Business Energy Advice Service (West Midlands and Warwickshire)

The below case studies showcase how energy efficiency improvements can help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills. Please note some of these businesses had received support from the Green Business Programme, which was funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Please note grant values and eligibility criteria will be different for the current Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) programme which is funded by the UK Government through the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

Energy efficiency improvements at HPL Prototypes

HPL Prototypes Ltd based in Coventry are a leading provider of high-quality prototypes for the automotive sector, working with prestigious premium automobile clients. With ever-increasing annual energy expenses HPL faced a growing challenge in managing operational costs. 

To address these challenges, HPL sought external support and successfully secured funding through the BEAS programme which is being delivered by Coventry City Council. A thorough on-site energy assessment identified key areas for improvement including replacing outdated halogen lighting and replacing old space heaters with energy efficient HVAC units. These improvements immediately reduced operational costs while supporting HPL’s long-term sustainability objectives.

Outcomes

• Projected annual carbon savings: 11.67 tonnes/year
• Projected annual energy savings: 51,894 kWh/year
• Projected annual cost savings: £7,500/year

Glyn Horsfield, Finance Director said:

"Without the Business Energy Advice Service Programme these investments would have been difficult to justify. The grant came at the right time, and the process was seamless from start to finish. The business plans to continue modernising its facilities including replacing all remaining gas heaters with advanced heating and ventilation systems and investing in solar panels to reduce reliance on traditional electricity sources,"

Councillor Jim O’Boyle cabinet member jobs, regeneration and climate change said:

 “I’m really pleased that we have been able to support HPL Prototypes with improvements that will save them money and reduce their carbon emissions as well as help them on their journey to their long term sustainability goals."

Business Energy support has been invaluable to precision engineering business Technoset

A precision engineering business in Rugby is making savings and has become a more pleasant environment in which to work after support from the Warwickshire Business Energy Advice Service (WBEAS). Technoset, underwent an initial energy audit, conducted by Coventry City Council, which was the start of a process which has proved invaluable to the business according to their Managing Director.

Adam Land, Managing Director said:

"The audit enabled us to identify which changes we needed to make to the building to improve our EPC rating. It highlighted the benefits of insulated over cladding of the factory roof and that led to a real improvement not just in terms of energy-efficiency but in working conditions. We are a precision machine shop so making sure that the environment in the factory is stable gives us benefits beyond sustainability. Supported by the WBEAS grant, we took an old gas heater out and improved the air-circulation from the roof down by putting destratification fans into the ceiling to keep pushing the warm air down. They are doing a fantastic job. We’ve upgraded our air-compressor system to be more energy-efficient and have now got modern equipment that is more reliable and makes us more secure.”

A  £71,052 WBEAS grant helped towards the cost of that work which meant that finance was freed up to tackle another project to improve sustainability at the business, which employs 28 people and has been operating in Rugby since 1978.

WBEAS is part of the Business Growth Warwickshire Programme, developed and commissioned jointly by Warwickshire County Council and the five district and borough councils in the county. It is funded by UK Government via West Midlands Combined Authority with further funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Coventry City Council have been appointed to deliver the energy audits for Warwickshire.

Sheldon's Wine gets boost to become more energy efficient

A historic wine merchant which dates back to 1842 is toasting its future after gaining expert advice to improve its energy efficiency through the Business Energy Advice Service Programme (BEAS). A free energy assessment from Coventry City Council has helped the business reduce its energy bills. Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is the lead delivery partner of BEAS for the Warwickshire area and Coventry City Council has been appointed by WCC to deliver the energy audits.

Sheldon’s Wine Cellars was opened as a wine shop in the 19th century at its current location at New Street in Shipston-on-Stour. Current owner Shane Slater was visited by Coventry City Council to carry out an energy audit to help the business reduce its energy bills and received advice through Project Warwickshire about possibly setting up a café.

Shane Slater, owner said:

“This is a historic building with very little protection against the elements which means we sometimes go to the cellar to keep warm in the winter! Coventry City Council helped me understand the energy footprint of the building since the loft insulation is an issue. We need the premises to be at a certain temperature because of the wine and some of the windows are single-glazed. Thanks to the energy audit and report, we now know where energy efficiencies can be made and will be taking advantage of grant funding in the future."

The Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) is a pilot scheme led by the Mayor of the West Midlands, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ). It is providing businesses across the West Midlands with free energy audits and match funding to cut their energy usage and bills. Read the full story on Warwickshire County Council's website.

Telegraph Hotel invests in solar panels as part of ongoing environmental drive

The Telegraph recently celebrated its fourth anniversary since opening in the city and, as well as being a highly regarded hotel in the city centre in that time, it has also set out its stall to try and be one of the greenest.  The reimagining of the former newspaper building itself made a positive contribution to the environment with many of the original materials and features maintained during the transformation into an uber-cool mid-Century hotel.

Now, 60 new solar PV panels have been installed on the roof of the building, which will see 8.5 per cent of all energy used on site produced by the panels and close to 50 per cent of all energy usage coming from renewable sources. The new panels come on top of a range of initiatives that have helped to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint, including 98 per cent of the building utilising LED lighting, with sensor lighting in public areas and store cupboards to reduce the wastage of energy when it is not required. 

The solar panels were supported by a grant from the Business Growth West Midlands Net Zero Grant programme; this project was funded by the UK government through the Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and is being delivered by Coventry City Council.

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said:

“I’m really pleased that we could use grant funding to support the Telegraph Hotel to improve their green credentials and cut their carbon footprint. This shift to renewable energy is good to see and it’s the latest move from the team who have really put sustainability at the heart of all they do."

Amy Windsor, General Manager of the Telegraph Hotel, said:

"The installation of the new solar panels is part of our ongoing commitment to making the Telegraph as environmentally friendly as possible. Coventry is at the forefront of sustainability, innovation and decarbonisation. This is a shared responsibility for all businesses in the city and we’re proud to play our part in supporting the city to achieve its ambitious net zero goals. Sustainability is something that is important to us and to our guests and we will continue to look at every part of our operation to see where there are opportunities to make further improvements."

Electrical contractor in Rugby received support from BEAS programme to invest in energy improvements to building

A Warwickshire electrical contractor has recruited extra staff and transformed its premises after receiving financial support from the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS).

Hertz Electrical was started in 2018 by Andy Wood in Rugby, with four employees to provide electrical installation and maintenance for domestic and commercial customers throughout Coventry and Warwickshire. The 130 sqm premises were in need of a complete overhaul to take the business to the next level.  

The BEAS programme is being run in the West Midlands through the West Midlands Combined Authority with Warwickshire County Council appointing Coventry City Council to carry out the energy audits and this was completed by Business Energy Adviser Denise Osborne.  That led to Hertz Electrical successfully applying to Warwickshire County Council for a WBEAS grant of £37,561 for a roller shutter door, double glazing, wall insulation, roof insulation, a water heater and voltage optimisation.  

Andy Wood, Founder and Director at Hertz Electrical, said: 

"A total of £150,000 had been invested to totally upgrade the site which has also led to three new recruits this year – a solar apprentice and two fully-qualified electricians – to take our number of employees to 16. Previously, the insulation was non-existent which meant it was always cold even when the heating was on, there was limited desk space and storage space was a struggle. Now, the walls are fully insulated which has made it much warmer, we fitted solar panels ourselves, the water heater has been upgraded, and we now have enough room to store solar panels. We have new furniture, carpets and LED lighting and the whole place has been painted so we are feeling more confident about the future. We’re in a growing business sector because of the push towards renewables and the changes in technology. Over the last five years there has been so many changes in the industry. We really appreciate having the grant because without it we wouldn’t have been able to make these changes for another two years. We needed better premises to support our growth and now we have that.”

BEAS is funded by the UK Government through the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

Energy Efficiency Improvements at Spotty Pots Limited

Spotty Pots is a beautifully restored shop located in the village of Studley, Warwickshire, featuring a dedicated function space upstairs.

The business is owned by Monia Smith, who in 2021 took the plunge to realise her dream. She purchased the property and worked hard to refurbish it into a warm and inviting venue. After three years of expensive energy bills, she realised that she needs support to improve the energy efficiency of the building, and she reached out to the Warwickshire Business Energy Advice Service (WBEAS).

In 2024, during an energy assessment funded by the free service commissioned by Warwickshire County Council and the five District and Borough Councils, and conducted by the team at Coventry City Council, several inefficiencies were identified:

• Loft Insulation: The loft above the shop had no insulation, leading to significant energy losses.
• Old Boiler: The shop was using an old boiler to supply heating and hot water, which was over eight years old and losing 30% of its efficiency.
• Single Glazed Windows: The two large front windows were single glazed, contributing to heat loss.

The Energy Advisor provided several recommendations to improve energy efficiency:

1. Boiler upgrade: Replacing the old boiler with a new, more energy-efficient model to improve heating efficiency.
2. Loft insulation: Insulating the roof space, which could save approximately 5,870 kWh per year.
3. Window replacement: Replacing the single glazed windows and doors to reduce heat loss, potentially saving over 5,000 kWh per year.
4. Energy management: Implementing energy management practices to maximise energy savings.

By implementing these energy-saving measures, Spotty Pots could save over £2,900 per year on energy costs. These improvements would reduce the business's carbon footprint and enhance the overall comfort of the venue for both staff and visitors.

Investing in energy efficiency upgrades is a cost-effective strategy for Spotty Pots to reduce operational expenses and contribute to environmental sustainability. The recommended measures will yield significant energy savings and financial benefits, reinforcing the business’s commitment to creating a warm, inviting, and eco-friendly environment.

Monia Smith, Business Owner of Spotty Pots said:

" Throughout the whole process the Business Advisor explained everything thoroughly, was extremely professional and patient, responding swiftly whenever we had any questions.

We are a heavy user of utilities and our business premises is over 100 years old, so we are certain that the changes and adaptations that were recommended in the report will have a huge impact on our energy efficiency and our running costs. We would absolutely recommend this scheme to small businesses, like ourselves, who which to improve their energy efficiency."

WBEAS is funded by UK Government (through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via all five district and borough councils and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero via West Midlands Combined Authority) and Warwickshire County Council. 

Coventry City Council have been appointed to deliver the service. Grants towards the costs of implementing recommendations in energy audits are available via a grant scheme managed by Warwickshire County Council.

CM Kare Ltd invest in solar energy with support from Business Growth West Midlands

CM Kare Ltd, a care home based in Holbrooks, has been awarded a £7,755 grant through the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, delivered by the Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) team at Coventry City Council.

The funding, provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), contributed to the installation of a solar PV system, an investment expected to save the care home £5,000 annually on energy bills and reduce carbon emissions by 4.83 tonnes each year.

CM Kare Ltd is now not only achieving energy savings but also making significant progress towards improving its environmental impact, demonstrating how businesses in the care sector can lead the way in adopting renewable energy solutions.

Shalini Sharma, Director of CM Kare said: ''Solar panels are a valuable addition to our business, enhancing its sustainability and environmental responsibility.''

Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council, said:

“Renewable energy and energy efficiency are absolutely essential across all sectors. Businesses can no longer succeed without embracing a greener future which not only brings benefits to the business but also to the planet and future generations. The council remains committed to supporting businesses on their decarbonisation journey and

CM Kare Ltd in Holbrooks is a fantastic example of what can be achieved  with the support of the council’s  Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme.”

Automotive Trim Developments Ltd Secures £112,500 Decarbonisation Grants to Enhance Energy Efficiency

Coventry-based Automotive Trim Developments Ltd (ATD), located on Charter Avenue, have received two grants, totalling £112,500 from the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) and delivered by Coventry City Council. The funding will support a significant re-roofing project to enable the installation of solar panels, enhancing the company's energy efficiency and sustainability.

Founded in 2000, Coventry-based Automotive Trim Developments has grown from a small engineering consultancy specialising in automotive seat development into a multi-site operation serving a variety of industries, including automotive, rail, defence, and furniture.

Today, ATD employs 150 staff and specialises in the manufacture of seating and trim for the automotive industry, maintaining its commitment to the original specifications that established its reputation.

ATD has a long history of implementing energy efficiency measures, including solar PV installations and LED lighting upgrades. However, the company identified the need to replace the ageing and poorly insulated roof of Unit 2 with overclad pitched roofing. This improvement will not only support additional solar PV installations but also address the presence of asbestos and enhance thermal insulation, reducing energy loss.

The grant funding will cover £100,000 of the re-roofing project’s total cost of £494,500, which includes the installation of an insulated core roof material. These enhancements are estimated to save 85,983 kWh annually, reducing carbon emissions by 15.4 tonnes and saving approximately £3,744 on energy costs.

Upon completion of the re-roofing project, ATD installed a large solar PV array to further reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. The Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme awarded an additional £12,500 towards the solar array installation. The system now provides a significant portion of ATD’s electricity needs, reducing emissions by 25.94 tonnes of carbon and lowering energy bills by £34,659.

ATD’s Finance Director, John Sandford, said:

“Jonathan Howl of Coventry City Council was instrumental in sourcing and delivering the £112k grant from the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme to help refurbish our Unit 2 in Charter Avenue, Coventry.”

“Jonathan made the application process as simple as possible and was quick to advise at every turn. This project has further greenified ATD, and has delivered considerable savings in fuel. I thoroughly recommend the services of Jonathan and his team at Coventry City Council to help deliver your green initiatives.”

Councillor Jim O’Boyle cabinet member jobs, regeneration and climate change said:

 “I’m really pleased that we have been able to support Automotive Trim Developments with improvements that will save them money and reduce their carbon footprint – a real win, win.

“I look forward to watching this local company go from strength to strength.”

Oldfield Advisory reduce carbon emissions and energy costs with support from Coventry City Council's Business Growth West Midlands team

Oldfield Advisory, based in Elliot Court, Herald Avenue, Coventry, has been awarded grants totalling £91,000 through the Decarbonisation Net Zero and Business Support Programme, delivered by the Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) team at Coventry City Council.

The funding has supported improvements to reduce energy costs, enhance sustainability, and facilitate business growth. In line with their business expansion plans, they have purchased their new premises at Elliot Court and are using the grant funding to improve energy infrastructure, reduce energy bills, and enhance the workplace environment for employees and visitors.

Established over 45 years ago, Oldfield Advisory is a highly regarded accountancy and business growth specialist, dedicated to transforming the quality of life for small and sized medium-sized business owners through leading tax strategies and a structured advisory programme to help them grow profitability, improve cash flow and build a valuable business in view of exit. The firm had already installed five EV chargers, a feature that has helped the firm attract and retain staff. However, they recognised the need to further improve their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint but were unsure where to begin.

In early 2024, the business contacted BGWM for assistance. Following a free energy audit conducted by Coventry City Council’s energy experts, significant opportunities for energy savings and carbon reduction were identified.

To address these, Oldfield Accountants invested in a new LED lighting system and an upgraded centralised air conditioning system. The total cost of these measures was partially covered by a £66,000 grant from the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS), funded by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ). As a result of these upgrades, the business is now saving over £9,000 annually on energy bills, effectively 40% of their total annual spend and has reduced carbon emissions by more than 20 tonnes per year.

In addition to the energy efficiency improvements, the company also received a £25,000 grant towards new office furniture as part of its cutting-edge office fit-out investment. This investment will enable Oldfield Accountants to accommodate additional staff and continue its growth trajectory.

Angus Brewer, Director of Oldfield Accountants and the grant application lead, said:

“This move is a hugely significant milestone for Oldfield. This investment in our brand-new, cutting-edge workspace, provides an excellent work environment which truly reflects who we are and how we do things. We are extremely grateful for the grant funding – it is a significant boost, and would encourage all businesses to take advantage of it.”

Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council, added:

“Our support is helping Oldfields to grow, attract talent and grow the local economy in a sustainable way. Moving towards a more sustainable future has helped the company to reduce its carbon footprint and save money – but it has also helped them to retain and attract new staff – so it’s a really big win on all fronts.

“I’d urge businesses to get in touch and take advantage of the grant support that is on offer – its only available up until the end of March, so it is important to act quickly to secure this support.”

Business specialists in Coventry and Warwickshire help Rugby business make major savings

Business specialists in Coventry and Warwickshire helped Rugby Care Centre, a family-owned dementia and residential care home, save over £15,000 annually on energy costs. Through advice from the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub and a free energy audit by the Warwickshire Business Energy Advice Service (WBEAS), the care home secured a £44,000 grant from Warwickshire County Council, matched by the business, to improve its energy efficiency.

Upgrades included a new boiler, double-glazed windows and doors, and LED lighting, resulting in annual savings of £11,286 and 25 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Additional recommended measures could save another £3,571 and 6.29 tonnes of CO2. Local suppliers carried out the work, enhancing the comfort of the home for its residents.

The WBEAS programme, funded by local councils and national initiatives, aims to support businesses with energy efficiency improvements and grant funding. 

Summers Joinery Limited Awarded £25,000 Decarbonisation Grant

Coventry-based Summers Joinery Limited, located in Alderman Green Industrial Estate, has received a £25,000 grant from the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, delivered locally by Coventry City Council.

Summers Joinery, a family-run business since 1973, employs 17 people and specialises in joinery projects of all scales and styles. In 2023, driven by a desire to reduce business costs and their carbon footprint, owner Lee Summers sought support from the Business Growth West Midlands team at Coventry City Council.

Following a free energy audit provided by the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS), a solar panel project was initiated. The total project cost of £50,047 was split equally between Summers Joinery and the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme.

With the company's large electricity load and 24/7 shift pattern, the new solar system will help reduce costs year-round. The installation is expected to save 8.4 tonnes of carbon annually and lower energy rates, enhancing the company's energy independence.

Lee Summers, Managing Director of Summers Joinery Limited, said:

"We are delighted to have received this grant, which has enabled us to make a substantial reduction in our energy bills—an invaluable support given the current challenging business climate. This advancement also significantly lessens our environmental impact and brings us closer to our net zero targets. We look forward to the possibility of further expanding our solar array in the future, continuing to enhance both our sustainability efforts and operational efficiency."

Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council said:

“It is fantastic to see another long-established Coventry business partnering with the Council on their net zero journey. Switching to renewable energy not only cuts costs but also supports sustainability. Thanks to grant funding we are able to offer free energy audits and grants of up to £100,000 to help local small and medium-sized businesses reduce both their energy costs and their carbon footprint – it’s a real win for local employers and the environment. I encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of this support before the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme ends early next year.”

Warwickshire Business Expands with WBEAS Support and Energy Audit offered by Coventry City Council 

Harry Burrows Fabrications, a Warwickshire-based manufacturing firm, has significantly boosted productivity and reduced energy consumption following support from the Warwickshire Business Energy Advice Service (WBEAS). The company received a grant that covered a third of the £300,000 cost of a new laser cutter, enabling them to meet growing demand, cut energy use, and reduce annual CO2 emissions by 22.77 tonnes.

The new machine has transformed their production process, allowing them to work more efficiently and potentially expand their workforce.

The WBEAS initiative, part of the £4.6 million Business Growth Warwickshire Programme, is designed to help small businesses become more sustainable and competitive.

Read the full story on the Warwickshire County Council's website. 

Hillfields Supermarket receives grant for solar panel system from Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme

Hillfields Supermarket has been awarded a grant of £24,750 from the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, which is delivered by the Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) team at Coventry City Council, to support the installation of a new solar panel system that will power all of its business operations.

Established in 1989, this family-owned business has served the local community for over 35 years. It currently employs nine people and caters to a diverse range of ethnic communities, including Eastern European and Asian populations.

The business owner, Satinder Sandhu faced significant challenges post-Brexit due to increased costs for sourcing products from Europe. To mitigate these challenges, he focused on enhancing the business's energy efficiency, upgrading lighting systems to LED, and ensuring machinery operates efficiently.

At the beginning of 2024, Satinder sought further assistance from BGWM to explore additional savings. Coventry City Council provided a free energy audit to identify opportunities for energy and carbon reductions.

Following the audit, it was agreed that the business would invest £49,500 in a new solar PV system. Upon completion of the project, the business will be eligible to claim back half of the cost through a grant from the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) funded by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ).

The business has also received a Business Support Capital grant of just over £6,500, which allowed them to purchase new fridge doors. 70% of energy costs were being used on refrigeration due to open refrigeration units throughout the store which are on 24 hours per day and therefore were always pumping out cold air directly into the shop.  The investment of £15,700 the business has made on the fridge doors has resulted in the cold air being retained inside the fridge, making the electric motors more efficient achieving future energy savings.

The new solar panel system is expected to save the business over £10,000 annually on energy bills and reduce carbon emissions by more than ten tonnes every year.

Santinder Sandhu, the Business Owner of Hillfields Supermarket said: “Given the rising costs, we are doing everything possible to avoid passing them on to our customers. We have begun reviewing our energy usage to identify areas for further improvement. We are very pleased that the council has supported us in reducing our costs and lowering our carbon footprint.”

Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council said: "We understand how challenging the business environment is right now, and that’s why this support is so important and so valuable. Hillfields Supermarket is an excellent example of how taking advantage of the free energy audit led to a grant that delivered significant savings on energy costs. If you are a business with fewer than 250 employees based in Coventry or the wider West Midlands or Warwickshire, please act quickly—there are only a few months left in the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, and we want to help more businesses save money and reduce their carbon footprint."

Coventry nightclub switches to green energy with help from the Business Growth West Midlands team at Coventry City Council

Club 147, located on Far Gosford Street, has been awarded a grant of £24,000 from the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The grant facilitated the installation of a new solar panel array and energy storage batteries, allowing the nightclub to efficiently power its daily operations as well as its evening events.

Owned by Chris Mcturk, Club 147 opened in 2021 during the pandemic, a challenging time for the hospitality industry. Despite these difficulties, the nightclub has flourished over the past three years and has become one of Coventry's most popular nightlife destinations.

In 2023, Chris sought assistance from Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) Coventry City Council team and the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme to reduce energy costs and enhance sustainability. The process began with a comprehensive energy audit conducted by one of the council’s energy experts, identifying opportunities for energy savings and carbon reduction.

Following the audit, Chris decided to invest £49,000 in a new solar system and battery storage. This investment is expected to save over £6,000 annually on energy bills and reduce carbon emissions by more than six tonnes per year.  The Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) funded by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) covered half of the project's cost.

Chris Mcturk, the Business Owner of Club 147 said: “The grant has enabled my business to make significant strides towards achieving net zero status. Installing a solar system of this scale would not have been financially feasible without the grant. Not only is the solar system environmentally beneficial, but it will also lead to substantial long-term savings for my business. Without this project and the funding, advancing our decarbonisation efforts would have been much more challenging. Even if you’re unsure about the funding, the advice and education provided through the process are invaluable. The information I received alone could have inspired positive environmental changes, even without the grant.”

Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council said: “Club 147 is the first business from the nightlife sector to benefit from DESNZ’s  Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme. We are proud to support the widest range of small to medium-sized businesses—ranging from shops, restaurants, and pubs to larger manufacturers—in improving their sustainability credentials and saving money. I’m also glad that Chris found it to be a really simple process – hopefully, that will encourage even more people to get in touch with our expert team.”

Grant funding helps local training provider reduce carbon emissions and energy expenses

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training has recently been awarded a £9,000 grant through the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, delivered by the Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) team at Coventry City Council .

The organisation, which provides training to over 500 businesses annually, sought to minimise its environmental impact and reduce energy costs. They contacted the council and arranged a free energy efficiency audit, which can identify opportunities for significant carbon and money savings.

The subsequent report revealed that nearly 20 tonnes of carbon emissions could be saved annually if the business invested £18,000 in a new boiler, roof insulation, and LED lighting. Following the completion of these projects, the business was able to reimburse half of the costs through the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) funded by Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ). Along with the grant, the business expects to save over £10,000 a year on energy bills due to the improvements.

Sally Lucas, Executive Director of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training said:

"The grant application process was straightforward and easy to navigate, thanks to the support and guidance from the BGWM team at Coventry City Council. The grant has greatly improved our energy efficiency and resulted in substantial financial savings. Previously, our building was heated by outdated and inefficient boilers, and with rising energy costs, the grant has enabled us to upgrade our heating system and add loft insulation. We highly recommend the DESNZ Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, as it has been a key enabler in advancing our net zero goals while also delivering significant financial benefits to our business."

Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council said:
“The total cost of the project was £18,000, with the grant able to cover half of the cost. As the business is now set to save over £10,000 annually, it will get back the investment within a year. This type of improvement really is a win, win – carbon savings and cost savings.

“I’d urge all businesses based in Coventry and the wider West Midlands and Warwickshire to take advantage of the DESNZ Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme support through BGWM while it’s still available.”