SMALL firms with big ideas for tackling climate change in Kirklees are being invited to compete for thousands of pounds in cash.

Since its launch in 2005, Shell Springboard has awarded £1.6m to 43 innovative low-carbon businesses. The awards provide a springboard for many businesses – helping them to raise their profile in order to secure investment.

One of last year’s winners was Aeristech, a firm which developed a system that enables car manufacturers to downsize engines – cutting emissions and cost – without reducing performance.

Since winning Shell Springboard in March, the Birmingham-based company has secured an additional £500,000 of investment.

Shell UK chairman James Smith said: “Small businesses are a prolific reservoir of creative thinking on low-carbon technologies. Shell Springboard offers no-strings financial awards to help these businesses get their ideas off the ground.”

Shell Springboard offers a financial boost for UK businesses with compelling ideas for tackling climate change. These must be ideas which will lead to greenhouse gas reductions, are commercially viable and are innovative.

A total of £320,000 is on offer in awards of £20,000 or £40,000. Last year, awards were made to nine businesses from across the UK.

The deadline for 2010 entries is 5pm on November 5, 2010. Full details and an online application form can be found at www.shellspringboard.org