Businesses in Staffordshire can now benefit from free expert advice about how to reduce energy costs thanks to a new scheme.

The Energy Efficiency Advice service, launched by Staffordshire County Council, will help local businesses to reduce energy consumption and costs, identify potential savings and invest in expansion.

The council's Staffordshire Business and Environment Network (sben) is keen for eligible businesses to sign up to the scheme which has been launched in partnership with sector experts Green Lark Environmental Solutions.

Those interested in improving energy efficiency, understanding usage and exploring future energy improvement projects can also benefit from free advice.

Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: "Energy is a significant cost for many businesses, so understanding where it is being used and where savings can be made will have a real impact on the bottom line.

"Our Staffordshire Business and Environment Network team, working with specialists Green Lark Environmental Solutions, will provide practical advice tailored to each business, its premises and operations.

"This free support could help businesses reduce costs, plan future improvements and put more money back into growing their operations.

"It may also help them become ready for future investment opportunities, including our Scale Up Staffordshire loan programme.

"It is another example of the practical, joined-up support our teams are providing to help Staffordshire businesses become more productive, competitive and resilient."

Does my business qualify for free advice?:

• Must be based in non-domestic premises in Staffordshire (excluding Stoke-on-Trent)
• Must be a sole trader, micro-business or SME
• Must have responsibility for payment of own energy bills and use at least 8,000 kWh of combined gas and electricity annually

Daniel Cope, principal consultant at Green Lark Environmental Solutions, said: "Green Lark's assessment looks at 15 distinct areas of a business, from building fabric and heating systems to lighting, refrigeration and solar feasibility, so every recommendation is grounded in the full picture.

"Energy costs are one of the few overheads a business can genuinely control, and our job is to show exactly where, and how.

"Across previous assessments, we've identified savings of up to 30 per cent through detailed modelling and evidence‑based analysis.

"For a typical small business using around 3,000 kWh of electricity and 12,000 kWh of gas each year, that's an annual energy spend of up to £4,900.

"This support is fully funded, so it was never a question of whether a business can afford to take part.

"With energy costs where they are, the real question is whether they can afford not to."

The scheme will run until March 2027.

Places are limited and on a first-come first-served basis.

Click here to apply or find out more.