Local businesses are being offered another chance to apply for a new travel grant from Dorset County Council, with up to £3,000 per application up for grabs.

The scheme is designed to help firms start incentives that encourage more people to walk, cycle or use public transport on the journey to work.

As well as boosting the local economy and helping to tackle road congestion, the initiative also aims to boost the health and wellbeing of staff.

Businesses in Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester and Christchurch can apply for up to £3,000 in match funding towards the introduction of cycle parking, lockers, showers or changing facilities, signage, pool bikes, and more.

A number of applications were submitted in the last round with the council awarding around £30,000 across those businesses.

Dorset County Council’s Cabinet member for environment and the economy, Cllr Peter Finney, said: “We are delighted to be able to help local businesses improve their facilities and help their staff travel more sustainably.

“By encouraging employees to walk or run or cycle to work you are likely to see a significant reduction in sick days and increased productivity.”

One organisation which benefited from the grant scheme is Futurum Renewable Energy Systems in Poundbury. The renewable energy firm has installed a vehicle electric charging point at its main office in Parkway Farm Business Centre, Poundbury.

Sales and marketing manager Mark Blunden said: “The council’s grant scheme is a great way to help local businesses improve things for their staff and customers.

“Having an electric charging point makes it easier for our staff, customers and business clients to use an alternative travel option rather than a conventional car.”

This investment in businesses has been made possible through the council’s £2.4m Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) and £12m Three Towns Travel grant from the Department for Transport.

The next round of applications is open from 1 Sept to 10 Oct. For more information, and to submit an application, go to www.dorsetforyou.com/business-travel