Loan Action Scotland - Promoting economic and environmental sustainability.

Over the years there has been a significant change to the business landscape with impact on the environment now heavily at the forefront of businesses strategic initiatives.

Loan Action Scotland is a scheme funded by the Scottish Government aimed at assisting SMEs to tackle their impact on climate change and become more energy efficient .
The scheme is essentially two pronged, on one hand we are helping to make Scottish businesses more viable and competitive and on the other we are helping towards the Government’s objective of reducing carbon emissions and slowing down climate change.
Companies receive a free energy audit which shows detailed information on the savings to be made in money, kWh and carbon. The scheme also provides loans from £5,000 to £100,000 interest-free to help SMEs implement measures that reduce their energy consumption, saving money and reducing carbon emissions.
Chris Beaton, Loan Action Scotland Liaison Officer, said, “Businesses in Scotland are becoming more environmentally aware and it is encouraging to see the numbers of firms benefiting from LAS on the rise.”
Since its inception Loan Action Scotland has spent over £3.2m helping SMEs in Scotland increase their profitability and reduce their environmental impact.
Last year alone the annual carbon reduction from projects undertaken through Loan Action Scotland was 735 tonnes.

One of the companies to benefit is Carron Bathrooms based in Falkirk. The Energy Audit identified key projects where they could significantly reduce their energy costs. The funding package allowed these projects to meet capital investment criteria and turn ideas into action.
The first project now delivers annual savings in excess of £10,000. Carron were so impressed with the simplicity and ease of the application process that they have completed their second application and hope to implement this project in 2008.

With fuel costs and interest rates expected to rise again never has it been more prudent for SMEs to re-evaluate their utility costs and take steps to implement cost saving measures.
If you would like anymore information about the scheme, then please do not hesitate to contact Chris Beaton from the Wise Group either by calling 0141 552 0799 or emailing Chris_Beaton@thewisegroup.co.uk