Parlour Furniture
A highly skilled furniture maker has cut energy bills and kept himself warm and well lit during the cold winter with the help of Net Zero support.
Garry Smith spends hours designing and finely crafting tables, chairs, cabinets and all manner of wooden creations at Elton-based Parlour Furniture.
But his Smith House Farm base, just a stone’s throw from the A66 West of Stockton, proved difficult to heat.
The Combined Authority’s Net Zero Programme helped provide the sole trader with tailored support and a £2,000 grant which helped pay for new LED lighting and infra-red heaters to improve energy efficiency and ease his numb hands during the working day.
The Challenge
Garry moved out of a central Stockton base to work in the 250-year-old barn.
However, his efforts to keep warm were a struggle, as a diesel blow-heater he had was only heating the void in the ceiling.
The support he received through the Net Zero Programme offered one-to-one consultations and help creating a Carbon Reduction Plan.
And this has allowed Garry to reduce costs and make Parlour more energy efficient.
He said: “I’ve zoned each area so each has its own lighting and spots with 1.3kW infra-red heaters heating objects, not the air.
“The bench and floor heat up and I get warm.
“I spent the £2,000 from Net Zero, plus another £2,000 myself to do it. It really helps as you need your fingers when you’re making fine products.
“It’s been great – it’s a lot of money really. I’m a Yorkshireman so I made it go quite a way.
“It made a big difference, especially at this time of year when it’s 0C.”
Garry Smith, of Parlour Furniture
The Solution
Tees Valley Net Zero offer fully funded consultancy support and up to £2,000 grant funding for businesses alongside easy access to online tools and regular webinars and workshops.
The programme is delivered by Decerna on behalf of the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.
The tailored improvements made have helped Garry save £622 a year in energy costs.
“I learned from it,” he added.
“I spoke to the technical advisors, which was interesting, and they pointed me in the right direction on type of heating and what would make a difference.
“They held your hand a bit – which was good. It was quite a straightforward process really.
“Investing in energy-efficient upgrades, like high-quality LED lights and efficient heating systems, can really pay off fast with cost savings and lower carbon emissions.
“It’s important to go for quality products to steer clear of maintenance headaches down the line.”
Key Stats from Support
Electricity savings: 953 kWh per year
• Gas savings: 4,123 kWh per year
• Carbon reduction: 1.1 tCO2e annually
• Cost savings: £622 in annual energy costs
• Capital costs: £2,069 for the measures implemented
• Area served: 150 m
Garry at his farm workshop
The Future
Garry is already mindful of the environmental impacts of his business – with Parlour finishing all its accessories and furniture in non-solvent products, oil, wax and water-based paints and lacquers to avoid the harmful effects of solvent-based finishes.
When it comes to the future, Garry is now looking to improve his kitchen area on the back of the programme’s support.
He added: “Other businesses should sign up because it offers invaluable guidance to help grow your business while becoming more efficient and productive.
“The tailored consultations and decarbonisation strategies not only enhance operational efficiency, but also position your business to thrive in a sustainable future.”
Fully funded support for Tees Valley Net Zero comes via the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Businesses interested in finding out more about the support can visit: www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/net-zero-support
