Rugby business going green

A forward-thinking business in Rugby is securing its future after receiving two grants to go green.

Stonewall Group is split into two divisions from its 12,000 sq ft premises in Mitchell Court in Castle Mound Way.

Stonewall Security, which was established in May 2008, provides 24-hour business security services from CCTV installation and monitoring to alarm responses to its clients ranging from industrial parks to independent businesses.

Stonewall Vaults is a high-tech safe deposit centre for safety deposit boxes for people to securely leave their highly-valued possessions and documents.

Clare Randall, Director at Stonewall Group who runs the business with her husband, Martin, contacted the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub for advice on applying for grants towards electric vehicles and installing solar panels after attending their networking events and seminars.

Adam Plumb from the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub put Clare in touch with Rugby Borough Council and the Coventry and Warwickshire Green Business Programme, which is part funded by European Regional Development Fund and delivered by Coventry City Council, Coventry University and Coventry University Enterprises.

Stonewall Group received nearly £50,000 from the Government-funded Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) which was administered by Rugby Borough Council towards buying two electric vehicles as well as over £3,000 towards installing solar PV panels at its premises from the Green Business Programme.

Clare said the grant support had been a big help towards helping Stonewall Group to become more environmentally friendly and was already paying dividends.

She said: “We have grown into a well-known local and respected security provider through Stonewall Security since we have provided manned and electronic security to businesses for nearly 15 years.

“Introducing Stonewall Vaults was our response to the increasing personal security challenges in our current times and means we have become a one-stop shop across Coventry and Warwickshire.

“Our security team is always on the road and we wanted to introduce electric vehicles to our fleet. I’d met Adam from the Growth Hub so I contacted him to see if there were any grants available and we are really grateful for his support.

“Our single biggest cost in the business is fuel since we’re out on the road with mobile escorting work or travelling to sites to make security patrols and we have already noticed our fuel costs are reducing by £2,000 a month, which is a significant saving.”

Adam Plumb, Account Manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, said Stonewall Group, which employs 11 staff and 50 contractors, was a perfect example of a small and medium sized business that has benefited from their help and support.

“The Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub is here to provide business support and advice to SMEs throughout our area in all sectors and making them aware of the grants available is one aspect of our service,” he said.

“In the current economic climate, accessing grants can make a real difference to whether a business goes ahead with investment in green technology such as electric cars and solar PV panels and we are really pleased that Stonewall Group is already seeing a noticeable difference.” 

A comprehensive energy audit and report was carried out at Stonewall Group, which was used to identify areas of energy inefficiencies within its premises. The report showed that while many areas of the building were up-to-date with the latest cost saving measures, a solar PV installation would provide energy security alongside significant ongoing cost saving benefits for the business.

Jonathan Howl, Business Energy Advisor at Coventry City Council, said: “The recent installation of the solar PV array on site will provide immediate cost savings of nearly £2,000 per annum. By opting to also have battery storage installed with the solar solution, Stonewall Group is able to use its own generated electricity at a time to suit them, which gives a further level of independence from the electricity grid and protects them from further fluctuations in energy price rises.

“We were pleased to provide a grant of £3,090 towards the total project cost of £16,754, which reduced the payback period for their investment. The solar PV array will save over two tonnes of carbon per annum – demonstrating both Stonewall Group and Coventry City Council’s commitment to a greener, cleaner future.”

The Growth Hub is supported by funders including Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire’s District and Borough Councils.