Cheltenham’s drive toward a net-zero future has taken another significant step forward, with £36,655 in CheltenhamZero business grants awarded to 12 small- and medium-sized enterprises across the town.
The funded projects span a wide range of low-carbon initiatives—from LED upgrades and insulation to smart cellar systems and e-cargo bike trials—each aimed at cutting emissions, improving energy efficiency and strengthening long-term business resilience.
This year’s grant attracted strong interest from local organisations, reflecting Cheltenham’s dynamic and sustainability-minded business community. The funding pot was provided by Cheltenham Borough Council, which received £36,655 from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support businesses committed to accelerating the climate transition.
The grants are expected to help recipients reduce energy bills, remove long-standing barriers to sustainable growth and encourage wider adoption of carbon-cutting technologies across the borough.
Cllr Richard Pineger, cabinet member for climate emergency, praised the initiative and its impact: “I want to thank Isobel for her professionalism and dedication in helping Cheltenham businesses access grants to speed up their transition to low-carbon operations. These grants don’t just benefit individual businesses—they inspire wider change, as we’ve seen with the e-cargo bike project encouraging communities to embrace a low-carbon lifestyle. This is just one part of the fantastic work Isobel is doing with many local businesses and clubs. I’m grateful to her and to all the businesses taking part. Your efforts matter and show that together we can move towards a net zero Cheltenham.”
Delivered by CheltenhamZero, the grant programme offered workshops, one-to-one support and expert guidance to help businesses identify the most effective carbon-reducing measures.
Isobel Filipova, business initiative manager for CheltenhamZero, highlighted the programme’s focus on high-impact investment:
“We were looking for projects with the highest carbon reduction return on investment, with an awareness of the positive impact it would have on the business, community and local economy. We were especially keen to ensure businesses were applying for solutions which would best reduce their emissions and costs.”
Applications covered a wide spectrum of sustainability measures—from e-bikes and LEDs to insulation and efficient hand dryers. Filipova added that the programme also saw a strong level of matched funding, with total project investment reaching £72,324, including £35,669 of matched contributions, for delivery in 2025–2026.
“It was important for us to fund projects focused on improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon in the borough and enabling business to free up funds to invest in, build and grow their businesses,” she said. “We continue to support all Cheltenham businesses, even if we aren’t funding their projects, as part of the broader CheltenhamZero initiative.”
Georgina Saunders, energy services manager at Severn Wye Energy Agency, noted the quality of applications and the innovation shown by local businesses:
“Severn Wye provided energy audits for several Cheltenham businesses through the CheltenhamZero initiative. When we were asked to support the grant selection process, we were more than happy to share our expertise. It’s been a rewarding experience. We have seen a variety of innovative approaches among businesses looking to reduce their carbon emissions. The funded measures will also support reduced energy bills, encouraging further resilience amongst Cheltenham’s business community.”
2025 CheltenhamZero Business Grant:
- The London Inn – £1,340
Smart cellar project improving energy efficiency in pub operations. - Williams Cycles – £4,000
E-cargo bicycle to support month-long test drives for local businesses and residents. - Cheltenham Boxing Academy – £5,000
Complete upgrade including LED lighting, bike rack installation and further measures recommended by their SWEA audit. - St Pauls Garage – £3,420
LED lighting upgrade and installation of motion sensors. - Mission Inclusion and Common Ground Community Centre, Cheltenham Model Centre & Scarlet Monkey – £8,873 (combined)
Comprehensive LED upgrades across all organisations.