18th May 2012
i10 launches ‘£1k Low Carbon voucher’ for East of England Businesses
4th Dec 2008
Following its successful funding bid of £192,000 to help regional businesses go low carbon, i10 has launched its ground breaking ‘£1k Low Carbon voucher’ scheme.
East of England businesses can now apply for a £1,000 voucher and benefit from up to two days’ low carbon consultancy with one of i10’s twelve universities. The aim of i10’s Low Carbon knowledge transfer project is to improve the links between academic expertise and regional businesses wishing to develop commercially important low carbon technologies.
i10’s £1k Low Carbon Voucher scheme is funded by the East of England’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) awarded by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and is only applicable to SMEs located in the East of England (small to medium sized enterprises with 1-250 employees).
i10 is urging East of England businesses to think about their low carbon needs and to apply to the scheme if any of the issues below are relevant to their business:
• A need to increase profitability through low carbon efficiency
• Developing new low carbon technologies, products and services
• Creating sustainable business strategies
• Engaging consultancy, technical advice and R&D focusing on low carbon
• Keeping the business lean, mean and green
• Bringing ideas to market
• Reducing carbon footprint
If a business’s application for a voucher is successful and they wish to extend the project this can be negotiated with the university.
Ralph Ecclestone, i10 project manager, said: “The £1k low carbon voucher scheme is a fantastic opportunity for businesses of all sizes and sectors who are faced with the challenge of stimulating low carbon economic growth. I hope businesses will make the most of i10 and our connections with the region’s universities and together develop effective solutions to some very exciting low carbon initiatives. ”
Steve Clarke, Development Director for Offshore Renewable Energy at Renewables East said: “This funding is ideal for businesses looking to improve their low carbon credentials. Renewables East is already supporting several entrepreneurs likely to benefit from this i10 initiative and there will be many other companies who will also be able to reap the rewards of this scheme. This is a great opportunity to help companies become both forward-thinking and environmentally friendly.”
David Morrall, Director International at EEDA, said: “EEDA is absolutely committed to creating the conditions where businesses can thrive in the low carbon economy. It is not an option to ignore the challenges faced by climate change and the economic opportunities available in new markets are huge compared to the cost of mitigation. The East of England is however extremely well positioned to exploit the benefits of a worldwide shift to a lower carbon economy, with a vibrant business sector focused on environmental technologies. It is therefore vital that we invest in this competitive advantage.”
Fifty £1,000 vouchers are available. All voucher applications must be received by 31 May 2009 and the consultancy with the relevant university must be completed by 31 July 2009. It is a straightforward application process to i10 and businesses can apply via the website www.i10.org.uk/lowcarbon, talk to an i10 Business Development Manager on 0845 234 2314 or apply via email lowcarbon@i10.org.uk
