Could £20k help your business?

Zero Waste Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Business Support Service offers free and impartial advice to small and medium-sized organisations (SMEs) to help them cut their energy bills and subsequently reduce their carbon emissions.

The service also provides access to the Scottish Government’s SME Loan Scheme, which is now available interest-free with up to 75 per cent cashback thanks to an injection of £4 million. The loan is administered by Energy Saving Trust.

Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “It is vital, particularly at the present time, for businesses to make the most of every penny they spend. Cutting down on energy use could make a positive difference to many organisations’ bottom line and it will also help in reducing their carbon footprint.

“The amount of funding is limited, so I would urge eligible businesses to get in touch and see what we could do for them.”

The SME Loan can be used for the installation of renewable heating systems, such as solar, heat pumps and biomass, and many energy efficiency measures, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning and building fabric.

SMEs are able to apply for an interest-free loan and receive a 75 per cent cashback grant of up to £10,000 towards the cost of a renewable heating system. They can also receive a further 30 per cent cashback grant, also up to £10,000, for other energy efficiency improvements.

Sign Print Hebrides, in Stornoway, received advice from Zero Waste Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Business Support Service helping the business to install a new heating system and make the premises more energy efficient.

John Cunningham, of Sign Print, said: “It is a fantastic service. It gives everyone the opportunity to make long-term changes. Although I have no previous bills for comparison, I don’t need to see figures to know I am saving money.”

Businesses should contact the Energy Efficiency Business Support Service for a free energy assessment and advice about applying for a loan.

Visit www.energy.zerowastescotland.org.uk. Alternatively, contact their advisors by calling 0808 808 2268 or emailing [email protected]