Programme aims

Micro, small and medium-sized businesses are a major part of North Yorkshire’s economy. Their engagement with the council’s Net Zero commitment is key, but they often lack the time, resources or expert knowledge required to look into how they can reduce their energy consumption and costs.

This programme will address those gaps, providing free of charge support that helps businesses understand the most effective ways for them to save energy and money.

Who can apply?

Micro, small and medium sized enterprises (those with up to 250 staff) including:

• sole traders and limited companies from all sectors, including business-to-consumer and business-to-business models
• landlords of commercial units and business parks
• community interest companies and social enterprises

Who can’t apply?

• Start up businesses

What the programme will provide

This programme will provide support through specialist advice and/or sustainability audits. Businesses can apply for an audit, advice or both.

Specialist advice can be provided on a range of topics including adapting to climate change, making resources go further, how Net Zero relates to your business, legislation advice, project design and so on.

Sustainability audits are free of charge, in-depth assessments that give businesses a full picture of their current environmental impact and carbon footprint. They include suggestions for both reducing environmental impact and delivering cost savings, as well as options for increasing climate resilience.

How do I apply? When’s the closing date?

Please complete a pre-application form and email it to ukspf@yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk.

 Download a UKSPF pre-application form as Microsoft Word (docx / 172 KB)

 Download a UKSPF pre-application form as PDF (pdf / 233 KB)

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the support budget has been fully allocated. There is no set closing date but all support must have been applied for and received by February 2025. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

What happens after I apply?

Applications will be screened for basic programme eligibility before being passed to the Climate Change team for formal review.

When will I find out if I’ve been successful?

The climate change team will aim to let you know the status of your application as soon as possible.

What happens after my application is approved?

Depending on what support you require, the climate change team will either put you in touch with in-house support or a specialist provider. Should a site visit be required, this will be arranged at a time and date convenient for you.

What happens after I receive the support?

All successful applicants are expected to take part in project evaluation activities. This normally involves completing a short form 6-12 months after you receive the support, telling us about the impact the support has had on your business practices and any steps you’ve taken towards implementing suggestions made.