South Shropshire MP Philip Dunne encourages local businesses to apply for a new region-specific energy grant scheme, being run in Shropshire, Telford, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire by Marches Local Enterprise Partnership. 

This week Marches LEP announced the opening of a scheme to help local businesses with energy efficiency and cutting emissions, to support those affected by current high energy costs.

Under the scheme businesses in South Shropshire will be able to receive a free energy efficiency audit and thereafter apply for funding up to £20,000 towards energy efficiency equipment.

The scheme was designed as part of a wider £4million package intended by the local enterprise partnership to safeguard the region's energy security and to help develop a more sustainable footing for the long term. Energy cost volatility remains higher than normal due to continuing challenges around gas supply and the after- effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The grant aims to support businesses with a 40% contribution towards improved energy efficiency management of a company’s individual energy usage.

For those wishing to apply or find out more details about the scheme, please visit:  https://www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/marches-energy-grant/. 

Commenting on the scheme Dunne said “Following this week’s announcement of the Government's Energy Bills Discount Scheme extension for the next twelve months, I am pleased Marches LEP has come forward with this timely further support for our local economy. The provision of free audits to inform businesses where they can save capital and running costs could be of real help.

Businesses of all kinds can apply to this scheme for free advice, and then bid to receive a contribution to up to.  40% of the cost of energy saving measures. Orr equipment. I hope many businesses o South Shropshire will explore the options available.”

This is a successor fund to the previous EU funded Business Energy Efficiency Programme.