SMALL to medium businesses across the county are being invited to the first sustainability forum in association with the Business Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP).

BEEP is a European Union funded service offering eligible businesses free energy assessments and access to 40 per cent grant funding, up to £20,000.

Projects can include updating lighting and heating, making building fabric improvements to reduce heat loss, and replacing old and inefficient machinery.

BEEP has launched a free forum, taking place four times a year, providing businesses the opportunity to network and learn more about the benefits of energy efficiency.

The first event takes place on Thursday, February 9, at Thorlux Lighting, Redditch, between 8am and 10.30am, and will introduce an introduction to BEEP followed by questions.

Ed Horgan, from leading independent energy advisory service Briar Associates, and Richard Caple, head of the lighting design department at Thorlux Lighting, will be appearing at the event.

To attend the forum, please call Worcestershire Business Central on 01905 677 888 or email info@business-central.co.uk.

To find out more about BEEP visit business-central.co.uk/BEEP or email info@business-central.co.uk.