Help to support Winchester businesses begin the journey to net zero
Free support for businesses in the Winchester district is now available to help them begin the journey to net zero, with access to grant funding to assist financial investments.
Meercat has been selected by Winchester City Council to help businesses reduce their carbon emissions and access grant funding. Support is free of charge and includes one-to-one consultations, online webinars, and events.
The support includes a personal ‘Carbon Coach’ and advice to businesses to produce a net zero strategy and action plan. It also includes marketing support to help win new business, meet tender criteria, and improve overall company image.
Cllr Kelsie Learney, Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency, said:
“Winchester City Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and this is one of various initiatives to meet our ambition of carbon neutrality for the district by 2030.”
Cllr Lucille Thomson, Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Business and Culture, added:
“We are delighted to be able to offer this free service to businesses. As well as helping to reduce carbon, it will also help reduce their costs and improve their image and bottom line.”
Andrew Childers, CEO of Meercat Associates, said:
“We are thrilled to be working with businesses in the Winchester district on this enormously important project. My team understand the difficulties businesses are currently facing. We aim to make a very positive impact in Winchester and look forward to liaising with various climate change partners in the district”.
Meercat are hosting monthly webinars, “Starting Your Business Journey To Net Zero”, to introduce their work and answer questions from businesses. They have set up a dedicated webpage at www.meercatassociates.com/winchester and businesses can call them on 01444 416529 during normal office hours.
While the service to businesses to create a net zero strategy and action plan is free of charge, funded by Winchester City Council and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), some businesses may wish to invest further in energy conservation and reduction measures like LED lighting, insulation, heating or machinery upgrades. Grant assistance towards such improvements is also available and can be accessed in the Clean Growth Programme by Low Carbon Across the South and East (LoCASE).
Grants can cover 40% of expenditure towards business growth, up to a maximum of £10,000 and green audits may also be offered to businesses where more intensive work is required.