West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has initiated a competitive commissioning round aimed at identifying potential partners for the implementation of key components outlined in its multi-million-pound investment plan.

This strategic initiative is poised to not only bolster the local economy but also align with businesses' sustainability objectives.

The Council has extended invitations to suppliers to submit tenders for two pivotal projects: Decarbonisation and Growth & Innovation. Both projects have been earmarked to receive £625k each from the Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Administered by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities on behalf of the Government, the UKSPF plays a pivotal role in supporting the Government's overarching levelling up agenda.

The allocation of UKSPF funding encompasses a range of plans, including the provision of business support and revenue grants of up to £20,000. This funding is strategically designed to incentivise businesses to foster innovation, explore avenues for sales and profit growth, expand their workforce, and enhance overall business sustainability.

It will also aid employers in comprehending their energy consumption, offering insights into measures they can adopt to curtail emissions, boost efficiency, and realise energy cost savings.

For the Decarbonisation project, the selected supplier will be tasked with disbursing grant funding and collaborating with local businesses to craft sustainability plans. These plans will delineate the precise steps businesses can take to achieve a Net Zero future while leveraging government funding to address carbon emissions. This approach is anticipated to yield positive outcomes for businesses, the local community, and the broader environment.

Similarly, the chosen supplier for the Growth & Innovation project will administer grant funding and work closely with businesses to implement measures fostering their growth journey. This includes providing tailored support such as one-on-one consultations, training sessions, webinars, and expert advice.

Furthermore, Rural England Prosperity Funding (REPF) totalling over £8,00,000 will soon be accessible to support businesses situated in eligible rural areas. Across these three projects, the focus will be on channelling investments towards initiatives promoting the drive to achieve net-zero emissions, enhancing business productivity and growth, and providing capital for transformative rural endeavours.

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Source: West Northants Council