Grants for rural businesses

12:42pm Friday 21st November 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

RURAL businesses are being offered free consultancy and grants to encourage sustainable travel and improve accessibility to workplaces.

The grants are being provided by Advantage West Midlands through the Access to Rural Services Partnership, a scheme supported and administered by Worcestershire County Council.

Rural businesses can receive a grant of up to £2,500 to spend on improvements, including showers, cycle storage, eco-driving courses or PC equipment and training to facilitate home working.

Businesses wanting to receive more than £2,500 will need to match fund the additional amount.

Conservative councillor Derek Prodger MBE, the county council's cabinet member for environment, said: "This is a great initiative Worcestershire County Council is rolling out to rural businesses.

“I hope they take full advantage of the grants to give their employees an increased variety of commuting options making their journey to work more sustainable."

Businesses interested in applying for a grant should call the county council by December 19.

Businesses must be located in Worcestershire and in a settlement with a population of less than 10,000 people.

Further information about how to apply can be obtained by contacting Debbie Hildick-Smith on 01905 728621 or by e-mailing dhildicksmith@worcestershire.gov.uk.