Grants of up to £100,000 are available to businesses to cover half the cost of introducing energy-saving measures through a ground-breaking green energy scheme.
The Green Solutions programme is open to companies across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and can help them transform their operations and drive down energy costs.
The government initiative, which is being co-ordinated locally by Staffordshire County Council, offers support which will reduce carbon, lower costs and boost productivity.
This support includes free energy assessments tailored to each business, providing recommendations for improvements and modifications. Eligible businesses can access the low carbon grants of up to £100,000, covering 50 per cent of costs for implementation.
They will also be offered accredited carbon literacy training, equipping them with the expertise and skills to proactively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It will also empower local businesses with the knowledge need to enhance their sustainability practices.
Eligibility criteria for businesses looking to take up these offers include registration on Companies House, operation within Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent and a minimum trading period of 12 months.
Staffordshire businesses can apply for the Low Carbon Grants, Energy Assessments and free Carbon Literacy training by visiting the Green Solutions website or emailing the team.
Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to make essential improvements to their operations that will support their growth, increase productivity and reduce carbon emissions and energy costs.
“It is a fundamental part of a business’s evolution that their operations become more sustainable, whether through improvements to their premises or production methods.
“It is a county council priority to support our businesses and tackle climate change and we’re sure this programme will help to deliver those commitments. It is essential that businesses get in touch now as there is a deadline for project completion.”
Upcoming dates for the Carbon Literacy training are:
• February 27, 8.30am – 5.30pm – in person at the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Wolseley Centre, Wolseley Bridge, Stafford.
• March 12, 8.30am – 5.30pm – in person at The Globe, Uttoxeter.
• March 20 and 21, 9.30am – 1.30pm – online over two half days.
The initiative, managed by Staffordshire County Council, is made possible through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, in partnership with the Business Energy Advice Service and funded by the Department for Energy Security and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities.
