GREEN is the colour for an increasing number of businesses across Worcestershire helped to access more than £100,000 in grants by a ground-breaking energy efficiency project.

Winstanley & Co Ltd in Pershore is one of the businesses helped by Resource Efficient Worcestershire, which has drawn down European funding.

The providers of specialist fabrication services, in Racecourse Road, made a successful application for just under £13,000 to pay towards the costs of a new variable speed drive for an air compressor, a lighting upgrade and skylights to utilise natural daylight.

They estimate the new equipment could cut its carbon emissions by over 30 tonnes per year.

Rod Smith, managing director at Winstanley & Co Ltd, said: "Improving our energy efficiency is very important for maintaining our competitiveness, which is where advice and financial support from the Resource Efficient Worcestershire programme has been very welcome."

Working alongside Worcestershire.Business.Central, the support service re-invigorates the local economy and arranges for county businesses to receive free assessments of their premises, equipment, processes and performance to identify potential to increase their energy efficiency.

The funds, which are available to firms based and trading in the county, with less than 250 employees, turn over less than £40milliion and are outside the agricultural, retail, public, social welfare and educative sectors.

Cllr Anthony Blagg, cabinet member for environment at Worcestershire County Council, added: "It's fantastic to be able to provide local businesses with funding for goods and services to help manage and take control of energy costs.

"I would encourage other Worcestershire businesses to look at the support available."