Firms told to scrap and save

A new £100m fund has been launched to help businesses upgrade equipment and save money on energy bills.

The Carbon Trust, a Government body that is encouraging organisations to cut their carbon dioxide emissions, is behind the Big Business Refit scheme which offers interest-free loans.

At its Manchester launch Richard Cowell, executive member for the environment at the city council, said: “Greater Manchester’s businesses could cut a staggering £50m off their annual energy bills simply by scrapping old energy-guzzling kit and replacing it with modern technology.

“The marvellous thing about the Big Business Refit is that it gives firms cash to improve their business at a time when credit from other sources is hard to find. With no interest to pay and no security required, it is a fantastic deal.”

Businesses can get loans of between £3,000 and £400,000 from the Carbon Trust to replace almost any old equipment ranging from from chip fryers to production lines.

Tameside Sports Trust, which runs nine leisure centres in Greater Manchester, has received two loans totalling, £170,000 to replace old heating and ventilation equipment.

Business development manager, Derek Barrow, said: “To maintain the quality of our sites, we need to regularly update our heating and ventilation equipment. This money means we can continue to provide a pleasant environment for customers, and because the new equipment uses much less energy, we will save over £70,000 a year.”

For more information call the Carbon Trust on 01865 885879, or visit www.bigbusinessrefit.co.uk.