Posted on Friday 21st June 2024
Managing director of HMS Staircases, Sharon Murray, is "very impressed" with the Green Solutions initiative.
A Stoke-on-Trent business has hailed the Green Solutions initiative for its free bespoke advice on how to become more sustainable and save money.
HMS Staircases, which builds wooden staircases for UK housing, signed up for the free energy assessment offered under the programme, which is managed by Staffordshire County Council.
The assessment looked at the business’ energy consumption and provided an easy-to-read report with recommendations on how to reduce expenses and minimise its carbon footprint.
Managing director, Sharon Murray, was amazed at how quick and simple the process was.
Sharon said:
“The actual assessment we had from Green Solutions was very user-friendly.
“I was expecting a very in-depth report that was a bit over my head but, no, it was easy to read, easy to understand and they went into the analytics of what the cost savings would be for us as a company throughout the year if we took the options and advice of what was in the report.”
Recommendations included installing LED lighting and a biomass boiler to burn wooden waste products, which will then help to heat the shop.
Sharon continued:
“The process in itself for the actual audit of the premises was phenomenally easy.
“The guy came in, he did the audit, was absolutely very thorough, spoke to all the staff, looked at all the processes that was going on throughout the work and I’m just very impressed with them, to be honest.”
Darryl Eyers, Staffordshire County Council’s director for economy, infrastructure and skills, said:
“It’s great to see local businesses, like HMS Staircases, being supported to become more sustainable and lower their expenses.
“Supporting our independent businesses and tackling climate change continues to be a top priority for the county council.
“It really is that quick and easy to get an energy assessment – and it’s completely free of charge. You get tailored advice on how to make your business greener and save lots of money as well. It’s a win, win.”
In addition to a free energy assessment, Green Solutions offers businesses grants of up to £100,000 to implement the assessment’s recommendations and free carbon literacy training.
The initiative is open to businesses based in both Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
Businesses interested in applying for free support are invited to fill out an Expression of Interest form at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/GreenSolutions.