Grants to help Islington’s small businesses go greener

The circular economy is about keeping goods, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible.  This can mean re-using or finding new uses for goods and products, designing out waste and single use materials, and repairing clothes and electricals. This concept is key to the council's vision of a net zero carbon Islington by 2030. 

Cllr Bell-Bradford, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs, said: "To truly tackle the climate emergency, we have to engage the whole community, including Islington’s brilliant small businesses. 

"We are supporting local businesses with the financial support they need to adopt environmentally sustainable practices early on, so they are built into the way they operate as they grow.  

"The more we can reduce pollution from transporting goods into Islington when we don’t need to – and avoid throwing things away that could be re-used, recycled, shared or repaired – the better for everyone who lives, works, or visits here.” 

The funding will help 15 small businesses become more circular; increasing their economic resilience, building green skillsets, and helping Islington become a net zero carbon borough by 2030. 

The grants are available to businesses with a trading address in Islington and less than 50 employees.  

In 2022, the council ran a similar grant scheme, delivered in partnership with ReLondon. Grants were given to 23 businesses, including Mer-IT, a community interest company that provides training on digital skills and computer repair. They used the funding to help them towards their goal of creating a database of spare parts that can be used for repairs.

Mer-IT's Mercedes Oli said: “The grant’s enabled us to be more creative and come up with solutions that we couldn’t have put into practice without the additional funding. We can be more competitive, while keeping our green credentials. 

“It has strengthened our focus on repairs, which is much more environmentally friendly and means that perfectly usable computers aren’t going to waste.” 

Businesses can apply now on the council’s website: Circular economy grants | Islington Council 

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.