There are a number of business support providers for the energy sector in the North East. Some support organisations provide services to the industry at a national level, others are focussed on bringing industry and business specifically to the region or on assisting and supporting existing regional businesses to make the most of the growth opportunities that exist within the energy sector.
Business Link provides a range of generic business support across the region. Four partnerships have been established in County Durham, Northumberland, Tees Valley and Tyne & Wear to provide access to independent and impartial business advice and support under the Business Link banner.
In addition to this the North East Business Support Network has been established as a result of an extensive review of publicly-funded business support in the region. It came into effect in April 2004 to implement changes to the way businesses access publicly-funded business support in the region.
An easy-to-use guide to the NECC with details of all its products and services.
Renew Tees Valley promotes the Tees Valley as a centre for renewable energy and waste management technologies, leading to new economic activity. It aims to attract inward investment, create new businesses, and help existing local businesses to develop/diversify into new markets in renewable energy and recycling.
The BEES team provides a range of energy services to small and medium enterprises in the North East. Funded through the European Regional Development Fund the team offers free energy audits and advice on technologies and funding to eligible companies.
Envirowise offers UK businesses free, independent, confidential advice and support on practical ways to increase profits, minimise waste and reduce environmental impact.
The Midas Programme is a business-focused service aimed at helping companies reduce operating costs and increase competitiveness through the reduction of energy, water and waste generation.
The Energy for Enterprise fund was set up to help small and medium sized businesses in the North East explore potential improvements to their energy supply. Eligible work includes the installation or upgrading of renewable, off-mains or mains electricity connections, as well as wood fuel heating systems.
NECESI is a dedicated environmental business support unit, co-funded by the University of Durham and the European Regional Development Fund. The Centre provides eligible SMEs in the North East with subsidised environmental assistance. Projects can range from short-term evaluation of environmental performance to multi-disciplinary research exploring detailed issues and options or the development of new products or processes and drawing on the expertise and resources held within the University of Durham.
The Clean Environment Management Centre (CLEMANCE) delivers environmentally sustainable solutions through innovative science, technology and resource management. The Centre's remit covers a wide range of environmental issues including waste, recycling, energy efficiency, renewables, eco-product development, building design and contaminated land remediation. The Centre holds ERDF funding which allows subsidised support for Small and Medium Size Enterprises, other organisations are supported at competitive rates.
The Carbon Trust can help businesses with a range of services from loans to free energy efficiency audits.
