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BUSINESS SCHEME
How does the scheme work ?
It all starts with a free survey designed to help identify ways to reduce the costs of things like heating and water . Once a series of measures has been identified , a support package of up to 50 % of costs may be made available , with the remainder match-funded by the business . The minimum grant awarded is £ 1,000 and the maximum £ 5,000 . All types of small and medium sized businesses can apply and benefit from the smart business grant . So far , businesses as diverse as staircase manufacturers , co-working hubs and fish and chip shops have successfully applied . In partnership with the Carbon Trust , the council could also help your business secure up to 80 % grant funding towards building and equipment upgrades that can lead to lower energy , water and waste bills . help save money . We became aware of the smart business survey and grant for energy efficient projects at the end of September and , within a week , Ealing Council had already arranged to come and conduct an energy survey .
“ The new LED lamps are not only more energy efficient than the counterparts they replaced but also much brighter and , so , for every three of the older models we would have used , we now only require one , generating great energy savings for ourselves and our customers .
“ In addition to being awarded a grant of £ 5,000 towards the total cost of the project , we also got a tailored report which showed where we were using the most energy and suggested different measures we could put in place to reduce it , from small and cheap such as putting aerators on the taps , to much more ambitious projects such as replacing the heating .
“ All in all the process was a lot easier and faster than we expected , and the additional suggestions for improvements , specifically tailored to our business , have started a conversation here in the workplace which will lead to some pretty important changes .”
The council has also helped Colour Sound Experiment identify additional funding it can be awarded by the Carbon Trust which could provide a further 30 % capital grant towards building upgrades – and the trust also offers advice on finding trusted suppliers and sources of materials .
MORE INFO
Register an interest and find out more about the smart business grants by visiting www . ealing . gov . uk / sbg or by emailing businessenergy @ ealing . gov . uk
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