1,300 businesses across the West Midlands and surrounding areas are to get a share of £15m of new funding to cut their energy usage and bills, and help the region get to net zero.
The Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) pilot scheme is being delivered by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) through Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM). It is one of several regional schemes that have already helped 2,400 businesses to identify measures to decarbonise and reduce energy demand, with match funded grant support available to implement actions.
SMEs can apply for a free energy efficiency audit leading to an opportunity to secure between £1,000 and £100,000 of match funding to implement recommended measures that can reduce their energy demand.
This could include supporting investment in new machinery and equipment, improved manufacturing processes, or LED lighting, solar power, heat pumps, and insulation.
The Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard 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.”
Minister for Industry, Sarah Jones, said:
“As part of our Plan for Change, we are continuing to provide support for businesses of all sizes to transition towards a more sustainable future – cutting costs and emissions.
“The BEAS pilot has already supported 2,000 businesses across the West Midlands, and this £15 million boost will help many more businesses slash their carbon emissions and save millions on energy bills.”
The West Midlands manufacturing base means there is a higher proportion of energy exposed businesses than any other UK region.
As a result, the government chose the West Midlands to pilot the scheme which looks at the best and most efficient ways of helping businesses reduce their gas and electricity usage and carbon emissions.
Sandwell-based manufacturer Ramsden and Drums was awarded funding to help install new energy efficient heat recovery technologies, as well as fixing compressed air leaks and optimising the compressed air systems. These measures are expected to result in annual savings of 585,700 kWh of energy, a reduction of 112 tonnes of Carbon, and a potential £30,000 cut in energy costs.
Dawn Richardson, Ramsden & Whale Director, said: “I completely endorse this initiative, as it has made a real difference in our approach to energy efficiency.”
“From the start, the team has been incredibly supportive, guiding us every step of the way and making the entire process easy to navigate.”
Nil Chohan, Technical & Production Director Instinct Hardware-Creative Manufacturing, a UK-based manufacturer of architectural ironmongery, shared their experience with BEAS, highlighting how the support helped them identify and implement energy-saving measures in their manufacturing process:
“Partnering with BEAS was invaluable. The assessment showed us how much we could save in energy and costs by investing in smarter machinery. Thanks to their support, we’ve improved quality, reduced costs, and made our processes much more sustainable.”
Mike Leach, Managing Director of Alpha-Rowen – a leading heat treatment subcontractor for the automotive and manufacturing sectors shared the following about their involvement with BEAS:
“I was delighted by the depth of insights gained from the free business energy assessment provided. The recommendations the assessment provided were not only practical but should also lead to a noticeable reduction in our energy costs.”
BEAS support is available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that operate commercially, have been trading for at least 12 months and are responsible for paying their own energy bills. To qualify, businesses must be based at a commercial address and use at least 25,000 kWh of gas or electricity annually.
The programme is accessible to businesses located within the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) area, including Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton, and Coventry. It also extends to surrounding areas such as Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and The Marches (Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin).
BEAS is being delivered by the WMCA and DESNZ through Business Growth West Midlands in partnership with Aston University, Coventry City Council, Black Country Industrial Cluster, Birmingham City Council, Warwickshire County Council, Staffordshire County Council, Worcestershire County Council and Pro Enviro.
Register now or learn more about how BEAS can support your business at businessgrowthwestmidlands.org.uk/beas.
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