Eco Environments

• Double industry accreditation for Bootle company
• Stepclever grant paves the way for company expansion
• Print quality digital images available

A BOOTLE-based eco energy company has won the right to help its customers go green - thanks to Stepclever.

Eco Environments specialises in the supply and installation of eco-friendly, cost-saving products and renewable energy solutions for the commercial and domestic markets and has just achieved special accreditation to help customers obtain all the grants, loans and tax breaks available for solar and wind installations.

The company received nearly £11,000 from the Stepclever enterprise initiative for north Liverpool and south Sefton, which allowed them to gain their MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accreditations.

Eco Environments are only the second company in the North West to achieve this, and one of only a handful in the UK.

Alongside their REA (Renewable Energy Assurance) membership, this latest achievement means that the company, run by Mike Clarke and David Hunt, is now one of the leading players in providing green, economic alternatives to traditional energy sources.

Stepclever’s Enterprise Gateway project provided the grant to assist the business with equipment costs and support for the application for MCS accreditation.

Stepclever Business Development Manager, Glyn Hawksworth explained: “When I went out to meet with Mike and David, I was very impressed and enthusiastic about what Eco Environments was trying to achieve and was pleased to offer both business advice and funding support for start up costs, and the MCS accreditation.”

Stepclever aims to generate an enterprise culture in areas of north Liverpool and south Sefton, by offering business advice and support, as well as grants and other financial assistance for existing enterprises and start up companies.

David Hunt, Eco Environments co-director, said: “Stepclever has been a great bonus to us in growing our business because we have received advice on finance, business planning and business-to-business referrals to other firms in the Stepclever area.”

Stepclever is free to everyone who lives, or runs a business in the wards of Anfield, Everton, County, Kirkdale and Linacre and Derby wards in Sefton.

Mike Clarke, Eco Environments, co-director added: "We’re particularly pleased to have reached MCS standards for both wind and solar PV installations because it gives us the flexibility to offer impartial advice to customers.

"Sometimes a customer may have an idea which technology they favour and we’re able to give them the pros and cons of each system and make recommendations accordingly.

"It may be that one technology better suits their needs, or as in a recent case, a combination might be best. The bottom line is we can be impartial, not pushing the only technology we can install."