Painting a greener picture: How BEAS helped Thomas Howse business cut costs and carbon
Published: 03 September 2025
Summary
Manufacturer Thomas Howse is taking steps to reduce energy costs and improve its green credentials after receiving a free assessment from the Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) run by the Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM).
The business received a review of key areas of its operation and premises together with expert advice on ways in which the management could reduce their energy usage. Thomas Howse received expert recommendations which could potentially unlock annual financial savings totalling £18,152 and the removal of 22.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions per year.
The energy assessment was thorough and gave us a clear pathway to reduce our energy consumption step by step. It told us where we were performing well and where we could improve.
It was a very worthwhile exercise.
The business
Thomas Howse is an independent industrial paint and powder coating manufacturer based in Rowley Regis. Established in 1903, the company employs 50 people and operates out of a 18,750 sq ft production facility.
The company specialises in paint and powder coatings for industries including agriculture, construction and engineering as well as the transport, rail and road sectors. The business uses a range of air compressors, mixers, grinding mills, high speed dispersers and filling equipment as part of their manufacturing process.
Thomas Howse applied to the BEAS Energy Intensive programme for professional advice on reducing energy consumption and costs as well as becoming more environmentally compliant.
Rising energy costs and the fragile energy market were of deep concern to Thomas Howse and the management wanted to future proof the business by becoming more efficient.
How BEAS helped
BEAS was launched to provide small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) who qualify by paying business rates within the West Midlands Combined Authority region, with the tools, insights and funding needed to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.
After applying, Thomas Howse was referred to delivery partner Pro Enviro, who conducted an assessment which looked at equipment, lighting and heating changes to pinpoint areas to implement efficiencies. Thomas Howse uses a mix of electricity and gas for heating, lighting and the power to run its manufacturing operations.
The BEAS report recommended that the business consider the installation of a solar power system.
Analysis showed installing panels on the roof could enable Thomas Howse to introduce a new system saving £10,248 per year in energy costs and the removal of 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions, the biggest potential reductions in the BEAS study.
A review of the lighting across the site found that although it consisted of modern LED fittings, several lights were unnecessary and could be switched off if rewiring work was carried out, with recommendations made which would save £4,855 on annual bills and cut 6.18 tonnes in emissions.
At Thomas Howse, air compressors provide the necessary pressure to atomise and propel paint and powder particles from a spray system onto the surface of an object being painted or coated. The BEAS study found that the installation of a modern variable speed drive (VSD) compressor could save £2,675 annually and remove emissions totalling 3.4 tonnes.
The audit found that the compressed air feed used up to 30% of the total energy used on site, with only around 10% used for its intended purpose. The assessment recommended that the business repair the air pipes, improving reliability and saving an estimated 0.48 tonnes of CO2 per year, the equivalent of up to £374 per year on the bills.
By working with BEAS, businesses like Thomas Howse can apply for grant funds from £1,000 to £100,000 to invest in energy improvement measures, administered by the local authority.
The energy assessment provided Thomas Howse with a number of measures they could implement to significantly reduce their energy bills and impact on the environment. Working with manufacturers like Thomas Howse shows that significant financial savings and emissions reductions are achievable through readily available technologies.
Investing in solar, efficient lighting and optimised compressed air systems can present a clear pathway to a more sustainable and profitable future for the manufacturing sector.
Ready to apply? Get Started with BEAS in 4 Easy Steps
- Register Online – Sign up here.
- Energy Assessment – We will arrange a free energy assessment at your business site.
- Report – Receive tailored recommendations to improve energy efficiency.
- Installation – Choose which upgrades to implement, and our BEAS delivery partners will handle the rest.
Don’t miss this opportunity to future-proof your business.
👇 Apply now
