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£100,000 to save energy for marine businesses

All marine businesses have some form of premises which consumes energy for lighting, heating or office and workshop equipment. As with all industries there is now a real emphasis on increasing energy efficiency and minimising resource use. There are a number of ways to do this to suit all budgets but often those that give the highest return involve initial investment.

The good news is there is now help available to SME's from the government, through the Carbon Trust. The Carbon Trust is offering energy-efficiency loans to encourage SME's to invest in energy saving equipment that either replaces or upgrades existing facilities, for instance energy saving lighting or insulation for boilers, hot water tanks and pipe work.

The loan is interest free and works in the following way.  For instance, if you borrow £100,000 and the savings for your energy bill are £50,000pa that is how much you pay.  Therefore, after two years, your loan is paid off and all the savings become yours.  The loans need to be paid off within four years, so if savings are less than your loan, you will have to make up the difference.

For further information on the loan scheme contact the Carbon Trust by calling their helpline on 0800 085 2005 or alternatively complete their checklist on their website to determine eligibility.

» The Carbon Trust Loans page

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