Five Lichfield businesses secure funding for energy-saving upgrades
Five businesses in Lichfield District have completed energy-efficiency projects with support from more than £72,000 awarded through Lichfield District Council’s Energy Saving Scheme. The work includes solar installations, improved heating and refrigeration controls, and LED lighting upgrades intended to reduce consumption, operating costs and carbon emissions.
Key takeaways
Five businesses received support for practical energy improvements.
More than £72,000 was awarded through the council-backed scheme.
The five featured projects received almost £40,000 in total grant funding.
The improvements are expected to save more than 22 tonnes of carbon annually.
Projects include solar panels, heating optimisation, refrigeration upgrades and LED lighting.
Businesses invest in lower-cost operations
The funding was delivered through Lichfield District Council’s Energy Saving Scheme using the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The programme is intended to help local businesses make improvements that reduce energy demand while strengthening the long-term sustainability of their premises.
For hospitality and commercial operators, these upgrades can address some of the largest ongoing costs associated with running a building. Lower electricity use, more efficient heating and better-controlled refrigeration can contribute to improved operating resilience as energy prices and business pressures change.
Solar projects expand on-site generation
Blackbrook Barns, the Cathedral Hotel and Aspire Design have installed solar panels as part of their funded projects. On-site generation can reduce reliance on grid electricity and help businesses use more of the power produced at their own premises.
Kevin Sharkey of Blackbrook Barns said the funding made it possible to invest in solar technology, reducing the venue’s dependence on grid electricity while improving its future efficiency and sustainability. He also highlighted the role of grant support in enabling businesses to bring forward capital projects that might otherwise take longer to complete.
Heating, refrigeration and lighting upgrades
The George Hotel has introduced several measures focused on heating and refrigeration optimisation. Improving the performance and control of these systems can help limit unnecessary energy use while maintaining the conditions required for guests, staff and stored products.
The Hub at St Mary’s has upgraded its lighting to energy-efficient LED systems. LED specification is particularly relevant in hospitality, commercial and community buildings, where lighting may operate for long hours and affect both energy bills and visibility. Suppliers such as Led Lumenaires support contractors and property managers with spec-ready SKUs, bulk availability, layout assistance and product selection for projects of this type.
A properly planned LED retrofit can also support maintenance goals by reducing replacement frequency and standardising fixtures across a site. For larger projects, professional guidance on rebates, volume pricing, installation requirements and warranty coverage can help stakeholders assess the full cost of ownership rather than focusing only on the initial equipment price.
Funding supports greener local businesses
Cllr Janice Silvester-Hall, cabinet member for visitor economy, ecology and climate change, said the projects show how targeted investment can support the local economy while advancing the district’s environmental goals. She also pointed to the importance of the hospitality sector and the value of helping venues reduce day-to-day costs.
Together, the five projects received almost £40,000 in grant funding and are expected to deliver indicative carbon savings of more than 22 tonnes each year. The results demonstrate how a combination of renewable generation, efficient building systems and commercial-grade lighting can produce practical benefits for businesses and the wider community.
Sources
Five local businesses boosted by funding for energy improvements, Lichfield Live.
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