A WORCESTERSHIRE business has benefited from a new grant.

Kirkfield, based in Redditch, has been awarded £7,557 from the first Business Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP) grant, which was set up to help lower running costs, and promote energy efficient businesses.

The grant was set up after Worcestershire County Council, along with partners including Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and the Worcestershire Districts, were awarded £1.45 million funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government's European Regional Development Fund, to help small and medium-sized businesses.

Kirkfield director Lisa Flood said: "This grant has been so easy and straight forward to apply for and has really helped us to see where we could save on our energy usage and costs.

"The support provided from programme advisors has been invaluable in helping to understand the options available."

BEEP has previously helped a number of businesses including SCN Vehicle Repairs in Kidderminster, who received £15,000 to insulate roof and walls, and improve lighting. As well as reducing energy bill by an impressive 68%, this will also improve conditions for employees by making the site much warmer.

Councillor Anthony Blagg, deputy leader and cabinet member with responsibility for environment said: "I would encourage all businesses to look into the programme, as there are many tips and ideas for them to consider becoming more energy efficient."

For more details visit business-central.co.uk/beep.