Scheme supporting the journey to net zero awarded lb1.7m to assist Leicestershire businesses

A scheme that has supported businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to reduce carbon emissions and implement energy-saving initiatives is now available in Leicestershire after £1.7m was made available in new funding.

Energy for Business, delivered by the energy innovation and collaboration team at the University of Nottingham, has backed businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire since 2021 by providing funded consultancy, expert advice, capital funding, student placements and energy-themed events to support the journey to net zero.

The new award of £1.7m continues to be granted to enable businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire to access support up until June 2023, with funds made up of the European Regional Development Fund alongside private and University of Nottingham matched contributions.

Businesses benefiting from the scheme will be able to access world-class knowledge, expertise and facilities from an international centre for energy research, having a reputation for excellence encompassing alternative energy, decarbonised fuels, energy storage, the built environment and smart grids.

Colette McHugh Putman, who leads the power innovation and collaboration team, said: “We’ve wanted a long time that we could support businesses in Leicestershire and therefore are thrilled that this additional award allows us to offer support to the region.

“I would encourage businesses with an innovative project or energy-saving idea to go into touch. This new funding will help promote business growth, accelerate energy initiatives and benefit the local economy.”