• The operational lease has been reviewed by the auditors of a number of academy trusts as compliant with the Academies Financial Handbook
• For more information on the Operating Lease, click here

Our social mission is to generate additional resources to fund projects which make a positive social impact within the schools community and we will only fund installations that are projected to generate a financial surplus. The funds that are generated for the school must be earmarked for improving the life chances of the disadvantaged pupils and this information is recorded and shared with our stakeholders. This can include SEN Teaching Staff, Breakfast Clubs and appropriate educational visit cost.

Our approved contractors have successfully completed countless installations in educational premises. LED lighting can be installed during evenings and weekends to avoid any disruption to the school day. Operatives are DBS checked and the project is overseen by independent Chartered Surveyors to ensure everything runs smoothly.

• Structural appraisal will be undertaken as part of the process by specialist structural engineers
• Existing warranties will be reviewed, and independent advice provided
• If you are planning a SCA or CIF reroofing project this would be the ideal time to install the PV panels and would usually provide a saving on the project cost

The equipment remains the property of the funder for the duration of the lease. When the lease expires there are options to purchase or return the equipment or extend the term.

The parts and labour warranties we have currently obtained for LED lights match the period of the lease – 13 years – giving you complete peace of mind. The lights have an expected life of over 20 years so should last well beyond the initial 13 years

• The parts and labour warranties we have currently obtained for PV Panels match the period of the lease – 13 years – giving you complete peace of mind.
• The PV panels have a warranted generation life of 20 years

As a social enterprise financial institution that is accredited by the Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy we are required to be self-sustaining and thus must charge interest. However, as a social enterprise we have set the interest rate at the lowest legal figure for an operating lease. This is typically at least half of the rate that for-profit finance companies are offering finance in this sector.

The funding is provided by Santander

The payments are made quarterly in arrears via standing order for 13 years

• Our project management partners which include Barker Associates and EO Consulting have vast experience in procuring LED and PV projects and all procurement is delivered in line with the requirement of the Academies Financial Handbook. They regularly market test suppliers via LED and PV frameworks such Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation.
• Our funding model is unique and because it will generate a saving from day one.

Less is More funding is currently available to all schools in England and Wales.

• Less is More is a social enterprise financial institution that is accredited by the Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, with a social mission to generate additional resources for the education of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. 
• The funds that are generated for the school must be earmarked for improving the life chances of the disadvantaged pupils in our schools and an annual report must be sent to Less is More Capital detailing the use of the funds and the social impact that has been delivered.  We can then share this information with our stakeholders.
• The definition of disadvantage is not prescriptive. Children who receive free school meals within the school would fall within the definition although the school can propose other categories of disadvantage that it may wish to support such as SEN children and physically disabled pupils.
• The Directors of Less is More make no financial gain from the projects

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. They are an extremely energy efficient form of lighting which does not create heat as a by-product like incandescent lighting. This means that they are up to 80% more efficient than traditional bulbs.

PV Panels convert the sun’s energy into electricity, even on cloudy days. If you are interested in the detail, here’s the science . They are simple to install, require little servicing and are very safe.