Coventry and Warwickshire businesses are being handed the opportunity to slash their energy costs as part of a new countywide initiative.

Groundwork Coventry – an environmental trust – has teamed up with the Coventry City Council’s environmental advice team to offer a series of subsidised courses that will allow firms to cut their annual energy bills by up to 20 per cent, improve their skills, reduce waste and keep up with crucial company environmental legislation.

The two organisations are offering three Practical Environmental Management courses to give firms a package of advice, case studies and project work which will equip them with the skills they need to cut their costs. The first one starts in mid-September.

Successful delegates will receive an accreditation from the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management and the course is also an ideal stepping stone to ISO14001.

Marisa Gunn, of Groundwork, said that companies could easily recoup the cost of the course in the first year.

"The courses, which each contain seven sessions, are being subsidised by Warwickshire County Council and The Chamber, and we are managing to run them for just £275 which will easily be recoverable.

"Delegates will be taught waste management, ways of saving on energy costs as well as being brought up to speed on all the legislation they need to be aware of. The course will equip the individuals with information that will serve them well throughout their careers as well as aiding their current employers.

"Some companies may be able to save up to 20 per cent of their energy costs. Many firms are just not aware of what savings can easily be made, or just how much they will benefit. In ever-tightening markets we are sure this will be a very worthwhile exercise.

"It has been tried in other areas and has proved very successful from all points of view."