The Big Business Refit will offer manufacturer SMEs expert advice and financial support to slash their energy costs by scrapping old inefficient equipment and replacing it with the latest energy-efficient models.

The move follows a recession-driven surge in demand for the Carbon Trust’s interest-free business loans, says chief executive Tom Delay.

Hundreds of manufacturing businesses given loans at zero-interest In the first six months of this year to equip their businesses with energy-saving technology are saving an average of over £15,000 each on their annual energy bills, says Delay – a collective total of almost £3m a year.

The Carbon Trust’s unsecured, interest-free loans can be used for equipment replacements costing between £3,000 and £400,000. The loans are designed to pay for themselves through direct energy savings.