Cheshire businesses urged to access Net Zero support

Businesses across Cheshire are being advised not to delay in accessing specialist guidance and financial support that will help them to reduce their carbon footprint and move towards Net Zero.

Groundwork’s Race to Zero scheme, which is run in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council, has already supported over 130 Cheshire-based businesses with decarbonisation advice, energy audits and match-funded grants.

Through Race to Zero, over £780,000 in grant funding has been awarded to 68 local businesses, from manufacturers to local butchers. This has led to the installation of 71 low-carbon technologies, such as solar panels and ground-source heat pumps. In total, these measures have saved participating businesses over £640,000 and 548 tonnes of carbon each year.

Edsential, a community interest company in Ellesmere Port which provides specialist education services to schools, received a grant of £8,870 through Race to Zero to buy solar panels.

Ian McGrady, managing director of Edsential, said: 

“The application process was very straightforward, as we had great support from Groundwork. The installation went smoothly, and we are now generating the vast majority of electricity we use. Over the first two months we have reduced our electricity bill by 80%! It’s great that we have been able to reduce our carbon footprint whilst becoming more cost efficient at the same time.”

Through Race to Zero, specialist advice and energy audits are still available to access free of charge from Groundwork’s Sustainable Business Services team. This independent, impartial advice has helped many businesses to create a plan towards their Net Zero goal. In addition, a small number of cash grants of £5k to £15k are still available to access for eligible projects this year.

Olivia Roberts, Groundwork’s Sustainable Business Services Programme Manager and Consultant, said:

“Race to Zero is a popular scheme because this is a valuable opportunity for local businesses to understand how they can become more energy efficient and identify the low-carbon technologies they will need.

“We have been working with Cheshire West and Chester Council for four years now to deliver the Race to Zero programme and it has delivered so many benefits. Business can receive a full energy audit and impartial advice that will help them to become more competitive and satisfy their customer demands around Net Zero. Match funded grants are also available, and I would strongly encourage business to act quickly.”

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said:

“The Race to Zero scheme has already supported so many local businesses to take steps to become more energy efficient and identify ways to make their businesses more sustainable. I would urge any local businesses who would like specialist advice to help them reach net zero to register their interest today and join other residents and local organisations helping the borough reach its 2045 net zero target.”

Race to Zero is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council, and delivered by the not-for-profit sustainable business experts, Groundwork. Businesses can be from any sector or size but must be based within the boundary of Cheshire West and Chester Council. Grants must be match funded by 50%.

To find out more about Race to Zero, visit: 

Groundwork’s Race to Zero 

...or call:

0333 121 0929

Pictured: Local businesses join Groundwork and the Council to celebrate their Race to Zero. Left to right - David Owen, KMC; Ian McGrady, Edsential; Chris Koral, Cheshire West & Chester Council; Pratyush Shukla, Groundwork; Sandra Deary, Catalyst Interiors; and Olivia Roberts, Groundwork.