BUSINESSES in Shropshire can now access support and funding to become more sustainable.

Worcestershire County Council’s Business Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP) has been extended Shropshire after a funding boost from the European regional Development Fund.

Christopher Atkinson, BEEP programme manager, said: "BEEP helps businesses identify quick and affordable changes they can make, and gives them the support to do so."

The BEEP programme offers technical mentoring support and grant funding to help manufacturing and engineering businesses slash their energy usage and make cost savings.

It works across other sectors too, such as distribution, hotels and professional services.

Worcestershire County Council - along with its partners Shropshire Council, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, Herefordshire Council, Telford and Wrekin Council, and the Worcestershire district councils - was awarded up to £1.8m from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s European Regional Development Fund to help small and medium-sized businesses.

Mr Atkinson added: “The Shropshire launch of BEEP will be a great introduction to the key areas businesses should focus on, from office electricity usage to manufacturing equipment and processes.

"It will also address the environmental issues – the easy-to-implement fixes, as well as worthy investments that can yield remarkable cost savings, often within a short period of time.”

Businesses qualifying for the BEEP programme will receive a free energy efficiency assessment review from energy specialists Pro Enviro Ltd. Grants from £1,000 to £20,000 are also available to help businesses undertake energy efficiency improvements such as lighting, heating, variable speed drives and compressors, energy efficient equipment, refrigeration, renewable technologies and more.

Mr Atkinson said: "Once businesses have brought down energy costs, often the next natural step is to make a capital investment focused on sustainability.

"But making this investment deliver value for stakeholders is often something that may not impact the bottom line until three years or so later – so this is where the grant funding comes in.

"The funding acts as a catalyst for businesses to make a capital investment that will significantly impact its overall energy savings, and deliver cost savings over a period of time.”

BEEP's launch in Shropshire will be held take place on Friday, July 6 from 9am-12.30pm at the Sovereign Suite, Shrewsbury Town FC.

Businesses can register their interest in the BEEP programme at www.business-central.co.uk/beep and bookings for the Shropshire launch event are via www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/