Use energy more efficientlyReducing energy bills is one of the quickest and easiest ways for businesses to cut costs. It is possible to save energy, maximise efficiency, reduce costs and increase competitiveness through managing power usage. Find out how and explore the tax incentives for becoming more energy-efficient and the many organisations that can help you save money. Read more about how to save money by using energy more efficiently.
Save money by reducing wasteMinimising waste, from using raw materials more efficiently to cutting down on energy consumption, is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect the environment. It also reduces your costs and makes your business more efficient. Read our guide to find out how to save money by reducing waste.
View these top 10 tips for reducing waste and saving energy.
Identify where you can save money by going greenThis interactive tool will help you to assess the areas where you are most likely to be able to cut costs, based on your business activities. It will provide you with money-saving tips and links to sources of further information. Use our interactive tool to assess where you may be able to reduce costs and help the environment.
Save on your tax billThe cost of investments in energy and water-saving technologies and environmentally friendly vehicles often qualifies for Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs), which you can use to reduce your tax bill. ECAs enable businesses to claim 100 per cent first-year capital allowances on spending on qualifying vehicles, plant and machinery. This can reduce your payback period.
There are three ECA schemes:
- energy-saving plant and machinery
- low carbon dioxide emission cars and natural gas and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure
- water conservation plant and machinery
Find out about equipment that qualifies for favourable tax treatment on the ECA website.
Access to help and supportThere is a range of support available for businesses in the North West you can search our business support directory to find solutions for your business.
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has recently streamlined and increased its support to the region's businesses in the current economic conditions. Some of this support is aimed at helping businesses improve efficiency and includes:
Resource Efficiency - Advice and practical support to help you reduce your costs and improve efficiency by reducing the amount of energy, water and material used. This regional support is delivered through the ENWORKS programme and is available to any business in the North West. Support includes help to identify the areas and level of savings that can be managed and ongoing support to help implement the opportunities. Whether you are looking to simply comply with legislation, reduce costs or develop new products or services, local support is available. To find out more visit the Environment Connect website or call 0845 00 66 888.
Manufacturing Advisory Service - Advice and funding to reduce costs and improve productivity. Up to 50% funding for a maximum of 30 days on-site consultancy and training support to implement improvements such as LEAN and Six Sigma. Available to manufacturing businesses across the North West. To find out more visit the MAS website.
Grant for Improving Your Resource Efficiency -Awards provide enhanced help for capital investment where the project will contribute to reducing Co2 emissions and generate wider environmental benefits in the region. To find our more visit the Northwest Regional Development Agency website.
North West Eco-Innovate Programme
Help and support to harness creativity and innovate products, processes or systems. View an overview of the North West Eco-Innovate Programme.
If you would like to talk to us about improving your environmental performance and how we could support your business, call the business adviser team on 0845 00 66 888 or use our contact us form.