"This support will help us reduce our carbon footprint on our sustainability journey.”
A leading refurbishment specialist, Orchard Build Limited, has installed new solar panels at its headquarters in Feering thanks to a £7,700 grant awarded by Braintree District Council through the UK Government's Rural England Prosperity Fund.
The project has seen the installation of 35 solar panels at Orchard House on the Threshelfords Business Park.
The new solar panels are helping the business reduce its energy costs, improve energy efficiency and support its commitment to lowering carbon emissions.
The Orchard Group is a leading specialist in commercial and industrial refurbishment and has been operating for more than 25 years. The grant formed part of a wider investment in sustainability, with Orchard contributing a further £7,700 of its own funding. This investment reflects the company's ongoing focus on sustainability and long-term business resilience.
Cllr Justin Wrench, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Braintree District Council, said, “We’re pleased to have played our part in supporting this investment. This project shows how targeted funding can help local companies like Orchard reduce costs, improve sustainability and operate more efficiently. It’s great to see businesses taking proactive steps that benefit both the economy and the environment.”
Nigel Oven, Commercial Director at the Orchard Group, said: “The company would like to thank Braintree District Council for awarding us this grant. This support will help us reduce our carbon footprint on our sustainability journey.”
Across the district, 18 projects have received a £156k boost thanks to the award of funds from the UK Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.