The £40m turnover Vivalda Group employs 150 people who will each receive the financial support in four monthly payments of £250 starting this month.

Founder and chairman Peter Johnson said: “My staff are dedicated and hard-working, with a growing number giving over twenty year’s loyal service; the idea of even one of this superb team fretting over higher utility bills does not sit comfortably with me when something can be done to help.”

Vivalda supplies non-flammable cladding brands such as Equitone, Cedral, and Rockpanel to UK building contractors, installers and architects.

The group also comprises Pura Facades, BBS Facades as well as Scottish-based MSP Facades and Prism Powder Coatings.