West Yorkshire Mayor announces multi-million pound support to help SMEs go green

Businesses hit hard by inflation and the climate crisis will benefit from new support being launched today by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin.

The Mayor’s Business Sustainability Support will help small and medium-sized businesses cut their energy use and combat the effects of climate change.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority will work with interested businesses to develop and implement new sustainability plans, aimed at slashing energy bills and boosting resilience against rising temperatures, supply chain issues and flooding.

Following a free assessment of the firm’s environmental impact, these bespoke plans will recommend various workplace adaptations, such as lighting that is more energy efficient, measures that cut down on waste, or equipment that harnesses cheap, clean and renewable energy, including solar panels.

Advice will then be offered on how to deliver the plan, secure public and private investment, and make sustainable changes to ensure annual energy bill savings long into the future.

Mayor Tracy Brabin said the new support will be a ‘gamechanger’ in the region’s fight to become a more resilient, Net Zero carbon economy by 2038. The £10m fund comes after the Mayor’s recent launch of the West Yorkshire Plan, which commits to building a greener, more vibrant West Yorkshire that works for all.

Mayor Tracy Brabin commented: “As the cost of living and energy crisis continues, it’s vital we step up support for our hardest hit businesses, helping them keep down costs, protect jobs and stay afloat during this difficult time.

“This new, £10m scheme will help us deliver a greener West Yorkshire by slashing the carbon footprint of our small and medium-sized businesses, while futureproofing them against the harmful effects of climate change.

“As we transition to a net zero carbon economy by 2038, we’re determined to ensure that no business is left behind, as we work to make positive, greener changes that benefit all our communities across the region.”

Cllr Shabir Pandor, leader of Kirklees Council and Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Business, Economy and Innovation Committee, added: “I’m delighted we’re able to provide this vital support to businesses as we build a stronger, more prosperous West Yorkshire.

“The inflation crisis has impacted our small and medium-sized businesses right across the region, and it’s crucial we have the right support in place to help them slash bills, retain staff, and reduce the risks posed by climate change.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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