Cash to help get green ideas off the ground

Businesses in the Strath and beyond could benefit from Perth and Kinross Council grants worth up to £25,000 to invest in green technology and develop new ways of working.

The Green Recovery Capital Development Grant has been created to help firms invest in projects that may have been affected by the pandemic but will now help grow their business or reduce their carbon footprints.

Grants of up to £25,000 will be available, covering up to 50 per cent of eligible capital expenditure, and they can be used to help pay for new assets such as property or machinery.

Those behind the fund have said projects must have a minimum value of £10,000, meaning £5000 will be the minimum grant awarded.

Perth and Kinross Council leader, Councillor Murray Lyle – a Conservative representative for the Strathallan ward – said: “As a council we are determined to do all we can to grow our economy, help firms recover from the coronavirus pandemic and protect the environment.

“This scheme will support businesses move forward into a greener, more sustainable future.

“We know that many companies had to delay investment because of the pandemic and these grants will help them get their plans back on track, delivering a stronger economy for Perth and Kinross and creating new jobs.”

Businesses which have fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than €50 million, or a balance sheet of less than €43 million, can apply.

Social enterprises and co-operatives are also eligible to apply for support, according to a spokesperson for the council.

For more information, see www.pkc.gov.uk.