials, improve profitability and environmental credentials.
Mike Southwell, managing director of Kidderminster-based Beakbane, said: “We have been shown some significant saving potential as we have gone through the Resource Efficient programme. It has been well worth the investment in time.”
Businesses receive a comprehensive report and advice, including changes that can be introduced at little or no cost.
They can then also apply for a match-funded grant of up to £15,000, which comprises £8,250 paid by the applicant and £6,750 given in a grant – match funding 45 per cent of the money. Grants can cover the installation of energy-efficient equipment such as heating, insulation and lighting, in addition to supporting water-saving measures and programmes for better use of waste and recycling.
To be eligible for an assessment or grant, a business must be located in and trading from Worcestershire, employ fewer than 250 people and have a turnover of fewer than 50 million euros – about £40 million.
Business sectors that are not eligible for support include agriculture, retail, businesses that primarily serve the public, social welfare and education.
The funding is available to businesses until March, 2015 but businesses are encouraged to sign up to take advantage of the free assessments and grants as soon as possible, as there is a limit to the funding available.
For more information or to register for an assessment call 01905 822833 or visit www.business-central.co.uk/resource-efficiency-grants