Staffordshire businesses will benefit from an extra £1 million funding to enable them to cut energy bills thanks to a successful county council support programme.
The funding for the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) has been ring-fenced from central government following the rapid uptake of energy assessments and strong demand for grant support across Staffordshire.
Delivered locally by Staffordshire County Council, BEAS helps small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) slash energy waste and unlock funding for efficiency improvements.
The scheme offers:
Free on-site energy assessments worth £1,100 by independent consultants, identifying where savings can be made.
Grants of up to £100,000 (50% match-funded) to cover the cost of improvements.
Optional interest-free loans of up to £200,000 to spread the cost of investment.
Energy assessments look at everything from lighting, heating and insulation through to machinery and refrigeration. Businesses then receive a tailored report worth £1,100, showing where they can cut waste and reduce bills.
Martin Murray, deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills at Staffordshire County Council, said:
This extra £1 million is great news for our business community and demonstrates the scheme’s success here.
Demand for BEAS has been strong, proving that Staffordshire companies are eager to take control of their energy use and save money. By securing this additional funding, we can help even more businesses access expert advice, make improvements, and future-proof their operations against rising energy costs. It means they can focus more resource on boosting productivity.
Staffordshire’s small and medium sized businesses are the beating heart of our county’s economy and essential to drive economic growth.”
Businesses already supported through BEAS are reporting major benefits. For example, Normans Musical Instruments in East Staffordshire accessed grant funding through the scheme to install LED lighting and heating upgrades, saving an estimated £3,147 a year on bills. Stafford Rangers FC installed new LED floodlighting with support from its BEAS grant, with projected energy cost savings of nearly £3,000 a year.
Staffordshire SMEs that spend at least 25,000 kWh of energy per year are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply now before funding is allocated.
To start the process, businesses can register an Expression of Interest online at: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/BEAS
Watch: Martin Murray explains the benefits to businesses of the BEAS here.
