Grants

Guidance for Grant Applicants

We have a range of grants available for a limited time this year, to help fund your energy savings projects, such as

  • Energy efficient lighting
  • Low carbon or energy efficient heating systems
  • Renewable energy technologies such as Solar PV and Wind turbines
  • Insulation
  • Plant and Machinery upgrades
  • Heating and Lighting controls

 

These are just examples, please get in touch if you have an energy saving idea for your business. We can help you with the application process, and provide free energy advice to help you develop your project ready for grant application.

How much can I apply for?

The project can provide a 40 to 45% grant contribution towards the cost of eligible projects.

  • Grants of up to £31,000 are available in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland.

 

  • Grants of up to £20,000 are available in Gateshead.

 

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.

How Do I apply for a grant?

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 enquiry form 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.

What happens once I’m registered?

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 an 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.

 

Where can I go for quotes?

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.

I’m interested in the grant, what do I do now?

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.

Ready to submit your application?

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.

What should a quote include?

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

 

Like to ask a question?

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)

OUR SIMPLE GRANTS PROCESS

Take a look at the three simple steps to receive a grant for your business from BEST.

1. APPLY

Complete the grant application form

2. INSTALL

Once your application has been approved, have your energy saving works carried out

3. CLAIM

After install, complete the claim pack and submit for your grant reimbursement

Apply for BEST

Apply for BEST energy efficiency support and start saving money on your energy bills.

Apply now Ask a question