Dozens of businesses will get free advice on how to be more environmentally efficient, thanks to £80,000 of European funding.

Specialist advisers will show small and medium sized firms how they could save cash by reducing energy and water bills and cutting down on waste and transport costs.

Businesses have been invited to a money saving tips breakfast at York House, Twickenham, on Thursday, May 17.

Experts will provide case studies of firms in the area that have gone green and attendees will get the opportunity to network.

It comes after Richmond Council and five other London authorities successfully bid for £750,000 from the European regional development fund.

Councillor Virginia Morris, cabinet member for environment at Richmond Council, said: “I’m delighted the council has secured this grant money which will make a considerable difference to businesses in the borough and across London.

“We’ve already helped in excess of 200 businesses over the past three years and this grant will enable us to assist even more.

“We know people want to protect the environment, but we are also aware that businesses are under pressure to protect the bottom line and this support will give them a helping hand to do both.”

Fifty-three businesses that got support last year saved a total of £29,000 by reducing CO2 emissions by 121 tonnes, water use by 342m3 and waste by 6.26 tonnes.

Look in Video, Twickenham, replaced 62 inefficient light tubes, reducing its energy bill by £2,182.

Jag Pankhania, owner of Look in Video, said: “If I had known about how much I could save I would have done this much earlier. The lighting is much brighter and it looks like natural light.

“More people have been coming into the shop so I've noticed business has improved as well.”

Curry Garden, Kew, saved £906-a-year by reducing its waste by 77 per cent and introducing recycling.

Farid Uddin, of Curry Garden, said: “It’s not rocket science. The things we’re doing are very simple but collectively they make a huge impact.”

To book a place on the business seminar, email sophie.maqsood@richmond.gov.uk.

For more information, visit richmond.gov.uk/gogreen/gg_work.htm.