Scottish stores can now receive up to £20,000 cashback on energy saving investments, following the Scottish government’s Emergency Budget Review, published on 2 November. 

The energy efficiency loan and cashback scheme for small- and medium-sized businesses was improved, doubling the cashback on offer for investments including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, insulation, double or secondary glazing, LED lighting and solar panels. 

The cashback will refund up to 75% of the upgrade costs, with loans of up to £100,000 available to cover the initial outlay. 

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More than 900 grants have already been paid out, including to Premier Girvan, which used the scheme to finance LED lighting, refrigeration and ventilation upgrades, shaving £4,000 a year off the store’s energy bills in 2019. 

Scottish store owner and Fed national deputy vice president Mo Razzaq said the changes “will help to keep small business afloat”, but added more help was needed to fund security upgrades due to the cost-of-living crisis fuelling shoplifting. Razzaq also called for grants to help stores with Scotland’s deposit return scheme, launching next year. 

Other pre-budget boosts for Scottish businesses included Business Energy Scotland providing free advice to businesses, and a task force to consider the impacts of regulation on businesses. The full Scottish government budget is to be published on 15 December. 

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