i10 secures funding to help East of England businesses go low carbon

i10 has been awarded £192,000 of European Regional Development

Fund (ERDF) money by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) as part of an innovative low carbon knowledge transfer project across the East of England.

The ERDF funding will enable i10 and its partners to improve the links between academic expertise and regional businesses wishing to develop commercially important low carbon technologies, reduce their carbon footprint or create a sustainable low carbon business strategy.

As a result of the funding, i10 is due to launch a groundbreaking ‘Low Carbon
Voucher’ scheme, whereby regional businesses can benefit from a £1,000 voucher which will pay for two days’ low carbon consultancy with a relevant i10 university.

Ralph Ecclestone, Project Manager of i10, said: “Securing the ERDF funding is
fantastic news for businesses of all sizes and sectors who are faced with the
challenge of stimulating low carbon economic growth. Our aim is to connect
businesses with the relevant universities and together they will be able to develop effective solutions to help position our region as a leader in low carbon initiatives.”

David Morrall, Director, International at EEDA, said: “EEDA is absolutely committed to creating the conditions where businesses can thrive in the low carbon economy.

It is not an option to ignore the challenges faced by climate change and the
economic opportunities available in new markets are huge compared to the cost of mitigation. The East of England is however extremely well positioned to exploit the benefits of a worldwide shift to a lower carbon economy, with a vibrant business sector focused on environmental technologies. It is therefore vital that we invest in this competitive advantage.”

i10 is urging businesses to think about their low carbon needs and to apply to the scheme if any of the issues below are relevant to their business:

· A need to increase profitability through low carbon efficiency
· Developing new low carbon technologies, products and services
· Creating sustainable business strategies
· Engaging consultancy, technical advice and R&D focusing on low carbon
· Keeping the business lean, mean and green
· Bringing ideas to market
· Reducing carbon footprint

The voucher scheme was launched on Friday 19 September and from this date businesses can apply via the website www.i10.org.uk/lowcarbon, talk to an i10
Business Development Manager on 0845 234 2314 or via email lowcarbon@i10.org.uk.