Sheffield based Intocast, the largest stockists of firebricks in the UK, has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions, increased sales and stopped used and damaged firebricks from going to landfill by reusing and recycling, thanks to a scheme funded by Yorkshire Forward.

The Business Resource Efficiency and Waste (BREW) Programme, which provides support for businesses wanting to make better use of their resources, cut costs and manage their waste, provided Intocast with funds to purchase equipment to crush damaged bricks into powder so that they can integrate them into new products such as cements.

George Bartholomew, Production Manager at Intocast, said: “We had the technical expertise and the workforce necessary, but we needed the machinery. We expect to increase our profitability and are now operating the machinery on a production scale."

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Intocast is just one of 55 businesses that benefited from the BREW grants last year which resulted in companies across the region saving materials, water, energy and reducing waste.

A new round of funding for Resource Efficiency Improvements will be available from Autumn of this year, with grants for businesses wanting to reduce their waste, energy or water usage. There will also be grants available to assist with environmental consultancy support.

To apply businesses will need to complete a short application form outlining the environmental benefits that they will gain. Capital Grants will be available for up to 20% of the equipment costs, but will not exceed £8,000 of grant funding. Consultancy support will be available for up to 50%, but will not exceed £2,500.

Mike Smith, Head of Sustainable Development at Yorkshire Forward said: “Businesses should take advantage of this grant to reduce their waste, energy and water usage. By participating in this scheme not only are businesses having a positive impact on the environment, they are also improving their bottom-line profit.”

For further information on accessing support, advice and grants for resource efficiency, contact your local Business Link office on 0845 600 9006 or go to www.businesslink.gov.uk.

(LC/SP)