Small and medium sized Kent businesses supported in moving to green

/ June 27, 2022

Kent County Council (KCC) has launched a new voucher scheme to enable local businesses to implement green solutions to help with future growth.

The Green Recovery Voucher Scheme is part of the C-Care (Covid Channel Area Response Exchange) project which is funded by the EU Interreg France (Channel) England programme.

Annabel from Bradbourne Bakery in Sevenoaks on her e-cargo delivery bike

C-Care represents a total of €6.7million package of covid-recovery support from the European Regional Development Fund. The overall project aims to support businesses and individuals at risk of exclusion on both sides of the Channel. In Kent the focus is on business support and this new scheme is being launched as a method to help businesses bounce back and become more resilient.

The Green Recovery Voucher Scheme can help firms build back from the pandemic in a way which is sustainable for the environment. They can redeem a voucher worth up to £1,500 for green goods and services in the following areas:

  • Design, supply and installation of energy efficiency measures.
  • Review, development and supply of waste reduction interventions.
  • Review, development and supply of sustainable transport solutions.
  • Design, supply and installation of biodiversity solutions.
  • ‘Net Zero’ transition planning.

Services will be provided to Kent businesses by a framework of approved green service providers which is also benefiting a number of firms across the county.

Interreg C-Care logo

The scheme is targeted at Kent businesses which have been impacted by the pandemic and which can demonstrate how adopting new green solutions will help them recover and grow in a more sustainable and economical way.

KCC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Susan Carey, said: “Part of Kent’s identity is our strong network of small and medium enterprises.

“The Green Recovery Voucher Scheme can help firms build back from the pandemic in a way which is sustainable for the environment.

“This is a fantastic initiative to look into at a time when profit margins are being squeezed and I would encourage business owners to see how this could help them.”

The voucher scheme is now live and will run until March 2023, or until the voucher budget has been fully allocated. Certain eligibility criteria apply, and companies can obtain more information by visiting https://www.kent.gov.uk/business/business-loans-and-funding/green-recovery-vouchers where they can apply and request an initial consultation with an advisor.

The Green Recovery Voucher scheme is being run by the Sustainable Business & Communities Team at Kent County Council, alongside a suite of other sustainable grant programmes available to SMEs (small and medium enterprises) within Kent. For further information on the teams’ projects, visit the Low Carbon Kent website: https://lowcarbonkent.com/

ENDS

Notes to editors:

About the Interreg FCE program:

Interreg France (Channel) England is an EU programme set up to foster economic development in the south and east of the UK and north of France by funding innovative projects which have a sustainable and economic benefit.

It focuses on a range of specific objectives including supporting innovation, improving the attractiveness of the Channel area and developing low carbon technologies.

The programme has reached its funding commitment target and as of March 2021, €217.5 million euros have been committed to 51 projects, involving 420 project partners from public institutions to SMEs and regional authorities.  The projects focus on different sectors of the economy ranging from agri-food sector to med-tech and tourism.

More information: www.channelmanche.com

Small and medium sized Kent businesses supported in moving to green was last modified: June 27th, 2022 by Ellis Stephenson