Pendle News Room

A Nelson food manufacturer has added solar power to its energy mix after receiving a grant through the Nelson Town Deal.

Hartley’s Farm Foods Managing Director, Michael Hartley, predicts that the new solar panels will save the family business £25,000 a year in energy costs.

The grant of almost £95,000 is also helping to fund machinery which will increase Hartley’s production by 30% and create new jobs in the coming year.

The 97-year-old business, which operates from the Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, received a grant through the Business Resilience and Growth Project; a £2 million funding pot for manufacturers.
 

The project is one of seven within the £25 million Nelson Town Deal, designed to promote sustainable growth within the area, transform the town, and provide new opportunities for local people.

Michael said: “We are very grateful to the Nelson Town Deal for this grant support.

“We had been considering solar power for some years and when the price of electricity skyrocketed last year, we knew it was time to take the plunge.

“The entire roof is now covered in solar panels, which will save us a lot of money on our bills.

“The grant has also enabled us to invest in new machinery which will increase efficiencies and enable us to take on new staff in coming months,” he explained.

To date, 11 Nelson businesses are being supported with match-funded grants through the scheme, including Buoyant Upholstery and bicycle bag manufacturers, Carradice.

Mike Williams, Pendle Borough Council’s Tourism & Economic Development Officer, who leads the Business Resilience and Growth Project, said:

“We have grants of up to £100,000 available for businesses to invest in new machinery, reduce their energy use and consumption, or to carry out building and other improvements to support growth.

“We have seen a good uptake on the funding to date and projects like Hartley’s working well is extremely positive.

“It’s not too late to seek funding. A new round of grants has now started and eligible businesses are invited to apply.

Nelson manufacturers, including those on the Lomeshaye and Whitewalls industrial estates wanting to find out more can email: business.support@pendle.gov.uk.”

Stephen Barnes, Chair of the Nelson Town Deal Board, said:

“Hartley’s Farm Foods is long-standing Nelson business which has been able to future-proof its operations with help from this grant. We are delighted to be able to support the company’s growth.”