Grants available to help businesses cut the costs of travel
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8th April 2014
Sustainable Routes is a project funded by the European Regional Development Fund, offering grants of £1,000 to small and medium sized enterprises in the South East of England, to encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport.
The costs of driving are on the rise. Congestion on British roads is getting worse. Climate change is a reality.
All drivers are aware of the astronomical costs of fuelling their vehicles to get from A to B, and cost conscious businesses are no exception, having to absorb rising running costs into their balance sheets. With the number of road journeys up over 40 per cent in the last 20 years, and set to continue to rise at this rate for at least the next 20, business are aware of the negative impact of lost time and productivity caused by infuriating traffic jams.
A recent spate of international reports on climate change have shown unequivocally that the climate is changing, and that every country in the world will be affected. Many say that Britain has already begun to see the effects, with more frequent flooding and extreme weather. Businesses are hit hardest by disruptions to transport links, leading to lost revenue, and even the threat of closure for those unprepared.
In light of these trends, more and more businesses are looking for ways to work more flexibly, cost effectively and with more resilience. The benefits of smarter working are clear: save money, time, and reduce risk. And now businesses can get government support to do so. The European Regional Development Fund has invested £1.25 million in Sustainable Routes; a project which offers grants and guidance to businesses in the South East of England looking to travel more sustainably.
Grants of £1,000 are available for businesses wanting to use technology to support home working, video conferencing, or advanced telephony. Businesses can also get help towards encouraging active travel, by purchasing bicycles, or building bike shelters or shower facilities. For businesses who really can’t avoid road journeys, the funds can be put towards converting vehicles to LPG. The grants are matched funded, meaning that businesses will need to put up 50 per cent of the costs of their initiative.
Charities and not-for-profits are eligible too. While the grant is typically aimed at businesses, nearly all organisations meeting the small and medium-sized enterprise criteria are eligible for funding. Visit the project website at www.sustainableroutes.co.uk for more information. The application process is renowned for its simplicity, and the whole process can be completed in under 30 minutes. To talk through your ideas for the grant, call 01494 569061.
All drivers are aware of the astronomical costs of fuelling their vehicles to get from A to B, and cost conscious businesses are no exception, having to absorb rising running costs into their balance sheets. With the number of road journeys up over 40 per cent in the last 20 years, and set to continue to rise at this rate for at least the next 20, business are aware of the negative impact of lost time and productivity caused by infuriating traffic jams.
A recent spate of international reports on climate change have shown unequivocally that the climate is changing, and that every country in the world will be affected. Many say that Britain has already begun to see the effects, with more frequent flooding and extreme weather. Businesses are hit hardest by disruptions to transport links, leading to lost revenue, and even the threat of closure for those unprepared.
In light of these trends, more and more businesses are looking for ways to work more flexibly, cost effectively and with more resilience. The benefits of smarter working are clear: save money, time, and reduce risk. And now businesses can get government support to do so. The European Regional Development Fund has invested £1.25 million in Sustainable Routes; a project which offers grants and guidance to businesses in the South East of England looking to travel more sustainably.
Grants of £1,000 are available for businesses wanting to use technology to support home working, video conferencing, or advanced telephony. Businesses can also get help towards encouraging active travel, by purchasing bicycles, or building bike shelters or shower facilities. For businesses who really can’t avoid road journeys, the funds can be put towards converting vehicles to LPG. The grants are matched funded, meaning that businesses will need to put up 50 per cent of the costs of their initiative.
Charities and not-for-profits are eligible too. While the grant is typically aimed at businesses, nearly all organisations meeting the small and medium-sized enterprise criteria are eligible for funding. Visit the project website at www.sustainableroutes.co.uk for more information. The application process is renowned for its simplicity, and the whole process can be completed in under 30 minutes. To talk through your ideas for the grant, call 01494 569061.
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