What we do
Helping North East SMEs and VCSEs save energy, cut costs, and go green
Rising energy costs are a big challenge for businesses and organisations of all sizes. The Business Energy Saving Team (BEST) is here to help.
Funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by local authorities, BEST supports small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) in Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland and Gateshead.
Through BEST, you can access:
- Free energy audits – independent advice tailored to your business.
- Capital grants – up to 45–50% of project costs, up to £25,000.
- Expert support – practical recommendations on energy savings, carbon reduction, and resilience.
Up to 50% grant funding on your energy saving project
BEST can provide grant contributions of up to 50% towards the cost of energy savings projects, depending on the overall cost of the project. Grants are available to help fund energy savings projects such as energy efficient lighting, renewable energy technologies such as Solar PV and Wind turbines, insulation, plant and Machinery upgrades and more.
View GrantsCase studies
Real businesses. Real savings.
BEST has already supported over 350 businesses across the North East. Here are some of their stories:
The impact BEST is making
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393
Number of SMEs and VCSEs supported
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£785,319
Grant funding received by businesses
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1571
Tonnes of carbon dioxide saved per year
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1333
Renewable energy generated per year (MWh)
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£531,781
Business energy bill savings per year
