Businesses across our region have been urged to make the most of fresh support to slash their energy bills and form strategies to cut carbon emissions.
The new wave of funding and support comes as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), with the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) receiving £21.5million from Government to continue driving economic growth.
This funding includes a renewed focus on helping businesses become more energy efficient through expert advice and tailored action plans – rather than relying solely on grant funding.
Middlesbrough Golf Club has already benefited from the Tees Valley Net Zero programme. The club accessed £2,000 in grant funding and received one-to-one support – including detailed energy audits, the creation of a Carbon Reduction Plan, and guidance from specialists at Decerna.
Faced with rising energy costs, and an unclear picture of why consumption was so high, the club sought help to decarbonise and improve its operational efficiency. The installation of an energy-saving Cellar Ambient Cooler – a system that uses cold outdoor air instead of traditional refrigeration – delivered big results, saving the club £1,270 per year while keeping pints cool.
Matthew O’Connor, who leads on Marketing and Communications at Middlesbrough Golf Club, said: “The Net Zero support that we’ve received has been really helpful.
“Since joining the project we’ve progressed to having a good understanding of our carbon footprint, setting an ambitious Net Zero goal and making some major improvements to our energy efficiency. The grant has allowed us to install a new energy saving cooling system for our beer cellar, which is expected to save us around £1,000 per year.
“The BringAbout tool (we used) was really useful for quantifying our carbon impact and identifying areas for improvements. Together, with the support and guides from Decerna, it was really easy to use.”
More than £47million has already been invested in Tees Valley over the last three years to help companies grow – including through digital innovation, supply chain development and start-up support.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “This is about helping local businesses save money, boost productivity and play their part in a cleaner future – without drowning in red tape. We’ve already seen what can be achieved at places like Middlesbrough Golf Club, and now we want more firms to follow suit.
“This new funding is another vote of confidence in our area and gives us the firepower to back our businesses with the practical support they need to succeed.”
The refreshed Investment Plan, agreed earlier this year, contains UKSPF support – fully funded by the UK Government.
Cllr Alec Brown, Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council and Cabinet Member for Business Support and Net Zero, said: “It’s very encouraging to see the difference past rounds of this funding has made to businesses – now we want as many firms as possible to get easy access to this support.
“I’d urge business owners, entrepreneurs or those looking to make their firms more efficient to get in touch with the team and see what help can be offered.”
Fully funded support for Tees Valley Net Zero comes via the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
To get tailored Net Zero support, expert advice and practical solutions – just like Middlesbrough Golf Club – visit the Tees Valley Net Zero Business Support page to get in touch and find out more.
ENDS
NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF TEES VALLEY COMBINED AUTHORITY
CONTACT: media@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk or Ian McNeal ian.mcneal@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk 07554 437890 / Alex Metcalfe alex.metcalfe@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk
07384 797817
Picture caption: 1,2: Net Zero funding support helped Middlesbrough Golf Club cut bills and boost efficiency.
Notes to Editor:
Tees Valley Combined Authority
The Tees Valley Combined Authority was created in April 2016. Its purpose is to drive economic growth and job creation in the area. It is a partnership of five authorities; Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees, working closely with the business community and other partners to make local decisions to support the growth of our economy.
Tees Valley Mayor
On 4th of May 2017, residents of Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees elected Ben Houchen (Conservative) as the first Tees Valley Mayor. He was re-elected to the role in 2021 and 2024. The Mayor chairs the Combined Authority and works alongside the five Tees Valley Councils to improve the economy of the area, bring in new investment and create jobs. He has responsibility over transport, homes & communities, culture & tourism, skills & education, business growth & investment and devolution.
To find out more please visit http://www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk
