A new forum has been set up to help small businesses and consumers become more aware of energy and environmental issues, and therefore potentially reduce costs.

The Local Energy Advice Forum consists of The Energy Saving Trust in conjunction with local Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre (ESSAC), all the main housing associations within North Ayrshire, and various North Ayrshire Council departments.

A wide range of expertise and help is available from the forum. Consumers and businesses within North Ayrshire will receive advice and assistance with their energy concerns or problems through a partnership approach which is focused and directed to achieve maximum impact.

A new energy information pack is now available free of charge to consumers/businesses across North Ayrshire and the energy surgeries will be extended across North Ayrshire to assist consumers/businesses in these very difficult economic times. Since the first LEAF surgery a few months ago, local consumers have saved over £200,000 on their energy consumption.

What help is available?
Advice and assistance is available for small to medium sized businesses, with information on areas such as tax incentives, interest free loans, free on-site energy audits, good practice guides and advice on low carbon, clean fuel, renewable technologies and relevant training and seminars.

For a free Energy Information Pack contact North Ayrshire Council Trading Standards: 01294 324917. The pack is also available from Libraries and Local Offices.

If you think your business could benefit from more information on any of these subjects, then come along to the surgery for initial advice or contact ESSAC direct on 0800 512 012. The surgeries are held every Monday between 10am and 12.30am at the Trading Standards Advice Centre, Bridgegate House, Irvine, and no appointment is required. Call 01294 324917 for further information.