What is Net Zero?

Net Zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and the amount removed from the atmosphere. Achieving this balance is crucial in mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.

What is the Rural Net Zero Programme?

Welcome to our Net Zero programme, an innovative initiative designed to support and advise rural businesses looking to make a significant impact in the fight against climate change. The Test Valley Rural Net Zero Business Service, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will empower rural businesses on their journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Helping Test Valley businesses achieve Net Zero

Test Valley Borough Council is committed to supporting business and to play its part in tackling the climate emergency. We need to support our businesses to meet the Net Zero challenge and to help them transition to a low carbon world; to ensure they are resilient to change and be able to meet future consumer needs as well as provide the environment for them to learn from each other and to innovate.

Expertise at your fingertips

IncuHive are delighted to have partnered with Net Zero experts Accelar on this project, and together with Test Valley Borough Council, we’re committed to fostering innovation and resilience, while tackling the climate emergency head-on! Accelar are experts in helping organisations accelerate the transition to a green, fair and prosperous world. Accelar is a signatory of the Pledge to Net Zero, a global commitment to science-based objectives ensuring the UK meets its 2050 Net Zero carbon target.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

What can we do for you?

After an initial consultation, followed by a site visit, we will produce a decarbonisation report, at which point you may be eligible to apply for a TVBC Net Zero Grant.

• Tailored one to one support for 40+ businesses
• Grants available to fuel sustainable practices
• Informative workshops
• Identify your carbon footprint
• Decarbonisation plans

Learn more at our online monthly workshops

Come and learn about the climate crisis, what all the jargon means, how transitioning to Net Zero can benefit your business and there’s even an opportunity to get some free money. The workshop will be run by Chris Fry, Managing Director at Accelar Ltd, and George Scott-Welsh, CEO of The IncuHive Group Ltd.

Grant Scheme

We have 24 capital grants of up to £3750 to help kickstart you on your journey. This grant is a 100% capital grant with no requirement for match funding and is available for rural Test Valley businesses. The grant can pay for energy saving schemes in your business to help you transition towards Net Zero.

Pilot Demonstrator

We are excited to announce the two successful farms that have each been awarded substantial grants to take part in the Net Zero Pilot Demonstrator Initiative. Michelmarsh Manor Farm and Goddards Farm near Andover have been awarded a total of almost £25,000 by TVBC, and will lead the way in adopting and showcasing practices that reduce environmental impacts and help contribute to our collective goal of achieving Net Zero operations in Test Valley.

IncuHive and Test Valley Borough Council will be closely following the progress of Michelmersh Manor Farm and Goddards Farm throughout the process. The results of these projects will be comprehensively assessed and presented after the harvest season. We invite everyone to follow the journey of these pioneering farms on our social media platforms where regular updates, insights and highlights will be shared. This engagement will not only keep the community informed but also inspire further participation and support for sustainable practices across the region.

To register or to find out more about our Rural Net Zero Programme or Pilot Demonstrator

Call 0800 689 3564

or Email netzero@incuhive.co.uk