A Haverhill business is urging other companies across west Suffolk to get involved with a scheme which saves money and benefits the environment.

DB Sheetmetals, which is in the metal work manufacturing sector, needed to replace aging lighting to help with inspection work and reduce costs, but did not have the time or money available to make the project happen.

The company worked with St Edmundsbury Borough Council’s community energy programme and received technical and financial support from the authority as well as £6,150 grant funding from Business Energy Efficiency Anglia.

This meant the business, which employs 38 people, was able to replace the old lighting with new energy efficient LED bulbs, which has saved energy, brought costs down and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Caroline Law, from DB Sheetmetals, said: “Replacing this lighting was important for the business to help us modernise, provide a better service and reduce energy costs.

“But like most small businesses finding the finance and having the time to do this is difficult. The council and its community energy programme were able to project management the procurement and installation as well as helping us gain a grant from Business Energy Efficiency Anglia.

“This has meant we have been able to install the new LEDs and pay back the secured loan over time.

“Quite simply, it is unlikely the project would have happened without the council’s support.”

Alaric Pugh, portfolio holder for Planning and Growth, said: “This is part of the council’s priority of supporting local businesses, the economy and our environment.

“Our community energy programme has already pioneered the solar for business programme that provide solar energy to businesses saving on average 25% on their electricity unit cost.

“We are really pleased to have worked with DB Sheetmetals to pilot this innovative approach to energy efficiency funding.

“We want to help as many companies as we can and we are currently running a promotion focusing on the Haverhill area.

“If you are in business in west Suffolk I would urge you to get in touch with us to and tell us what you businesses needs to grow.”

West Suffolk businesses can contact the environment and energy team to find out more on: environment@westsuffolk.gov.uk or call 01284 757400.