A musical instrument and accessories specialist has used grant funding to help both the business and the environment.
Normans Musical Instruments secured £5,000 from the Green Solutions Scheme to instal new LED lights with motion sensors and upgraded to infrared heaters at its base in Burton upon Trent.
These improvements are expected to significantly reduce energy consumption and lower the company’s carbon footprint.
And, in the spirit of sustainability, Normans have also set up a musical instrument recycle scheme called ReTune where they collect old unused instruments, repair, refurbish and then donate to music groups and charities to help bring music to more people’s lives.
Director Andy McKeown said: “Having the opportunity to get some funding for these projects really accelerated the speed at which we could take the leap and make the changes to the building.
“The grant funding has allowed us to make the changes all in one go and reap the financial benefits and also turn our company greener.”
The scheme, managed by Staffordshire County Council in affiliation with the Business Energy Advice Service, aims to help businesses reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint.
Under the scheme, businesses can get a free energy assessment, free carbon literacy training, and a grant of up to £100,000 to make sustainable changes.
Businesses may also be eligible for an interest-free loan of between £5,000 and £200,000, repayable within two years.
Other businesses are being encouraged to apply for a grant as soon as possible, before funding closes.
Simon Tagg, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Change, said: “Helping businesses become greener is crucial for making Staffordshire more sustainable. It is great to see local businesses taking steps towards this goal.
“Participating in the Green Solutions scheme not only reduces energy costs but also significantly lowers carbon footprints, offering long-term financial benefits. I strongly urge all eligible businesses to seize this opportunity while the funding is still available.”
To apply, or find out more about the scheme, click here.
