Help for businesses to prepare for net zero

SHETLAND Islands Council has established a transition fund to support and incentivise businesses to adapt to new ways of working or make investment to remain competitive.

Using money that has been made available through the government’s Covid economic recovery funding, this new initiative offers grants of between £1,000 and £10,000.

Applications from businesses wanting to invest in adaptations and new ways of working such as implementation of new online systems, new machinery and investment in green technology to reduce costs, are being welcomed.

Grants will support up to 75 per cent of project costs, and they will seek to ensure investment in new ways of working are in line with the council’s net zero target.

Investments that might be considered include:

• Premises adaptation, upgrades and improvements;
• Digital launch, marketing, and publicity costs for new business activities or products;
• New digital sales and/or booking platforms;
• Energy efficiency upgrades, such as lighting, windows, walls or energy options including solar panels, small-scale wind turbines and air source heating;
• Specialist training for staff.

The fund is now open for applications and will close when all funds are committed, or on 31 January 2023, whichever comes first. More information, including how to apply, can be found here.