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A new project launched this year for local businesses in South Essex is the Thames Gateway Low Carbon Project. Five neighbouring councils have joined together to offer a major assistance programme for the small business sector.
One of the major challenges facing local businesses is to maintain viability and profitability during the economic downturn. Electricity, gas and water costs are all becoming more significant for businesses, and the project provides help in reducing the financial and environmental impact. The project also seeks to develop new businesses in the low carbon economy, and new employment opportunities in existing companies.
Aimed at companies with less than 250 employees the project, to run for three years until 2013, the project will address the issue of identifying cost and carbon savings available from improved energy efficiency. The project will also cover water and material savings as well as green business plans generally.
The project is supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and operates in partnership with the five Local Authorities in the region, Basildon, Castlepoint, Rochford, Southend and Thurrock.
Project Benefits
What does involvement in the project deliver for local businesses? The key items are set out below;
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Energy saving plans, to include site survey to highlight areas where electricity and heating fuels can be saved
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Green audits, opportunities for saving water and raw materials used by the company
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A confidential report to cover the opportunities available, with ranking in priority order
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Locally based support over the 3 year life of the project to help implement the recommendations
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Awareness events, all locally based, open to all businesses across the region.
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Environmental business plans, development of supply chain opportunities
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Job creation in low carbon enterprises
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Grants of up to £40,000 for suitable projects
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Help with accessing other funding and assistance opportunities
Want to Participate?
To participate in the programme, businesses will need to meet the following criteria;
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The company must employ fewer than 250 staff
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The annual turnover should be less than about 43 million pounds
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The company should be no more than 25% owned by a larger organisation
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The company should have a primary location in one of the 5 local authority areas listed above.
Cash support will be available for suitable projects, covering both capital and revenue actions for the SME. Typical actions might include;
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Efficient boilers, lighting systems and air compressors
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New, energy efficient process plant
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Use of renewable energy sources
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Reduction of waste materials and improvements to recycling
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Environmental management systems development
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Reduction of water use and costs
To get access to the project or to ask for further details, please contact us on 01268 752368 or for more information click here.
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