Support for Businesses

Businesses can apply for financial assistance to fund energy efficient technology. There are also some free resources available:

• Groundwork Merseyside offer FREE Environmental Reviews currently delivered through the ENWORKS Environmental Business Support Programme which is funded by NWDA. It enables businesses on Merseyside to access FREE environmental reviews and training. This helps to identify where environmental improvement and efficiencies can be made and helps to achieve cost savings. For more information call on 0151 726 2740 or email gwm@groundwork.org.uk
• The Carbon Trust offers SMEs interest free loans of between £5,000 and £200,000 for renewable energy initiatives. Visit www.carbontrust.co.uk/energy
• The Energy Saving Trust runs a network of local Energy Efficiency Advice Centres (EEACs), providing free advice to businesses, as well as practical assistance and advice on potential sources of grant funding to help realise the cost and environmental benefits of adopting energy saving measures. Go to www.est.co.uk
• The Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme offers tax incentives to businesses that invest in energy saving equipment and enables them to claim 100% first year capital allowances on investments in approved energy saving equipment. Qualifying equipment includes boilers, lighting, motors, drives, combined heat and power, thermal screens, insulation and refrigeration. For more information visit www.eca.gov.uk
• Chester West and Chester Council are offering Energy Saving Grants of £1,000 for the installation of solar PV. To apply contact Alan Lupton 0151 356 6953 or email alan.lupton@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
• Lancashire Council offers 50% grants to small and medium size businesses (SMEs) for installing renewable energy technologies. For further information contact: Lancashire Small Scale Renewables Scheme.
• The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) offers grants of up to 40% for farmers and rural businesses. Contact them for further information and advice. It also has grant funding available to SME's of up to 50% of eligible costs to support the purchase and installation of resource efficient plant & equipment which will lead to a direct reduction in CO2 emissions www.nwda.co.uk

There are also a number of useful websites for businesses to research low-carbon energy policies and advice on 'going green'.

These include links to government and European legislation, low carbon organisations and climate change policy: