More businesses are to benefit from support to cut their energy bills thanks to an extra £1 million in funding.
The funding for the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) has been ring-fenced from central government following the rapid uptake of energy assessments and strong demand for grant support across Staffordshire.
Delivered by Staffordshire County Council, BEAS helps small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) slash energy waste and unlock funding for efficiency improvements.
The scheme offers:
- Free on-site energy assessments worth £1,100 by independent consultants, identifying where savings can be made.
- Grants of up to £100,000 (50 per cent match-funded) to cover the cost of improvements.
- Optional interest-free loans of up to £200,000 to spread the cost of investment.
Martin Murray, the county council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills, said: “This extra £1 million is great news for our business community and demonstrates the scheme’s success here.
“Demand for BEAS has been strong, proving that Staffordshire companies are eager to take control of their energy use and save money.
“By securing this additional funding, we can help even more businesses access expert advice, make improvements, and future-proof their operations against rising energy costs. It means they can focus more resource on boosting productivity.
“Staffordshire’s small and medium sized businesses are the beating heart of our county’s economy and essential to drive economic growth.”
Energy assessments look at everything from lighting, heating and insulation through to machinery and refrigeration. Businesses then receive a tailored report worth £1,100, showing where they can cut waste and reduce bills.
Businesses that have already received help include Normans Musical Instruments, in Burton upon Trent, which accessed grant funding to install LED lighting and heating upgrades, saving an estimated £3,147 a year on bills.
And Stafford Rangers FC installed new LED floodlighting with projected energy cost savings of nearly £3,000 a year.
Businesses already supported through BEAS are reporting major benefits. For example, Normans Musical Instruments in East Staffordshire accessed grant funding through the scheme to install LED lighting and heating upgrades, saving an estimated £3,147 a year on bills. Stafford Rangers FC installed new LED floodlighting with support from its BEAS grant, with projected energy cost savings of nearly £3,000 a year.
Staffordshire SMEs that spend at least 25,000 kWh of energy per year are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply now before funding is allocated.
To register an expression of interest, click here.
