New scheme helps small businesses in Surrey become greener

Small businesses are receiving a range of support packages to help them become more environmentally friendly.

Surrey County Council is working with six district councils to offer help to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Incentives such as a free business decarbonization assessment and course and a loan could help save businesses money on energy costs and reduce emissions, the official said.

Marisa Heath, the council’s cabinet member for the environment, said demand for a similar scheme she ran showed that “businesses want to be future-proof and reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs”.

Heath said the Low Carbon South and East program had seen 229 SMEs receive more than £1.9 million in grants for decarbonisation or green economy projects.

“Small and medium-sized businesses make a significant contribution to Surrey’s economy and we are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to help them grow,” she added.

The new initiative is being delivered in partnership with Woking, Guildford, Waverley, Reigate and Banstead, Spelthorne and Surrey Heath councils.

Guildford Borough Council’s lead advisor for environment and climate change, George Potter, said: “Our small and medium-sized businesses play a huge role in our local area and this loan will make a big difference to many of them.”

He said this would help businesses save money and would also “have a positive effect on our communities, improving air quality and the health and wellbeing of our residents in Guildford”.

The scheme was partly funded by the district council and the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.