Energy grants of £6,000 on offer for small firms

A free survey will be carried out as part of the Wiltshire Council scheme

Grants worth up to £6,000 are available to Wiltshire businesses as part of a new energy-efficiency drive.

The scheme is open to small firms operating in 22 towns across the county, with a focus on the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.

Funded by Wiltshire Council, it includes free energy health checks and expert advice.

The local authority hopes the initiative will help Wiltshire in its mission to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Council leader Richard Clewer said: “Small businesses are critical to the health of our high streets and have an important role to play in Wiltshire’s sustainability journey, but high energy costs can make a big dent in their profit margins.

“With energy costs still fluctuating, this scheme will provide much-needed expert support for businesses struggling to manage their overheads.”

Wiltshire Council leader Richard Clewer says small businesses have an important role to play in Wiltshire’s sustainability journey

Businesses in Amesbury, Bradford on Avon, Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Cricklade, Devizes, Downton, Ludgershall, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Melksham, Mere, Pewsey, Royal Wootton Bassett, Salisbury, Tidworth, Tisbury, Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury and Wilton can apply for the scheme.

To qualify, they must employ fewer than 50 people, have a turnover of less than £10.2m and have no more than £5.1m on the balance sheet.

A free energy-efficiency survey and detailed report will unlock the door for an injection of up to £6,000 to spend on any recommended measures. No match funding is required.

Examples of eligible carbon-saving improvements include more efficient heating systems, insulation, lighting upgrades and renewable energy installation.

'Right solutions'

Sustainability charity Severn Wye Energy Agency, which is also delivering the county’s Fit for Net Zero programme, will carry out the surveys.

Business energy services manager Lisa Whitaker said: “However committed smaller businesses might be to sustainability, it can be hard to know where to start, especially without in-house expertise.

“Our experts will work with business owners to help them reach the right solutions, backed up by a bespoke and completely impartial report that offers no-cost, low-cost and capital cost options.”