New funding can help businesses cut energy costs and emissions

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.

The West Midlands was selected due to its strong manufacturing base, which results in a higher concentration of energy-intensive businesses than any other region in the UK. The programme will support businesses in Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, Black Country, Warwickshire, Worcestershire (including The Marches; Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin) Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

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.

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, LED lighting, solar power, heat pumps, and insulation.