With the ongoing prices in wholesale energy effecting all areas of the economy, The Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub have collated these resources to support business in the area. Please check back on our website https://growthhub.swlep.co.uk/ as we will be continually updating it as further information becomes available. We have also developed this energy saving tips to support businesses [Insert link]
Support updates
10/10/22 Energy Bill Relief Scheme: help for businesses and other non-domestic customers
Business will receive a reduction in their energy costs, with the amount depending on the type of contract they currently have with their supplier. The full details of eligibility and the financial details are available here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-bill-relief-scheme-help-for-businesses-and-other-non-domestic-customers . To make this easier to understand, the summary of the support scheme is that you don’t need to take any action as your energy supplier will automatically apply any discount you are eligible for. This discount is pre determined for the period from October 2022 to March 2023.
23/09/22 ‘Mini Budget’. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng, delivered a Mini Budget statement to Parliament, the result of which we all know. Addressing the volatility of energy prices and the associated risks to businesses. This is now updated above.
The domestic support is now set for 6 months.
13/09/22 British Gas Energy Trust Fuel Poverty Grants In response to the cost-of-living crisis and energy price cap increase, the independent charitable trust is currently providing two funds:
Individuals and Families Fund
British Gas Energy Support Fund
Both are intended to tackle fuel poverty by clearing the energy debts of struggling households in Great Britain. The funds will cover debt arrears of up to £1,500. The Trust does not award cash payments and will instead credit the householder account. Applicants to either fund must have received support from a money advice organisation and are required to provide the details of the group in question. Those applying to the Individuals and Families Fund do not need to be customers of British Gas, though the majority of the funding pot is reserved for customers.
https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/grants-available/
08/09/2022 Energy Price Guarantee - From 1st October, a new ‘Energy Price Guarantee’ will mean a typical UK household will now pay up to an average £2,500 a year on their energy bill for the next two years. This is automatic and applies to all households. This will save the average household at least £1,000 a year based on current energy prices from October and is in addition to the £400 energy bills discount for all households. This applies to all households in Great Britain, with the same level of support made available to households in Northern Ireland.
A new six-month scheme for businesses and other non-domestic energy users (including charities and public sector organisations like schools) will offer equivalent support as is being provided for consumers. This will protect them from soaring energy costs and provide them with the certainty they need to plan their business.
After this initial six-month scheme, the Government will provide ongoing, focused support for vulnerable industries. There will be a review in 3 months’ time to consider where this should be targeted to make sure those most in need get support.
Support for businesses
Target 2030 provide free energy-saving support and possible grant funding for SMEs across Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire. Note that funding for this programme is limited there are no plans for this to continue at this stage https://target2030.co.uk/
The National Energy Foundation, YouGen, offers free, independent advice on efficient energy usage and installing sources of renewable energy. https://yougen.co.uk/
The Energy Savings Trust provides advice for individuals and businesses. It lists example case studies, energy efficiency resources and runs events to help businesses make informed choices, including supply chain advice. https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/business/
Smallbusiness.co.uk provides online energy efficiency news for small business owners, including start-ups. https://smallbusiness.co.uk/?s=energy+efficiency
Energy Technology List . You can check the Government Energy Technology List if you are planning new plant equipment. It covers independently verified energy-efficient products such as boilers, lighting, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-technology-list
Ofgem advise that your energy supplier can help if you are having difficulties managing your microbusiness energy bills. You can get other financial support too. Your options will depend on your situation. Ofgem have a support page that provides advice and guidance for businesses struggling with their energy bills. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-businesses/getting-help-if-your-business-cant-afford-its-energy-bills
Wiltshire Council business rates relief check to see if you are eligible for Small Business Rates Relief if your business is based in Wiltshire: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/973/Small-business-relief
Swindon Borough Council business rates relief check to see if you are eligible for Small Business Rates Relief if your business is based in Swindon:
https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20041/business_rates/44/small_business_rate_relief
Government support for households and individuals
There are several support packages that have been announced by the UK Government. You can find out the latest news and information on these at the Help For Households webpage: https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/
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