FREE Service Helps Port Glasgow Company Save Thousands On Energy Bills

A PORT Glasgow-based gift company is enjoying thousands of pounds of energy savings after taking advantage of free Government-funded support.

Scotcrest, a family business with a heritage stretching back more than 50 years, acted on advice from Zero Waste Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Business Support Service to implement changes to its premises.

Managing director Neill Hunter said: “The energy audit and the subsequent report were fantastic. It took us from guessing and worrying to knowing exactly what we wanted.”

The company, which is one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of handmade Scottish clan gifts, moved to a new workshop that had no heating, lighting or insulation.

Mr Hunter contacted the Energy Efficiency Business Support Service which provided an independent assessment of the premises in Port Glasgow Industrial Estate, making recommendations that would provide the company with the most energy-efficient solutions.

He said: ““From the report, we implemented everything –- heating, lighting, insulation, lovely double-glazed windows. And there’s a few more things that we hope to look at in the future as well. We should be looking at at least £6,000 a year savings.

“Zero Waste Scotland were fantastic from start to finish. It was so easy to engage with the process. The people involved were fantastic, very knowledgeable, answered any questions very quickly and the whole process was very, very quick and very informative.”

Scotcrest also took advantage of an interest-free Scottish Government loan to help finance the work.

Mr Hunter said: “It was a no-brainer. It’s fantastic for a small, growing business to help budget for the future.

“We’ve gone from an old workshop, which I really discouraged customers from coming to, to now we are going to welcome them in here. It’s a far, far lighter and brighter environment for us to work in.”

Businesses looking for support can visit www.energy.zerowastescotland.org.uk, call 0808 808 2268 or email EnergyEfficiency@zerowastescotland.org.uk.