Business across Southampton could be eligible for grants of up to £10,000 to make their green ideas for business growth a reality.
The grant funding is available through the Low Carbon Across the South and East (LoCASE) programme until Summer 2023, with the aim of supporting SMEs to become more competitive and profitable while protecting the environment and encouraging low carbon solutions.
Examples of projects the fund could support include upgrading heating, lighting and IT systems, improving business control systems, and investing in new plant and machinery as well as refrigeration equipment.
It also could include marketing and consultancy costs and new product development, helping businesses to reduce their emissions and overheads while boosting efficiency.
Cllr Steven Galton, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: ‘We all need to do all we can to support the UK’s Net Zero target. Helping businesses to implement environmentally friendly solutions is a real opportunity to bring about change. As with so many things, it’s making the first step that is the most difficult. With LoCASE, businesses can not only access grant funding but also other support, such as training workshops, events and direct business advice. This is a real opportunity for businesses not only to reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable, but crucially to become more competitive and successful too.’
Jodi Fair, Manager of the Solent Apprenticeship and Skills Hub, said: ‘LoCASE offers a route to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint while at the same time reducing costs and increasing competitiveness through adopting ‘greener’ business solutions. The team at the Solent Apprenticeship and Skills Hub is on hand to support businesses in their Net Zero journey through our management of LoCASE, in partnership with organisations such as Solent Growth Hub and Hampshire County Council.’
Photo by Unknown Wong