Business News

DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH ON YOUR PLATE RUNNING A BUSINESS? A SMART METER COULD HELP

Energy is a key expense for small catering businesses which makes it a crucial area for these businesses to save money and take control of their finances. Smart meters could give businesses additional visibility over energy use and costs to make it easier to identify where changes and savings can be made.

In addition, sustainability is a key focus for many businesses across Great Britain – the smart meter rollout is predicted to reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 34.4m tonnes – so by getting smart meters installed in your business you’re helping achieve this, making your business that bit more sustainable.

Running an independent coffee shop, bar or restaurant is a round-the-clock job and supplying your energy readings is often not a top priority. Smart meters send your gas and electricity readings directly to your energy supplier, saving you time to focus on other jobs. Firms with 10 employees or less could be eligible and installations can be arranged at a convenient time to ensure minimal interruption to your business and your clients.

To find out more please scan the QR code here: Adam Jones, GJS Dillon’s Director for Property Asset Management sets out his 10 point plan for property owners now that the economy has re-opened: Insurance – Have there been any tenancy changes? It’s vital this information is kept accurate as it could invalidate your insurance.

Inspections – Have you recently carried out an inspection of the property? Have any new problems developed that need to be looked at by professionals or contractors?

Contractors – The consistent message coming back from contractors is “we are really busy and we can’t get enough labour or materials”. So, you will need to plan ahead plus expect higher costs! Health and Safety – Now is a good time to ensure that all the mandatory health and safety checks (such as electrical and gas testing, asbestos, lifting equipment, fire equipment etc) are up to date. Covenant strength – There has never been a more important time to monitor the financial strength of your tenants. Business rates – Are you currently paying business rates on empty properties? Have you investigated options to minimise your liabilities? Utilities – Whether the property is currently empty or let then it is really important to keep a close eye on utility costs which might have a real effect on your margin. Lease expiries or rent reviews – This is a detailed area and one that can have significant ramifications to both landlord and tenant.

Schedule of Conditions / Dilapidations

– We recommend that a Schedule of Condition is carried out prior to a new tenancy and that professional advice is sought with regards to dilapidations when a tenant moves out. Future purchases – We’ve seen an active commercial property market in Worcestershire with both office and industrial sectors performing better than one might expect considering recent events. So we recommend you make the most of this opportunity.

www.gjsdillon.co.uk

10 THINGS YOU SHOULD BE THINKING ABOUT DOING NOW AS A PROPERTY LANDLORD

HEATING YOUR BUSINESS PREMISES, OFFICES, WAREHOUSE, HOME AND FUTURE HOMES WITHOUT USING GAS OR OIL

Eco-Wright Energy are a small family-run company based in Bewdley that specialise in Heat Pumps, MVHR and Underfloor Heating.

HEAT PUMPS

We have over ten years’ experience in the design, supply and installation of renewable heating systems that can reduce your heating bills and your carbon footprint, no matter how large the building or what it is used for. Ground and air source heat pumps can provide hot water and space heating for the entire property without the use of a gas or oil boiler, and removing the need to run an immersion heater. A system can be retrofitted in to a property, or designed and installed for a new build from the ground up. Each system is bespoke, working closely with the client and considering the age, size, build type and use of the property. For every 1KW of electricity a heat pump can produce up to 4KW of heat whereas a conventional boiler will only produce 1KW of heat to that same 1 KW of electricity.

MVHR

Mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems (MVHR) recycle warm air around the property or building and again reduce your heating bills and carbon footprint. Stale, warm air is moved from bathrooms, kitchens and wet rooms then fresh, clean air is added and it is circulated to cooler areas of the building or home.

UNDERFLOOR HEATING

Underfloor heating can be installed into new builds, renovations and extensions. As well as removing the need for radiators UFH works at a lower flow temperature. This is a more cost-effective way to heat your property. Each room has its own individual thermostats that are internet and application based, again keeping running costs to a minimum.

WHO CAN WE HELP?

Property owners and landlords

Builders

Architects

Construction companies

Self builders

Developers Merchants looking for advice regarding sizing products for projects For more information on all our services and products visit www.ecowrightenergy. co.uk or find us on social media.

SUPPORTING BUSINESSES IN WORCESTERSHIRE WITH THEIR LOW CARBON INNOVATION

Worcestershire County Council’s Low Carbon Opportunities Programme (LOCOP) supports small and medium sized businesses in Worcestershire and Shropshire who are looking to develop, implement and commercialise low carbon innovative products, processes and services.

LOCOP offers a free bespoke 12 hour package of support (subject to eligibility), delivered by Shrewsbury Business Consulting Ltd who bring a wealth of commercial experience in the low carbon, renewable energy and the power engineering sectors. The Programme has a successful track record and has already supported 41 businesses and paid out grants totalling approximately £410,000. Farm Green Energy Ltd are receiving funding and support through LOCOP to develop, build and trial a Biomethane dispenser to utilise local anaerobic waste and use it to replace the need for diesel by local transport companies and farmers. This will give these companies financial savings on fuel cost and drastically lower CO2 emissions. Marco Bille, Director, commented “The whole process from grant application through to approval was seamless and professionally dealt with by the teams at Worcestershire County Council and Shrewsbury Business Consulting. We have received great support by Ewan from SBC, assisting us in planning all aspects of the business model; SWOT analysis through to budgeting and cash flow forecasting. The team at WCC were extremely helpful in the grant process and I look forward to working closely with them to develop this great innovation. We are hoping to trial our first biomethane fuelled tractor by the end of the year.” LOCOP also offers funding opportunities up to £30,000 for:

Equipment and Materials

Demonstrations and testing

Research and assessment IPR Protection

Accreditations

Prototyping and demonstrations

Marketing There is also FREE support and funding available for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. The Low Carbon Opportunities Programme is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund For more information: Email: sustainability@worcestershire.gov.uk Visit: www.business-central.co.uk/

locopinnovation/

Call: 01905 677888