Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire businesses looking to purchase low carbon technology, including electric and hybrid vehicles, are able to apply for a grant of up to 30% of the cost with a maximum of £7500.
Putting forward the grant is Wenta -best known as the enterprise agency for Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire and for providing an array of business support services including business start-up advice and guidance, business training and development opportunities, business centre premises and education programmes.
There are stipulations regarding the grant, but none that are unreasonable. The grant enables companies looking to purchase an electric vehicle, for example, to do so for up to 70% the original value (provided it costs less than £25,000). Purchases may be made for more expensive vehicles/items, but the maximum grant limit of £7,500 would then apply.
Emma Aylott, Project Coordinator says,
“Only one application is allowed per company and already many grant applications have been approved. The grant comes to a close in December 2014.”
With BMW i3 prices starting at just under £25,000 on-the-road (OTR and after the Government Plug-in Car Grant of £5,000), the grant could see businesses, who are considering the purchase of such a car, obtain one for as little as £17,500. Needless to say, an additional 30% off a vehicle which may have already had a Plug-in Car Grant awarded by the Government (25% or up to £5000) is a significant boon for businesses considering a low carbon vehicle purchase.
The grant money comes from the EU European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is available until December 2014.
Alongside vehicle purchases, ERDF grants can be used towards a variety of low-carbon investment initiatives such as:
- Upgrading your office equipment, such as printers, fax machines, photocopiers etc., to more modern, environmentally friendly machines
- Receiving advice from a low-carbon consultant on ways to reduce your business’ carbon output
- Implementing a recycling process
- Introducing or upgrading your business’ lighting or heating system to a low-carbon alternative
To find out if you’re eligible for an ERDF Low Carbon Grant please contact Emma Aylott on 01438 791 003 or email [email protected]. For further information on business grants available, please visit www.wenta/co.uk/business-
Source; Wenta
