Businesses in Derbyshire have started to benefit from a recently launched energy efficiency scheme.

The initiative, which is part-funded by the European Union's European Regional Development Fund, sees grants of up to £15,000 (and up to 65% of the cost) provided for SMEs to audit their energy use and introduce energy-saving measures.

Energy efficiency support for improvements to either premises or process equipment could include:

• lighting

• insulation

• heating

• ventilation

• air conditioning

• energy efficient equipment or renewables

A total of 45 Derbyshire businesses are now utilising the scheme and taking part in energy audits, as well as recieving technical consultancy and advice on saving energy and reducing the cost of bills.

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One of the first businesses to benefit is healthcare company Sumed International (UK) Ltd of Hadfield, near Glossop. The company received £14,375 toward the installation of solar panels which could potentially save more than £2,500 a year in energy bills.

Executive Chairman of Sumed Graham Collyer said: "Sumed is passionate about growing its healthcare manufacturing business in an environmentally responsible way. We achieved ISO 14001 Environmental Systems last year and we're constantly looking for ways to improve our carbon footprint.

"The energy efficiency grant helped us to invest in banks of solar panels on the factory roof which will not only improve our environmental performance, but significantly reduce our energy costs."

Cllr Tony King added: "Small and medium-sized businesses are a vital part of Derbyshire's economy and by supporting this project we are giving them access to state of the art equipment and technical expertise designed to improve efficiency and innovation.

"Energy efficiency grants are available to SMEs in Derbyshire and Derby which do 90% of their trade with other businesses and I urge companies that are interested in finding out more to get in touch."

For more information, visit here.

(LM)