Convergence Investments

Printable version

1.6.2010

Improving Your Resource Efficiency - Capital Grant Pilot (Serco Regional Services)

This new capital grants proposal is for 10 months (1 June 2010 – 31 March 2011) and is intrinsically linked to “Improving Your Resource Efficiency” (IYRE) and “Deeper Broader IDB” programme under Convergence. The current Deeper Broader IDB contract for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, which incorporates IYRE (Revenue) support, comes to an end on 31 May 2010 following an extension to utilise existing under spend.

The continuation of the service takes the form of three interlinked, but separate proposals:

• The continuation of the Deeper Broader IDB (Growth) project
• The continuation of Improving Your Resource Efficiency (IYRE Revenue) project
• Improving Your Resource Efficiency (IYRE Capital Grants) – this new proposal not part of the current Deeper, Broader IDB contract

This appraisal is for the IYRE Capital Grants project only. It should be noted that this is an interim solution proposal, while a wider review of business support under Convergence Priority Axis 2 is undertaken to establish the scale and any changes to scope needed for the remainder of the Programme.

The aim of the project is to assist 141 businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with capital grant support in order to undertake changes which reduce their carbon footprint.

It is envisaged that this will fund small scale equipment which will enable practical changes to the operations of a business, products and processes leading to greater environmental efficiency e.g. smart metering, power voltage correction, combined heat and power, smart lighting systems etc.

The proposal identifies a requirement for 1.7 staff posts which includes a Contracts Manager, Project Officer and Development Voucher/Grants Manager.  All businesses supported through the project will be required to work with a Convergence business adviser and will receive a comprehensive action plan to ensure that the proposed business model is viable.