Cheltenham businesses awarded £120,000 to fund net zero projects

A diverse range of businesses in Cheltenham have been awarded thousands in grant funding by the borough council for projects which will allow them to cut carbon emissions, improve their energy efficiency and remove barriers to making sustainable choices.

By Jake Chown | Published Friday 12 July 2024

Councillor Iain Dobie (left) says he's pleased to be able to support a range of businesses through the fund, including East Glos Club which will use its grant to retro fit LED lighting on its tennis courts.

Businesses across Cheltenham have been awarded shares of £120,000 in grant funding this July 2024 for projects that will help them achieve their net zero goals and save on their energy costs.

Firms from leisure and hospitality to finance and manufacturing are set to benefit from the Cheltenham Zero Business fund, which was made available by Cheltenham Borough Council for projects that will support their transition to low carbon and improve their energy efficiency.

Among the 19 businesses that have been awarded funding, The Leckhampton Surgery has received £10,000 for a solar PV installation project; patent law firm Albright IP has been awarded £5,000 for the installation of three accessible electric vehicle charging points at its car park; and seafood restaurant Purslane has received £1,794 for the purchase and installation of loft insulation and LED compatible light fittings.

Beechurst Serviced Apartments, which became the UK's first serviced apartment provider to become a B Corp in 2024, secured a £7,400 grant for its emissions reduction project, which includes the installation of solar PV, solar-enabling hot water systems and installing new EV charging points at its apartments.

Cheltenham multi-sports centre East Glos Club will put its £6,097 grant towards a project to retro fit LED lighting to floodlights on four of its tennis courts.

The funding is being delivered through the Cheltenham Zero partnership, which represents a coordinated effort from public and private sector organisations, charities and community groups to achieve net zero carbon emissions in Cheltenham by 2030.

The business fund consists of £100,000 allocated to Cheltenham through the UK government's Shared Prosperity Fund, along with £20,000 which was left over from the borough council's own Cheltenham Zero Community Fund in 2023.

Cabinet member for climate emergency, Councillor Iain Dobie, commented: 'This funding provides opportunities to improve energy efficiency and carbon reduction, resulting in reduced bills at a time when businesses need it most.

'I’m so pleased we can support a diverse range of businesses from cafes and galleries to surgeries and solicitors. All these businesses are taking an innovative step working on several positive and impactful projects.'