SMEs in Greater Manchester offered grants of up to £12,500 to slash energy bills

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Greater Manchester can apply for grants of up to £12,500 to improve their energy efficiency.

The grants, being offered by GC Business Growth Hub, could pay for half the cost of projects worth between £2,000 and £25,000 to replace old equipment with more modern, energy-efficient kit.

The move could save local SMEs 50 per cent or more on energy bills, as well as helping them demonstrate their green credentials and enabling them to play a part in making Greater Manchester one of the greenest cities in Europe.

The grants are available for a limited time on a first-come first-served basis and can go towards, for example, a new LED lighting system for a firm’s premises, heating equipment upgrades, replacement drives or motors, or another energy efficiency project that a business needs.

Local firms trading with other businesses, employing fewer than 250 people and with a turnover of less than £40m last year are eligible.

Kevin Lambert, Resource Efficiency Lead at GC Business Growth Hub, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, said: “I would strongly encourage any SMEs based in Greater Manchester which have identified an energy saving opportunity to contact us to see if we can help.

“We can provide the funding SMEs need to upgrade their lighting or equipment, slash energy bills and reduce their environmental impact. Going green could help SMEs cut their energy bills by half or more.

“The application process is simple and we will respond within 24 working hours to confirm your eligibility and get things moving.

“Becoming more energy efficient will enable SMEs to play a role in helping make Greater Manchester one of the greenest places in Europe. And once you’ve successfully applied for a grant, why not consider signing up to our Green Business Pledge?

“Our specialists have been helping small and medium-sized businesses in Greater Manchester increase efficiency, boost profitability and cut carbon emissions since 2001.

“In the last four years, we’ve saved businesses more than £3million by helping them improve their environmental performance.”

Stockport-based Rushton Electronic Solutions Ltd is one of the local firms which have benefited from the grant scheme.

Mark Bramhall, Director, said: “GC Business Growth Hub provided us with a very valuable service. Moving the company to new premises following a long tenancy elsewhere, presented many challenges and in some areas a lack of detailed knowledge of what is available for various aspects of the business. The refurb of our new warehouse and offices required a completely new lighting and heating installation as the existing was very sparse, dated and heavy on energy usage.

“Assisting with a number of areas regarding the relocation of the company, the Hub introduced us to their resource efficiency team. Not only did they explain the latest heating and lighting technology that was available, but also presented our case for a grant. We were excited by the availability of the grant because it enabled the company to focus budget on other areas of the business more aligned to productivity in the new premises.

“Qualifying for the grant was great news and part funded a new infrared heating system and LED lighting installation which not only has reduced energy costs, has also significantly added to reducing our carbon footprint. Their support and assistance has been excellent and we will endeavour to maintain a relationship with the Business Growth Hub as the company continues to grow and expand.”

For more information, visit www.businessgrowthhub.com/resource-efficiency or contact GC Business Growth Hub via email at [email protected] or by calling 0161 359 3050.