Helping future proof local businesses

Edition: November 2024

Since its launch in 2016, the Council’s LEAP Small Business Grant Scheme has supported nearly 300 businesses with funding towards projects which will help futureproof their business

This year, with funding from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the LEAP scheme was extended. ‘Green LEAP’ grants of up to £5,000 were available for businesses undertaking climate friendly projects to help future-proof their business and achieve their climate action ambitions.

Heath Flower Farm, who sell cut flowers to local florists and individuals and run a glamping site on their farm near Ashington, received a Green LEAP grant earlier this year. Co-owner Duncan Heath commented:

The LEAP grant will help us reach our goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and will also extend the period of the year we can accept guests.
“An extra solar battery and solar panels will provide electricity when solar energy is scarce in winter, and highly efficient infrared heating panels will prevent pipes from freezing in very cold conditions.