Funded Net Zero Support Is Back for North East Businesses

Funded Net Zero Support Is Back for North East Businesses

Two funding programmes are now available again to eligible businesses in the North East. If you have been putting off your net-zero plans because of cost, these programmes remove that barrier.

Here is what is available and how to access it.

NBSL North of Tyne Business Support — Up to 50% Grant Funding

Through the NBSL North of Tyne Business Support fund, qualifying businesses can access up to 50% grant funding toward the full SBS Net-Zero Program.

The SBS Net-Zero Program is a structured, end-to-end process that takes your business from no baseline data to a credible, board-ready Carbon Reduction Plan. It covers:

– Baseline carbon measurement across Scopes 1, 2, and relevant Scope 3 emissions
– A published Carbon Reduction Plan meeting UK public procurement requirements
– Science-aligned target-setting so your commitments are credible, not just aspirational
– A practical reduction roadmap tied to your operations, costs, and timeline

For businesses in manufacturing, logistics, or professional services, this is the difference between a vague sustainability intention and something you can put in front of a client, a bank, or a tender panel.

The North of Tyne fund covers businesses in Newcastle, Northumberland, and North Tyneside. If you operate in that area with between 1 and 249 employees, it is worth checking eligibility.

Citylife Business Support — 12 Hours Fully Funded

For businesses not yet ready for the full programme, the Citylife Business Support programme offers 12 hours of expert sustainability support at no cost to you.

Twelve hours is enough to:

– Establish where your carbon footprint actually sits
– Identify the highest-impact areas for reduction
– Understand what reporting obligations may apply to your business under emerging UK regulation
– Build an internal business case for further net-zero investment

There is no catch and no commitment beyond that initial support. It is a practical starting point for any business that has sustainability on the agenda but has not yet acted.

UK Sustainability Reporting Standards are being introduced, and supply chain pressure from larger corporates is already landing on SMEs across the region.

Businesses with a Carbon Reduction Plan in place are better positioned for tenders, better positioned with their lenders, and better positioned with customers who are themselves under growing reporting pressure.

For managing directors and finance directors weighing up cost versus benefit, the calculation is straightforward: this funded support reduces the upfront cost significantly, and the output a verified Carbon Reduction Plan has direct commercial value.

Waiting costs nothing today and quite a lot later.

Who Qualifies for Funded Net Zero Support?

Both programmes target North East SMEs. Eligibility varies by fund but broadly applies to businesses that:

– Are based in the North East of England
– Have fewer than 500 employees
– Have not yet completed formal carbon measurement or produced a Carbon Reduction Plan

The quickest way to confirm eligibility is a short conversation. We will tell you which programme applies to your business and what the next step looks like.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NBSL North of Tyne Business Support fund?

NBSL (North East Business Support) administers the North of Tyne Business Support fund, which provides grant funding to eligible SMEs in Newcastle, Northumberland, and North Tyneside. Through this fund, qualifying businesses can access up to 50% co-funding toward the SBS Net-Zero Programme

The Citylife Business Support programme provides 12 hours of fully funded expert sustainability support to eligible North East businesses. This typically covers baseline carbon assessment, an introduction to reporting requirements, and a clear recommendation for next steps.

Do I need a Carbon Reduction Plan to win public sector contracts?

Government procurement policy requires suppliers to publish a Carbon Reduction Plan when bidding for contracts above £5 million. As this threshold moves and supply chain expectations shift, having a plan in place is increasingly relevant for private sector tenders as well.

How long does the SBS Net-Zero Program take?

The program typically runs over three to six months depending on business size and data availability, however the funded program is delivered within an 8 week focused window. The output is a fully documented Carbon Reduction Plan and a roadmap aligned to your operational reality.

How do I find out if my business qualifies?

Contact SBS directly via sbs.eco or message James Staniforth on LinkedIn. We will confirm eligibility quickly and without a lengthy sales process.

Get in Touch

If your business is in the North East and you want to understand what funded support is available, the next step is a short conversation.