Households will be offered loans to upgrade boilers

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Firms and tradespeople are poised for a business boost from a campaign to improve the energy efficiency of homes countywide.

The government's "green deal" offers loans to householders for a wide range of work - such as upgrading old boilers, lagging lofts and draught-proofing.

Loan repayments must be offset by the amount of energy saved.

With energy bills soaring, any scheme that could save money is expected to win widespread support - and organisers hope businesses will take full advantage of the new opportunities.

The Energy Saving Trust, a social enterprise with charitable status, is working with the Kent and Medway Green Partnership to stage free workshops to tell businesses how to gear up for the project and become accredited Green Deal installers.

The trust's Ian Hutchcroft said: "With energy bills rising, people are already more interested in making their homes warmer and cheaper to heat. With government initiatives such as the Green Deal, people will be able to access funding to have energy efficiency work done to their homes and start saving from day one."

David Brazier, Kent County Council's deputy cabinet member for environment, highways and waste (pictured left), said: "The Green Deal is a fantastic opportunity for Kent, one which I'm hoping the county will grab with both hands.

"There are huge potential commercial benefits for all sorts of businesses and tradespeople in Kent, from plumbers to electricians, environmental consultancies to insulation providers.

"I would encourage them to come along to the events and find out how exactly the Green Deal can benefit them."

Graham Harris, managing director of Dartford council, chairs the Kent and Medway Green Deal Partnership.

He said: "The Green Deal could be a great opportunity for local businesses and we want to help local SMEs take full advantage of this new business potential."

Workshops are being held on Tuesday, December 4 at SusCon, Brunel Way, The Bridge, Dartford; Wednesday, December 5 at St Mary's Church, Ashford; and Wednesday, December 12 at East Kent College, Broadstairs. Each lasts from 8am to 2pm.

Click here for more details, email KentMedwaySME@est.org.uk or phone 020 7654 2640.