A Dorset company has received a £25,000 grant after investing in new technology which will cut carbon emissions by more than 90 tonnes annually.

Barker, the largest domestic laundry in the UK and a leading specialist dry cleaner, was allocated the money from Dorset Council’s ‘Low Carbon Dorset’ programme.

Low Carbon Dorset is a three-year programme of activities run by the council to help stimulate growth in Dorset’s low carbon economy.

It is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and aims to help improve energy efficiency, increase the use of renewable energy and aid the development of new low carbon products.

Matthew Barker, Barker’s Managing Director, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have received this award which will allow us to invest immediately in various new equipment and laundry efficiency technology – two new washing machines, a boiler and a water heating system.

“The new gas fired water heating system will enable us to change from the steam method by which we currently heat water, thus reducing our use and reliance on fossil fuels by an impressive 50 per cent..

“Incredibly the investment required by the business will be paid back by energy efficiency savings within just three years.

“We are hugely grateful for the financial support given by Low Carbon Dorset which is helping us to achieve our eco ambitions and making this journey significantly easier for us.

“We would also like to recognise the support provided by innovation and growth funding experts SG Financial Ltd whose Managing Director, Shaun Gomm, introduced the business to the team at Low Carbon Dorset and led the funding application process on behalf of the Barker Group.”

Dr Erik Blakeley, Energy Efficiency Technical Officer for Low Carbon Dorset said: “The Barker project unlocked innovative technology investment relating to their core laundry business and is also delivering a significant saving in terms of reducing carbon emissions (over 90 tonnes CO2e p.a.).

“We see many good applications for standard measures such as LED lighting and improved space heating equipment but grants for measures related to the specific technologies of a particular industry are less common.”