Free seminar for east Antrim businesses

The event, entitled ‘How to reduce costs and increase profits by making your business more energy efficient’, will be held in Corr’s Corner, Newtownabbey on Friday, October 3.

It is part of The North East Resource Efficiency Programme, a project which is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.

Through this programme, businesses can receive free, one to one, expert advice and practical support including a resource efficiency audit to assess business resource and energy needs and identify where savings can be achieved, and a resource efficiency action plan outlining how businesses can achieve efficiencies and thereby reduce costs.

Specifically, the programme can help businesses reduce overall energy costs; access more sustainable water sources; review packaging requirements and reduce these costs; optimise recycling processes and minimise waste sent to landfill; source more efficient equipment; use renewable energy or improve efficiency; introduce environmental or energy management systems.

At the breakfast seminar there will be an opportunity to find out more about this exciting, free programme which is available now to local businesses. Speaking at the event Dr John Harrison from South West College, Programme Manager of the North East Resource Efficiency Programme, will outline the support which is available to businesses in the Larne, Antrim, Ballymena and Newtownabbey Council areas to help them cut their resource costs such as electricity, gas, waste and raw material costs.

William Robinson from B9 Energy will also be giving a presentation looking at measures businesses can introduce to improve their energy efficiency through low cost solutions and introduction of more energy efficient equipment.

The introduction of an energy policy is a first step in demonstrating a commitment to reduce energy consumption. Replacement of inefficient equipment should then be considered once the low cost solutions have been addressed.

Lighting is an expense that all businesses face and a variety of replacement options exist for many types of light fittings. An overview of efficient lighting options and indicative costs and savings will be presented at the seminar.

Laura Loughran from LCC Power will be highlighting to businesses the importance of interpreting their energy bills and identifying tariffs and how to save on charges.

At the breakfast seminar there will be an opportunity to find out more about this exciting programme which is available now to local businesses.

Speaking about the seminar, Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Thomas Hogg said: “The implication of rising costs for small enterprises is a major concern for many business owners; that is why programmes and seminars such as this are welcomed. I would encourage local businesses to take the opportunity to learn more about undertaking efficiencies within their business and realise how small changes can make major differences, especially in the area of energy usage”.

The seminar starts at 8.30am in Corr’s Corner, Newtownabbey. Breakfast is available from 8am.

To book your place, contact Nicola Quinn at InnoTech Centre, South West College (028 822 55223) or email [email protected]