Expert help to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint
Devon and Somerset firms can reduce their costs and carbon footprint with expert advice and grant funding through the Improving Your Resource Efficiency service.
The Improving Your Resource Efficiency (IYRE) service supports small to medium sized companies aspiring to be resource efficient in their activities enabling them to increase their business efficiency and profits. It is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by Peninsula Enterprise.
Chris Pike, Business Manager of Exeter-based marketing advice service Big Wave Media, said: "I must admit I was pretty sceptical when I first heard that Peninsula Enterprise would give us 12 hours free time with their adviser and grant funding to replace our old server which was struggling to keep up with the demands of our office activity.
"We heard about IYRE through Exeter Chamber of Commerce and initially thought their involvement could assist us in achieving ISO 14001 accreditation to improve our environmental footprint and also open up new business opportunities.
"It was IYRE adviser Sally Sandford who assessed our activity and we heeded her recommendation to prioritise replacement of the existing server supporting our Information Technology, to reduce the electricity use and cost; and was better suited to meet our business needs.
"Our directors recognised the benefits of investing in a new server. IYRE made a contribution towards the cost of the project, which helped us to upgrade the equipment and cut costs.
"We have cut our carbon footprint by over four tonnes per year and achieved a £800 recurrent annual saving in reduced electricity costs. Our office activity, particularly use of databases, is quicker and less frustrating for the team to use. Sally also carried out a thorough review of our environmental impact and we have changed some of our ways of working, such as having online training than attendance at another location and having a centralised printer.
"I would say there is absolutely nothing to lose by enlisting the expert advice provided through this initiative."
IYRE adviser Sally Sandford said: "Our service provides an excellent opportunity for businesses to review and increase their resource efficiency. The service is tailored to the individual needs of the business and provides practical confidential and impartial advice.
"Supporting Big Wave Media with their IT upgrade through the IYRE service will not only produce ongoing resource efficiency benefits but also provide long-term sustainability for the business enabling them to grow and move into new market areas"
As the service is funded by the European Regional Development Fund there are eligibility criteria for businesses who are wishing to engage with the service:
Head office and trading branch in Devon and Somerset
Small to Medium Enterprises with 5-250 employees.
Businesses with fewer than 5 employees may be eligible but they must be able to demonstrate strong growth potential.
European Regional Development Fund eligible business activity.
Excluded sectors are: Hospitality (including tourism & food and beverage services), Healthcare, Textiles, Straight Retail & Wholesale, Financial Services and Shipbuilding
Growth.
Client must also be 'growing' or have the potential to grow, this can be demonstrated by a recent or forecasted increase in employee numbers and/ or turnover.
To engage with the service, the client must also be willing to pass over some basic financial information such as turnover, profit, depreciation, employee numbers and salary costs. As there is no cost to the client for the support received from the service we are required to collate this information.
For more information about the IYRE service and how it can it may help your business contact the team on: 0845 608 2323; email them at: [email protected] or via our website: www.businessanswers.info/iyre
Caption - Left to right: Big Wave Media business development manager Debbi Moore and business manager Chris Pike with Sally Sandford, Improving Your Resource Efficiency environmental business adviser.
