The Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) is a pilot initiative aimed at assisting businesses in reducing expenses and fostering growth through the provision of grants that cover 50% of eligible costs. This programme is designed to support various energy efficiency measures that can lead to significant savings.

By participating in the BEAS programme, your business can achieve lower energy consumption, decreased production costs, and reduced carbon emissions. The funding available can be utilised for a range of practical solutions that enhance energy efficiency and contribute to a more sustainable operation.

The offer

Businesses can apply for grant funding up to £100,000 for eligible energy efficiency projects across all sectors, and up to £50,000 for renewable technology like solar.

Grants are awarded on a competitive and match-funded basis, meaning the business will need to provide at least 50% of the total cost of the project.

The grant can be used to fund a variety of business activities, including, but not limited to:

• lighting
• compressors
• insulation
• fast-shutting doors
• renewable technology
• heat recovery
• heaters and boilers
• energy efficiency equipment that leads to process improvements

How to apply

If you have received an Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Review in the last 2 years (Net Zero, MEG or BEAS programmes), please email a copy of your report and what you would like to do, to: grants@worcestershire.gov.uk and the project team will be in touch to discuss the next steps.

If you have not received an Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Review within the previous 2 years, it is necessary that you get one completed. 

Visit our support page to find  out more: Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS)

Or email: netzero@worcestershire.gov.uknetzero@worcestershire.gov.uk

The Elevate Grants are specifically tailored for businesses that are focused on growth and investment in their existing operations. These grants serve as a vital resource for companies that aspire to broaden their market presence and improve their product or service offerings.

By providing financial assistance, the Elevate Grants enable businesses to undertake strategic initiatives that can lead to increased competitiveness. This support is particularly beneficial for organisations looking to expand their workforce, or enhance their operational capabilities, ultimately fostering a more robust economic environment.

Funding from £1,000 to £10,000 is now available for Small to Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) businesses that have been trading for more than 3 years.

Grants are awarded on a match-funded basis, meaning the business will need to provide at least 60% of the total cost of the project.

The grant can be used to fund a variety of business activities, including, but not limited to:

• machinery
• equipment
• further consultancy support
• marketing and website development
• relocation
• external market research

Please note, standard equipment upgrades such as laptops and mobile phones will not be eligible under this programme.

Give your start-up business a boost with support from the Enterprising Worcestershire Grant.

Matched-funded grants from £1,000 to £10,000 is now available for Small to Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) businesses at the start-up stage or which have been trading for 3 years or less.

Our funding offers a significant financial boost, giving you the necessary support to achieve your milestones quicker and help you with establishing yourself in the market.

Grants are awarded on a match-funded basis, meaning the business will need to provide at least 60% of the total cost of the project.

What the grant can fund

Funding can be used can be used for a project consisting of items such as, but not limited to:

• machinery
• equipment
• website construction
• marketing materials
• consultancy support

This programme is open to businesses or residents situated in the districts of Bromsgrove, Malvern Hills, Redditch, Wychavon and Wyre Forest.

Those within Worcester City District Council should contact the Worcester City Economic Development by:

• Email: economy@worcester.gov.uk
• Phone: 01905 722106 

Or contact the Worcestershire Growth Hub.

In today's fast-paced market, embracing innovation is not just an option; it's a necessity. Developing new products or technologies can not only significantly differentiate your business from competitors and open doors to new markets but also enhance your competitive edge and contribute to the advancement of technology and industry.

What the grant can fund

The Innovation grant can only be used to fund activities directly related to the development and/or introduction to market of innovative products, technologies or services, including, but not limited to:

• new tooling and equipment
• creating a prototype
• product testing and certification
• IP and trademark protection
• external market research
• new marketing materials
• product launch

Availability of grant funding

The minimum innovation grant amount your business can apply for is £2,500, with a maximum available grant of £30,000.00.

Grants are awarded on a competitive and match-funded basis, meaning the SME will need to provide at least 60% of the total cost of the project. Amounts available are subject to change and no funding is guaranteed until a signed agreement is in place.

To receive support through the Enterprising Worcestershire and Elevate programmes, your business must:

• be a SME*
• be registered to an address in Worcestershire (Please note, the support is not available to businesses registered in the Worcester City Council area)
• be below the Subsidy Control threshold of £315,000 over the previous 3 years, including the value of the support received
• to qualify for the Business Energy Advice Service grant you must be registered with a Company House Number for Limited Companies or a Company Registration Number (CRN) for CICs, and operating for at least 12 months from a commercial address
• to qualify for an Elevate Worcestershire grant your business must be trading for more than 3 years
• to qualify for an Enterprising Worcestershire grant you must be at the start-up stage or have been trading for less than 3 years
• to qualify for an Innovation Worcestershire grant you must have an innovative activity taking place – developing or launching a New to Market product or technology*

*New to Market is a term that refers to a business that is entering a new market or market segment by creating products or technologies that that are either non-existent presently or that differ greatly from those that are already available.

*The definition of an SME eligible for grant funding is as follows:

• has fewer than 250 employees.
• has either (a) an annual turnover less than or equal to £44m in annual turnover or (b) a balance sheet total of less than or equal to £38m
• 25% or more of the capital or the voting rights are not owned by one enterprise, or jointly by several enterprises falling outside this definition of an SME
• does not own more than 25% of the capital or voting rights in an enterprise falling outside of this definition of SME

Excluded sectors not eligible for support include:

• Primary agriculture, forestry and fisheries
• Schools
• Public sector funded organisations

How the projects are funded

These projects are part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Worcestershire County Council.

The programme is managed and delivered by Worcestershire County Council on behalf of Bromsgrove District Council, Malvern Hills District Council, Redditch Borough Council, Worcester City Council, Wychavon District Council and Wyre Forest District Council.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information visit: UK Shared Prosperity Fund

The pilot Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) offers free energy assessments and grants funding to implement energy efficiency measures to small and medium-sized businesses in the West Midlands. The programme is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Please note: the only grant available in the Worcester City Council area is the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS).