BEST energy-saving grant
The completed programme supported energy-saving improvements for small and medium-sized businesses and voluntary, community and social enterprises in Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland and Gateshead.
The 2025/26 programme has finished and no grants are currently available. The terms below describe that completed programme.
BEST supported LED lighting, heating systems, insulation, solar panels and other renewable-energy installations, and energy-efficient equipment and controls.
In Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland, the standard grant covered 45% of eligible costs, up to £22,500 per business. Air-to-water and ground-to-water heat pumps could receive 50%, up to £25,000. These amounts apply to those three areas. Awards depended on available funds and the merits of the application, including energy-efficiency improvements and jobs safeguarded or created.
Recipients had to pay the full cost of the works first. BEST reimbursed the grant after an approved application and a submitted claim. Qualifying businesses could combine it with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, with BEST contributing 45% to 50% of the remaining balance.
Eligibility
- The programme supported small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs). Your trading address had to be in Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland or Gateshead.
- Each grant application needed one of three forms of support: a previous BEST energy audit or decarbonisation plan, provided the building had not changed; a professional energy audit from the previous three years, also provided the building had not changed; or a detailed technical proposal, such as a lighting or solar-panel proposal from a competent contractor.
- Contractors providing quotations needed appropriate qualifications for the project.
- Projects funded through asset finance, including hire purchase or leasing, were excluded.
How to apply
- Status
- Dates not announced
For future support, submit the enquiry form linked from the BEST grants page to join the waiting list. This is a waiting-list request; the 2025/26 grant programme is complete.
For the completed programme, registered businesses contacted best@newcastle.gov.uk. Others first registered through the enquiry form. BEST supplied the application link after registration. Applicants submitted supporting information and quotations, then waited for approval before carrying out the works.
The quotation requirements depended on total project cost including VAT: below £10,000, at least one quote; from £10,000 to £50,000, three quotes or prices sought from relevant suppliers; above £50,000, a formal tender process.
Quotes needed a validity of at least 30 days, the contractor and customer’s legal identity, equipment details and manufacturer datasheets, quantities, warranties, health-and-safety compliance, contractor competence and costs both including and excluding VAT.
After approval, BEST issued an offer letter and claim date. Following installation and payment of the full works cost, recipients submitted a claim for reimbursement.