Support for our businesses with rising costs

With rising costs for businesses, business owners and their staff, we are working with local partners to help residents and business through this difficult time. 

See below for some of the help and support available for businesses.

We also publish information on Cost of living information.

We update businesses, using our dedicated business eNewsletter, on new support schemes and information to help your business. You can Sign up to the Business Support eNewsletter and on our Twitter feed @NFDCBizUpdates.

Government Energy Bill Relief Scheme for businesses

The government has outlined plans to help cut energy bills for businesses and not for profit organisations through a new government Energy Bill Relief Scheme.

Help with money and debt

Citizens Advice has sources of information if your small business can't afford its energy bills, this includes where the business is based at home.

Help to make your business more efficient

The Solent Growth Hub business support experts can give you direct advice or sign-post you to local and national contacts within their wide network. They'll even use a free grant finder service while speaking to you over the phone to source finance and grant funding from around the world.

Contact them to make an appointment by calling on 023 9268 8055 or email them on enquiries@solentlep.org.uk. 

Help to ensure your business is energy efficient

Free energy audits

GEP Environmental undertake free fully funded energy audits on commercial business premises to help you reduce costs. Contact: Mark Weeks, Sales and Marketing Executive 07436 393511, markw@gepenv.co.uk or visit www.gepenv.co.uk please to find out more

Grants for energy efficient measures

The Low Carbon Across the South and East (LoCASE) programme provides grants that can be used toward having energy efficiency measures installed for your business. Grant funding is up to a maximum of £10,000 and the grant will form up to 40% of the cost of the eligible project, with the remainder matched by your business. 

Support from business organisations and other business owners

There are a number of business membership organisations that may offer additional support to businesses and business owners and help to overcome the isolation that many owners of small businesses experience.

They may also offer opportunities to share issues with other business owners at networking events, including New Forest Business Partnership's regular online Business Support Hour.

You can find Local business events and networking on our webpage.