SMEs need to invest now to save cash and boost business later

Lancashire's Greenlite Group urges SMEs to take invest in a lighting upgrade now, to save some serious cash and boost their business at the same time.

Everyone has heard the saying ‘speculate to accumulate’, and when it comes to energy saving lighting solutions, it’s never been more accurate. Within months of investing, businesses find they are reaping some not insignificant rewards. In fact, according to the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the average SME could reduce bills by up to 25% by installing energy efficiency measures.

Greenlite Group's MD Bob Hall gives business seven great reasons to invest in a lighting upgrade; indeed he says "Business owners will wonder why they didn't do it sooner!"

Slash fuel bills: Does the business use fluorescent, incandescent or even halogen bulbs? By upgrading to energy efficient LED lighting, SMEs can dramatically reduce their bills. LEDs consume up to 80% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs, plus they last longer, with a lifetime of up to 50,000 hours. They’re easier to maintain than fluorescents too, meaning it costs less for repairs.

Cut waste: Leaving the lights on when they’re not needed is as bad as throwing money down the drain, but modern technologies make it easy to take control of energy usage, saving cash into the bargain. Consider investing in ‘last man out’ switches, which power down every light at the push of a button, or motion-sensitive lighting. This is ideal for less frequently used areas, such as store rooms, which only need to be illuminated when there’s footfall.

Improve wellbeing: Getting the light right doesn’t just reduce energy bills, it also shapes how employees feel within their environment. Studies suggest a brightly-lit workplace is energising, and can also encourage sound sleep at night. Savvy owners will consider the outlay an investment in their workforce, which could potentially improve productivity and lessen staff turnover.

Get cash incentives: Investing in sustainable solutions may sound financially daunting, but subsidies are often available for eligible clients. Greenlite Group is Carbon Trust accredited, which means qualifying customers are eligible for a capital contribution of up to £5,000.

Make your customers happy: LEDs offer more accurate colour rendition, which makes products really stand out. When Greenlite Group fitted LEDs at 280 Waterstones stores, it vastly improved the visual impact of the displays. The result? An improved shopper experience and an increase in sales.

Boost profit long-term: It takes less time for the investment to pay dividends than might be expected. When Greenlite Group overhauled the lighting at 150 Harvey’s furniture stores with a more energy efficient solution, they saved a typical store as much as £21,000 over five years.

Improve reputation: Investing in low carbon solutions makes the business more eco-friendly, enhancing its name into the bargain. With climate change top of the agenda, there’s no better time to show a social conscience. To find out how Greenlite Group can enable your business to benefit from a lighting upgrade, call 0844 880 2116.