Grant programme, Supply Chain innovation for Offshore Renewable Energy (SCORE), received a boost this week as Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney, visited Lowestoft’s offshore renewables hub, OrbisEnergy, to find out more about the grant and how it benefits local companies across the region.

 

During his visit Peter met with Richard Salmon, project manager and business advisor for SCORE, who explained the diversity of projects the grant is currently supporting and the difference funding can make in a company’s ability to develop or launch a new product or service.

 

SCORE offers SMEs and start-ups across the East of England an exciting opportunity to access funds to drive forward their business ideas (products or services), which benefit the region’s offshore renewable sector’s supply chain.

 

Peter Aldous commented on his visit: “I enjoyed learning more about the SCORE programme and what it can do to help promote commerce.  We must make the most of any opportunities that come our way in the energy sector for local businesses and local people.”

 

Richard Salmon, project manager and business advisor for SCORE says: “We were delighted to introduce Peter to SCORE and explain the pivotal role it is playing for local companies looking to get new ideas off the ground.

 

“The SCORE programme is now six months in and there is still a large pot of funding available for SMEs and start-ups to access.  We would urge anyone with a great idea to benefit the offshore renewable sector to get in touch.”

 

The SCORE programme delivers a £2.5 million funding investment through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).  SCORE grants range from £2,500 up to a maximum of 30% of the project’s eligible costs, or £50,000, whichever is the lower, and are available to all East Anglian based SMEs in the renewable energy supply chain. 

 

To contact SCORE’s business advisers, please call 01502 563368 or email orbisenergy@nwes.org.uk SCORE is based out of specialist offshore renewables innovation and incubation centre, OrbisEnergy, owned by Suffolk County Council and managed by nwes.