An award-winning vineyard in Stourport is flourishing thanks to an energy efficient grant. 

Astley Vineyard, which is located in the beautiful Severn Valley, was able to transform their sustainable business practices by cutting costs and their carbon footprint. 

By replacing the air-conditioning units with a more efficient modern model and installing solar panels in their wine warehouse, the team have been able to lower their electricity bill. 

Implementing recommendations from their free energy-saving review has also meant they have raised their electrical equipment and machinery to a grade 'A' or 'B'. 

Astley Vineyard Astley Vineyard (Image: Worcestershire County Council) Councillor Emma Stokes, cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, said: "Supporting businesses in implementing low carbon practices can enable them to cut their carbon emissions whilst saving on energy costs. 

"Astley Vineyard is a perfect example of how our business support grants can fuel innovation whilst enabling businesses to take on more sustainable practices. 

"We are dedicated to investing in our county's infrastructure and I would encourage all Worcestershire businesses to look into the grants that we have on offer." 

The council's free energy saving assessment has helped the business to reduce its carbon emissions as well as save on their energy bills. 

Tim Haywood, owner of Astley Vineyard, said: "Astley Vineyard's energy costs have been transformed following support from Worcestershire County Council. 

"We commissioned a free energy audit in 2022 and this identified the best action we could take was the installation of solar panels on top of our two warehouses. 

"Funding from the council was vital to making this happen. Together, with changes in our behaviours around energy usage, we have lowered our electricity bills in 2024 to less than half of those in 2022. The payback period for our investment will be much shorted than we anticipated and we are delighted." 

To find out more visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/business/business-support-and-grants