Cost of doing business support

Advice and support

Islington Together provides advice on:

• Energy tariffs – advice on how to go about changing energy provider for more green energy, and signposting to an energy broker to help you switch.
• Energy use - ideas for how your business could reduce its energy consumption and carbon emissions.
• Smart meters - smart meters can help you monitor your energy use to save your business money and reduce carbon emissions. 
• Support on managing fuel debt. 

Grants

• Energising Small Businesses - to help small businesses introduce energy saving measures in their building.
• Islington Community Energy Fund - for community organisations, not-for-profits, faith groups and charities who want to reduce carbon emissions in the borough.

Schemes

• Business Audit Scheme – a free audit for your organisation to identify ways you could reduce your environmental impact, including energy, transport, and waste.
• GLA Business Climate Challenge – an energy efficiency programme that supports businesses to reduce their energy consumption, costs and carbon emissions. Participating businesses receive free customised technical advice to member organisations to help make their workplaces more energy efficient. This is a unique opportunity for local businesses to start to future-proof their operations against rising energy prices and help London become net zero by 2030. Findings from the pilot indicate that in the first nine months of the programme participants reduced their energy consumption on average by 16%. Applications are open until December 2022.
• Better Futures – a scheme to help small businesses develop low-carbon or clean technology.

Islington Sustainability Network

Islington businesses of any size can join the Islington Sustainability Network, a local community - open to businesses, community groups and non-profit organisations - focused on best environmental practice and the transition to a Net Zero Islington.

Sign-up to the newsletter and express your interest in becoming a member.

ISN has helpfully collated links to even more schemes and funding opportunities that Islington businesses may benefit from.

Other support

The following organisations offer more general information around business support and advice: 

• The London Business Hub has created a Cost of Doing Business Hub offering practical resources and support to help you adapt and navigate the rising cost of doing business including practical guides on the steps you can take to protect your business, avoid cash flow problems, and manage business finances.
• Recovery Loan Scheme provides access to finance for small and medium sized UK businesses, so they can grow and invest.  Finance can be used for any legitimate business purpose, including working capital or investment. 
• The Energy Savings Trust provides useful advice and resources on energy and sustainability topics for businesses
• New Ofgem guidelines to make it easier for micro businesses to switch energy providers