Advisors at CRE offer cost cutting guidance to churches

Seminar in progress

As energy prices soar, many stands at the three-day Christian Resources Exhibition in Sandown Park, Surrey, were kept busy advising on the way in which churches and individuals can save money.

"One church in Hull was paying £1,800 for electricity and received a renewal offer of £15,100 - a ten-fold increase," said Andrew Silley, an independent energy specialist who had a stand at the exhibition.

"I was able to provide a price that amounted to an estimated annual cost of £6,660 - less than half the renewal cost quoted. I was also able to reassure the church that they would be covered by the government's Energy Bill Relief Scheme until March 31, 2023 meaning the annual cost would be less than the £6,000."

Andrew - who started his company more than 12 years ago - pointed out that a number of visitors to the exhibition wanted help for their church or themselves, adding "one of the problems is that some brokers will give advice which they profit from as well as the suggested company, even though there may be cheaper alternatives. My name may be Silley - but wasting money on energy is stupid."

Other stands reported similar interest. Chris Dunphy, of ChurchEcoMiser explained that many Anglican churches in particular were keen to become 'net zero carbon' by 2030 as called for by the Synod. "This often means replacing the heating system to become carbon neutral," he said, pointing out that there had been a lot of interest in his all-electric radiator system which does away with pipes and boilers and gives a cleaner heating system.

John Calandine, managing director of Calandine Certified Accountants, also reported a lot of interest in how their not-for-profit advisory and consultancy services could help charities expand their operations.

VAT consultant Les Howard had also had a number of enquirers and said: "Churches can save money on VAT - especially when constructing accessibility works such as a wheelchair access or toilet facilities for the disabled."

Pete Cunningham believes that as the economic situation worsens more people are going to be made homeless and will need the support of local churches.

He set up Green Pastures more than 20 years ago and they now partner with 85-plus ministries to house more than 1,400 people.

He said: The mission enables churches to end homelessness by purchasing houses to be used for the homeless in that community, and then equips the church to provide ongoing care for residents. I believe churches have got to take some of the responsibility for homing those who are or will become homeless and demonstrate that Christian values are real."

The three-day event is the nearest thing to a trade show for clergy and all those involved in the maintenance and mission of their local church with more than 160 organisations displaying everything from computers to candles, sound systems to stained glass, pianos to puppets, and even emergency sleeping pods for the homeless. It was opened by comedian Tim Vine who cut a tape with a enormous pair of scissors.

Among a list of more than 50 seminars was a full day dealing in all aspects of children's work, talks on how to deal with the cost of living crisis, fundraising for capital projects for churches, and how to engage with those hurting from porn.

LINK

Christian Resources Exhibition - https://creonline.co.uk/