Family Care Trust powers up sustainability with BEAS
Published: 30 July 2025
Empowering independence through practical skills
Family Care Trust, based in Solihull, is dedicated to improving the lives of adults with learning disabilities. At their flagship site, Newlands Bishop Farm, they offer practical, workbased learning to equip participants with the necessary skills and qualifications for employment.
With around 130 service users, the charity’s vision is clear: promote independence, boost employability, and foster community integration through hands-on learning experiences in catering, animal care, woodwork, and horticulture.
Harnessing the sun to ease financial pressure
Amid rising operational and energy costs, Family Care Trust faced significant financial pressures, particularly with the expansion of their facilities. Recognising the critical need for a sustainable solution, they signed up to the BEAS programme for a comprehensive energy assessment.
Our expert BEAS advisors from Aston University identified a substantial opportunity to install solar panels, maximising the site’s solar potential. Following this advice, a grant from the local council enabled the installation of 192 solar panels, drastically cutting energy dependency.
This solution was instrumental. The process was straightforward, the guidance was clear, and implementation caused minimal disruption to daily operations. Family Care Trust selected solar panels as the most impactful measure, aligning with their sustainability goals without overwhelming their resources.
Results in numbers
Match funded grant*:
£38,837
(£ exc. VAT)
Estimated payback period*:
4.8 Years
Estimated annual energy saving*:
119,105kWh
Estimated annual carbon saving*:
29.4tCO2e
*based upon full assessment report implementation
Independence powered by innovation
The installation of solar panels promises considerable financial relief and sustainability benefits. Family Care Trust expects to save nearly £1.5 million in energy costs over the next 20 years.
These savings will enable the charity to reinvest significantly in core services, expand their capacity to support more service users, and pursue further sustainable initiatives such as battery storage. Moreover, by adopting solar energy, Family Care Trust is securing long-term operational stability, crucial for navigating an uncertain economic landscape.
This forward-looking decision not only bolsters their financial resilience but reinforces their ongoing commitment to sustainability.
"Aston University (BEAS delivery partner) made this process straightforward and incredibly beneficial. The grant and solar panel installation have been a turning point for our financial sustainability and environmental goals. We’d highly recommend this programme."
- John Watts, Fundraising and Media Lead, Family Care Trust
Find out more about BEAS
Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) is one of the key support programmes delivered through BGWM, designed to help businesses across the West Midlands reduce energy costs and improve sustainability.
BEAS provides practical guidance and access to potential funding opportunities through grants of £1,000 to £100,000 to make energy improvements to businesses.
Could your business benefit from BEAS? Click the links below to learn more.
