Five hospitality businesses across Lichfield District have completed energy-saving improvements after receiving grant support through Lichfield District Council.

More than £72,000 has been awarded through the council's Energy Saving Scheme, which is funded by the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The scheme is intended to help local businesses reduce energy use, lower operating costs and make their premises more sustainable.

The five featured projects received almost £40,000 between them and are expected to deliver indicative carbon savings of more than 22 tonnes a year, according to the council.

Solar, heating and lighting upgrades

Blackbrook Barns, the Cathedral Hotel and Aspire Design have installed solar photovoltaic systems, enabling them to generate renewable electricity at their premises.

The George Hotel has introduced heating and refrigeration optimisation measures, while The Hub at St Mary's has replaced lighting with energy-efficient LED systems.

Aerial view across the Blackbrook Barns wedding venue near Lichfield
Blackbrook Barns has installed solar photovoltaic equipment with support from the Energy Saving Scheme. Photo: Lichfield District Council/Blackbrook Barns.

Councillor Janice Silvester-Hall, cabinet member for visitor economy, ecology and climate change, said the hospitality sector played an important role in the district's economy.

“Through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund we've been able to support a range of practical projects, from solar panels to smarter heating systems and energy-efficient lighting, helping businesses become more sustainable while reducing day-to-day operating costs.”

Blackbrook Barns invests in solar power

Kevin Sharkey, from Blackbrook Barns, said the funding had helped the growing venue reduce its reliance on grid electricity and make sustainability part of its continued development.

“Support like this helps businesses bring forward investment that not only reduces energy consumption and operating costs but also improves the long-term resilience of the business.”

Blackbrook Barns wedding venue and surrounding countryside near Lichfield
An aerial view of Blackbrook Barns, one of the businesses to complete an energy-saving project. Photo: Lichfield District Council/Blackbrook Barns.

Lucia Piovesana, from Webb Hotel Group, said the grant had enabled the family-owned business to improve energy efficiency while preserving the character of its historic hotels.

The Energy Saving Scheme forms part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme, which supports local priorities including business growth, sustainability and stronger communities.

The story details, quotations and photographs were supplied by Lichfield District Council for editorial publication.