£15m boost to help businesses cut energy usage and costs
More than 1,300 businesses across the West Midlands will receive a share of £15 million in new funding to cut energy usage and costs, as part of a scheme announced by Mayor Richard Parker.
The Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) pilot, led by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ), has already helped 2,400 businesses identify ways to reduce energy demand and carbon emissions.
With the additional funding, businesses could save £8 million annually in energy costs and cut 17,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply for a free energy audit and match funding between £1,000 and £100,000 to implement energy-saving measures such as LED lighting, solar power, heat pumps, and improved insulation.
Parker said: “High energy costs are holding businesses back. That’s why I’m taking action to make them cleaner, greener and more competitive. We’ve already helped more than 2,000 businesses cut millions of pounds off their gas and electricity bills and reduce their carbon emissions thanks to this expert advice and funding.
“I’m helping to power up businesses so they can invest in their own future and take on more staff. That’s part of my plan for a stronger and more prosperous future for everyone.”
One company that has already benefited is Birmingham-based Attic Brew Co, which received funding to install energy-efficient brewing equipment, a more efficient boiler, double glazing, and improved lighting.
The upgrades will reduce the brewery’s carbon footprint by 65 tonnes a year and cut fuel bills by around £30,000.
Managing director Sam Back said: “The support we’ve had means we’ve been able to reduce equipment running costs, the level of heating we need and the CO2 we produce. It has also unlocked additional support to help find future avenues for improvement.
“Without this help, it’s likely we’d have had to scale down our plans to maintain the fantastic growth we’ve seen since we began brewing commercially in 2018.”
The scheme is being delivered by the WMCA and DESNZ through Business Growth West Midlands, in partnership with local councils and industry experts, to help businesses future-proof operations and reduce their environmental impact.
