Funding for Hull businesses to take action and reduce energy consumption is helping participants save thousands of pounds a year – with grants of up to £15,000 still available.
The council-led Hull Business Energy Efficiency Scheme offers a host of measures to assist small and medium businesses in reducing costs, while also reducing emissions. A timely special event is taking place on Monday at the MKM Stadium to raise awareness of the opportunity.
HBEES has already helped almost 200 Hull businesses with support to install energy-saving measures including new heating and lighting systems, solar panels, and EV charging points. One beneficiary is Eltherington Group Ltd, an architectural aluminium manufacturer with a 15,000 sq ft plant on Hedon Road. Following assessment it received a £15,000 grant to put towards a more efficient LED lighting system. The business is now saving almost £40,000 a year.
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Michael Riding, director of special projects at the £27 million turnover firm, where 163 people are employed, urged others to consider the potential. He said: “The new improved LED lighting has helped us to reduce our energy bills and reduce our carbon emissions by more than 115 tonnes per year. As a business, we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment and this has been a major step forward for us. It has really helped us to kickstart our journey in becoming a greener, more sustainable organisation.”
Grants can also enable eligible businesses to update their equipment and machinery to energy efficient models.
Phil Hall, HBEES programme manager, said: “We know rising energy costs are a concern for businesses in Hull, given the recent energy price rises. One way to help reduce your business energy costs is by reducing your energy usage – and we can support you to do this – while making your business greener and more efficient. Please get in touch with us to find out if your business is eligible and what kinds of support you may be entitled to.”
The work has been endorsed by Hull City Council leader, Cllr Mike Ross. He said: “Now more than ever the benefits of energy saving measures are clear. Whether it is the cost to business or the benefit to the environment, cutting down on energy use is good for all. With this in mind, the council is keen to support businesses who are seeking to reduce their energy use and urge them to take advantage of the support from HBEES, including grant funding, which will enable them not only to reduce their energy use, but will also help them save money on their business energy costs.”
To find out more about HBEES, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund Programme, and the event, click here.
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