Agenda item

a)    Joint report of the Director of Transformation and Partnershipsand the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services.

b)    Presentation by Calum Baker, Business Energy Efficiency Project Manager, Regeneration and Local Services

The Committee considered the joint report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships and the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services that provided members with an overview of the Business Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP) (for copy of report, see file of minutes).

Members received a presentation from the Business Energy Efficiency Project Manager that focused on the following:-

• Overview of BEEP
• What BEEP do
• Where they are since the launch in 2016
• Post 2019 and options
• Leading the way

The Chairman commented that small companies should take up the offer as there were no costs to the company in obtaining a package of support.

Councillor Carr sought clarification if the energy partner had been appointed through the competitive tendering process and that there was a need for caution when selecting a partner.

The Business Energy Efficiency Project Manager advised that both legal and procurement had been involved in the selection process and the development of the contract for the energy partner however, it is important to clarify that the council are not purchasing anything, although the contract does contain break clauses including a one in relation to the reputation of the authority.

Mr Kinch asked if the grants were match funded. The Business Energy Efficiency Project Manager advised members that the grants are match funded by the individual business and that the business is informed of the amount of match funding required at the start of the process.

Councillor Crute asked if they referred businesses to alternative schemes if they were unable to help. Members were advised that they worked closely with Business Durham and the FSB and made referrals wherever possible.

Councillor Hall asked if schools could access the project as academies were ran as small businesses.

The Chairman advised that he had had the same discussion and unfortunately the structure excluded schools. The Business Energy Efficiency Project Manager confirmed that schools were excluded from the project.

Councillor Martin referred to the Drum Industrial Estate at Chester-le-Street where he had recently had a meeting with businesses and commented that they were reluctant to participate in EU council funded schemes due to the complexity of the process.

The Business Energy Efficiency Project Manager indicated that they had tried to simplify the process and complete as much of the paperwork as they could on behalf of the individual company. He continued that he hoped once the project had become established the reputation would grow and encourage more take up however businesses were now more aware of the project and the support provided.

Councillor Clare sought clarification on the funding available. The Member was advised that there was £167,000 available but it was an advisory service and that 1,600 to 2,000 small businesses were eligible in the county.

Councillor Clare then indicated that small businesses often don’t own the properties. The Business Energy Efficiency Project Manager responded that they work with the occupier with landlord approval. The business bought the kit not the landlord and the kit purchased had to be able to be removed if the occupier left the premises, the structure of the building has to remain untouched. Another requirement of the project is that the business stays in the premises for two years and in County Durham for five years.

The Chairman thanked the Officer for a very informative presentation.

Resolved: That the report be noted.