Thorncliffe benefits as Welsh green loan scheme extended
The Welsh Government has confirmed an extra £10 million for the Development Bank of Wales to help businesses reduce carbon emissions.
First launched in March 2023, the Green Business Loan Scheme is being doubled to £20 million with funding available until 2028. More than 30 firms have already received loans and support, with projects expected to save more than 28,000 tonnes of carbon over their lifetimes.
One of the largest recipients to date is Mold-based Thorncliffe Building Supplies, which has secured a £3.2 million loan to invest in a new wash plant and water treatment system. The investment will reduce the company’s reliance on landfill by processing construction waste and sub-soil on site.
Founded in 1987, Thorncliffe is one of the largest independent builders’ merchants in North Wales, with sites in Dyserth, Ewloe, Rhuddlan, Wrexham and Abergele. The business is owned and managed by Deborah and Tim Harper and employs 265 staff.
Managing director Tim Harper said: “We are constantly evolving as a business to diversify and strengthen our customer offering while remaining compliant with regulatory and legislative requirements.
“Reducing waste and cutting our carbon emissions is a key priority for us hence our decision to invest in a new washing plant. This will allow us to process our construction waste and sub-soil on-site rather than use landfill. The facility will wash and sort the waste into different grades of aggregates that can then be re-sold so it’s a win-win all round.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: “This £10m extension to the Green Business Loan Scheme demonstrates the Welsh Government’s commitment to supporting businesses on their journey to net zero. We are ensuring even more firms can access the support they need to reduce their carbon footprint while strengthening their competitiveness.
“With over 30 businesses already benefitting and forecasted carbon savings of more than 28,000 tonnes, there is clearly a strong appetite for sustainable innovation amongst Welsh enterprises who are supporting our ambition to grow the economy.”
Bethan Cousins, New Business Director at the Development Bank, said: “The success of the Green Business Loan Scheme is a testament to the ambition and innovation of Welsh businesses in tackling climate change.
“Thorncliffe is a great example of how the scheme is helping businesses across Wales to ‘invest to save’ by providing loans with discounted interest rates to make energy efficiency improvements and implement decarbonisation initiatives. This further investment from Welsh Government will ensure we continue driving meaningful change, supporting businesses of all sizes to adopt technologies that reduce emissions and strengthen energy resilience.”
The scheme supports a wide range of energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies including heating, ventilation, heat pumps, waste management solutions and building fabric improvements. Businesses can also access support from energy consultants to develop practical decarbonisation plans.
Upfront capital repayment holidays are available for firms that have been trading in Wales for at least two years, with the scheme designed to help reduce costs, manage energy risk and support the transition to net zero.
More details are available at: Green Business Loan Scheme – Development Bank of Wales.
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