Frequently asked questions

Contact best@newcastle.gov.uk if you are already registered with BEST,  and would like to apply for a grant.

Or if you have not registered with BEST, please complete the enquiryform and we will help get you registered.

All grant applications must be supported by one of the following:

• A previous BEST audit or Decarbonisation Plan (subject to no changes within the building)
• A professional energy audit (conducted in the last 3 years, subject to no changes within the building)
• A detailed technical proposal

BEST can provide energy advice,  energy audits, and decarbonisation  plans to help identify energy saving opportunities for your business.

In Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland, you can currently apply for a standard grant of up to £22,500 per business, covering 45% of your eligible costs.  Higher rate grants of up to £25,000 covering 50% of your eligible costs are available for the following technologies:

• Air to water heat pump
• Ground to water heat pump

All other energy saving technologies could be eligible for the standard 45% grant.

In Gateshead, grants of up to £5,000 are currently available, covering 45% of your eligible costs. Higher rate grants of up £6,000 covering 50 % of your eligible costs are available for the following technologies:

• Air to water heat pump
• Ground to water heat pump

Awards can change depending on funds available. Grant awards are made on merit of application and improvements to the energy efficiency within the business, as well as any jobs that may be safeguarded or created by the grant recipient as a consequence of the grant award.

We will review your energy saving proposal or idea and identify how we can help you, depending on the cost and complexity of your project. We will then send you the grant application form and support you through the application process.

Procurement routes

To submit a fully detailed grant application, you will need to include detailed quotes. The procurement route is determined by the potential cost of the project, as follows:

• Projects costing less than £10,000 (including VAT) -Direct award (ie. minimum 1 quote required, though you may wish to get more to check value for money).

• Projects costing between £10,000 and £50,000 (including VAT)- 3 quotes or prices sought from relevant suppliers of goods, works and/or services.

• Projects costing more than £50,000 (including VAT)– A formal tender process needs to be completed. Further information and support will be provided to applicants.

You are free to choose where you obtain quotes from. This should be from a competent contractor with the appropriate qualifications relevant to the project.

Help is available

BEST energy advisors can help you with the procurement stage and application process.  We can also help you to prepare a specification and publicise any Requests for Quotation or Tender Opportunities, for suppliers to view. Tender Opportunities – BEST (best-ne.co.uk)

The BEST project is unable to support applications where the project will be funded through Asset Finance, including hire purchase and leasing arrangements.

Contact best@newcastle.gov.uk if you are already registered with BEST,  and would like to apply for a grant.

Or complete the enquiry form and we will help get you registered.

The Boiler Upgrade scheme is a national programme of funding to help support the installation of low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps, in domestic, and small non domestic properties. It runs until 2027 and provides:

• £7,500 towards the cost and installation of an Air Source Heat Pump
• £7,5000 towards the cost and installation of Ground Source and Water Source Heat Pumps
• £5,000 towards the cost and installation of a Biomass Boiler

If a business qualifies for the Boiler Upgrade scheme grant, the BEST grant could fund 45% to 50% of the remaining balance.

For further details of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, please visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme

Once you have all the quotes and supporting information ready, please submit the application using the link provided directly to you once you have registered. We will review the application and look to provide you with a decision within 7 days. Grants are paid in arrears. Once an application has been approved, you will receive an offer letter and a claim date. You will need to pay the 100% cost of the works, and a grant contribution is paid to you in arrears, once you have submitted your claim.

When submitting your application, the quote (s) should include the following information:

• Quote (s) on letter headed paper, clearly stating the company quoting, and the customer business name/legal entity
• A minimum 30 day quote validity
• Details of the proposal, including the Manufacturer and Model of equipment being specified
• Manufacturers datasheets for products and the exact number of each product to be installed
• Warranty period for the proposed equipment and workmanship
• Demonstrate full compliance with all health and safety requirements
• Clearly state the accreditation or relevant competence of the company quoting
• The total cost including and excluding VAT

If you require any support with grant applications or would like to find out more about how the BEST project can help you, please contact David Orr or Katie Atkinson, email best@newcastle.gov.uk, or ask a question Ask Us a Question – BEST (best-ne.co.uk)