AN environmental improvement scheme to benefit hundreds of North-East firms has got the go-ahead.

Regional development agency One NorthEast introduced the North-East Environmental Business Support programme (NEEBS) to encourage smaller companies to make energy savings.

NEEBS provides practical assistance and legal advice on green issues and identifies efficiency improvement targets for businesses with fewer than 250 employees.

Businesses can get up to a 70 per cent subsidy towards an environmental plan.

Published: ??/??/2003