FDS help win Dragons Approval

The Carbon Trust and Dragon’s Den star, Theo Paphitis recently launched a new loan scheme to help SME’s replace old power hungry equipment with newer and more efficient models. To support the new ‘Big Business Refit’ campaign, FDS International was commissioned to provide research to help support the development of the campaign.

Paphitis lent his support to the campaign by stating “The Big Business Refit calls on all UK businesses to scour their premises for old equipment, from air conditioning, to fridges, compressors to factory machinery. With interest-free funding available to replace equipment, leading to average energy savings of 15%, and no security required, it’s an unbelievable deal.”

Research conducted by FDS amongst 1,571 SME’s in England, Wales and Northern Ireland revealed there is a ‘make do and mend’ mentality within British business that is costing them £3bn a year in wasted energy.

The survey also showed that around half of businesses are missing out on the opportunity to reduce bottom line costs through energy efficiency:

• Over half (57%) have resorted to staff cuts to save cash.
• Nearly half (46%) are unaware that they can cut energy costs by replacing old equipment.
• Nearly half (41%) have accepted higher energy bills as a fixed cost, preferable to paying the upfront cost of replacing old equipment.

For further information on the Carbon Trust’s scheme or to apply for interest free funding call 01865 885879, or visit www.carbontrust.co.uk