HBEES puts SMEs in A++ position for when lockdown lifts

Hull City Council’s Hull Business Energy Efficiency Scheme set to support SMEs across Hull with an energy saving roadmap out of lockdown.

Since the Government announced its steps to lift lockdown measures, Hull City Council saw an opportunity to help businesses who have been affected by the pandemic, encouraging them to start planning for their grand reopening, saving money along the way.

From 12 April, non-essential businesses can reopen and much of the hospitality sector can open (with some limitations).

For many, this is a welcome announcement, but for some there’ll be a mountain of plans that need to be put in place before the business can safely open again. From COVID safety measures to deep cleaning after being closed for so long, there’s a lot to do between now and 12 April.

One area that is often overlooked is energy usage and how efficient and cost-effective the measures a business has in place, actually are? By making simple switches, and updating old technology in the workplace, businesses can reduce costs, increase profitability and also reduce its impact on the environment.

Programme Manager, Phil Hall, said:

“The Hull Business Energy Efficiency Scheme offers a whole host of measures that helps businesses reduce their energy efficiency costs whilst also reducing their contribution to greenhouse gasses.

“The HBEES initiative offers businesses free access to expertise, advice and grant funding opportunities to help them make the switch to greener energy-saving equipment.

“It’s all aimed at helping to reach Hull City Council’s target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.”

Aimed at SME businesses, those that register for the scheme will receive an energy assessment visit and report by the Council’s expert partners, outlining the potential improvements that can be made to help reduce carbon emissions within their business.

A local cafe situated in Whitefriargate has recently been awarded a grant through the HBEES scheme and is delighted with the results so far.

Helen Schofield, Owner of Liquid Jade said:

“The Energy Efficiency Scheme came at completely the right time for my business. The overheads due to the old heating system and lighting were becoming unsustainable, especially with the challenges we were facing as a hospitality business during the pandemic.

“The grant I received has really helped me move the business forward with energy efficiency, future proofing and reducing overheads.

“It also makes a real difference to the feel of the cafe; making it an even more comfortable and welcoming experience for customers.

“I’m privileged to own a cage in the heart of Hull City Centre and this support from the Hull City Council’s Scheme has been invaluable.”