The South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership’s (SEMLEP) Growth Hub has launched the Green Recovery and Innovation Programme (GRIP).
The effects of climate change are becoming clearer and clearer, and are currently only set to get worse. The science is unambiguous; we need to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050 or risk facing serious consequences. Communities and businesses need to take action.
GRIP is an initiative funded by the Government via the UK Community Renewal Fund and delivered by SEMLEP’s Growth Hub available to businesses in North and West Northamptonshire. It is designed to make it as easy as possible for businesses to become more sustainable, more efficient, more innovative, and more successful.
The programme will consist of one-to-one support with a range of experts, including innovation and energy specialists, to help business leaders discuss, identify and develop their innovation and sustainability plans. After this, they will be able to attend a series of workshops designed to help boost their productivity and make their business more sustainable.
Businesses will also have the opportunity to apply for grants of up to £10,000 to spend on consultancy support and small capital items of up to £5,000 (50% private sector match required), and to support the innovations that will help make their business more sustainable.
By participating in the GRIP programme, business leaders will not only be making their organisations more innovative and sustainable, they will be making them more efficient and profitable by reducing waste and cutting costs.
Judith Barker, SEMLEP’s director of programmes and governance, said: “This programme is a timely and much-needed boost for the many companies in Northamptonshire looking to accelerate innovation and make themselves more sustainable, both environmentally and financially. We welcome expressions of interest on our website from any Northamptonshire-based business.”
Rachel Mallows, SEMLEP’s Growth Hub Board chair, said: “The Green Recovery and Innovation Programme is a wonderful demonstration that business success can and should go hand-in-hand with helping to protect the environment. It will make it easier than ever for Northamptonshire businesses to not only reduce their carbon footprint, but to evolve, grow and thrive at the same time.”
