Smaller independent businesses in Stafford Borough can get up to £30,000 to help them become more sustainable.

Micro, small and medium sized businesses that have been running for at least 12 months could be eligible for the grants to support energy efficient projects.

It is the latest in a number of initiatives launched by Stafford Borough Council to help the area become greener. The money for the various projects was secured by the council from the government.

Many local businesses have already improved their green credentials through council support - and you can hear more from them at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sustainable-stafford

Councillor Tony Pearce, Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery, said the feedback from those who had benefited from receiving the grants sent a powerful message about how implementing more sustainable practices was very good for business.

The ‘Resilient Stafford Grant’ will offer funding from £5,000 to a maximum of £30,000 and can be used for a range of measures such as energy-efficient lighting, replacement boilers, heat pumps and solar panels. Businesses will have to demonstrate the energy savings that will be made as a result of the project.

You can find full details of eligibility and how to apply for the grants from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/resilient-stafford-grant

The new grant is part of a £250,000 package of support that also includes the ‘Climate Change Action Project’ which is delivered by Keele University and aims to equip 50 organisations with strategies for energy efficiency, cost savings, and accessing finance. And ‘Carbon Literacy Training’ for businesses across the borough which is being run by The Growth Hub.

Councillor Pearce continued: “Climate change and nature recovery is not just a council priority, it should be everyone’s priority. What we do, or don’t do now, is going to have a direct impact on future generations.

“We cannot do this alone which is why I am really pleased we have launched more initiatives to help local businesses introduce more energy efficient practices and projects which is good for the planet and is good for business.

“Rather than taking just my word for this - I’d encourage people to listen to what those businesses say about the measures they have introduced with our support.”

The council recently slashed its target to hit net zero for carbon emissions from its own operations to 2035 - following a meeting last month (September).

Press Release No 6240