THE University of Brighton’s is launching an £8.8million initiative to support the growth of green businesses.

The university is looking to support a thriving green sector in Sussex through one to one business support, staging events, innovation and research and development support - all delivered by industry experts, business advisors and university specialists.

It has announced that its Green Growth Platform will receive the money to support business growth across East Sussex, Kent and Essex.

It is funded by the EU’s European Regional Development Fund and is a partnership between the university, East Sussex County Council, and a series of other south-east councils.

The programme will provide grants and business support to low carbon small and medium-sized enterprises to help them grow and develop new products and services.

It will also provide grants and free environmental audits to any type of small and medium sized enterprise (SME) to help improve their environmental performance, such as reducing energy costs or installing renewable energy systems.

The programme will also be providing support to the community energy sector, and will be developing renewable energy and low carbon projects across the county.

Zoe Osmond, Director of the Green Growth Platform, said: "We are delighted to announce this funding for East Sussex businesses.

"It will make a significant contribution to business growth and innovation in the region, as well as help in reducing our environmental impact and moving us towards a low carbon economy."

In East Sussex, the programme is open to SMEs which pay their business rates to Eastbourne Borough Council, Hastings Borough Council, Lewes District Council, Rother District Council and Wealden District Council.

Businesses can find out more and register for the support by visiting greengrowthplatform.co.uk or calling the Green Growth Platform on 01273 641949.