By making use of a Sustainable Routes grant, a sole trader from Sussex has managed to reduce his travel costs and ensure that his business isn’t wasting funds.

Paul Stevenson of ATMP Marketing received a match-funded grant worth more than £300 to buy a mountain bike, and has seen numerous benefits as a result.

“Thanks to the grant I am saving on travel costs, I am fitter and the local environment benefits too,” said Stevenson.

“There are no downsides whatsoever. Plus, the whole process - from the application form to when I received the bike - was very quick.”

Stevenson continued: “The biggest positive I have had from receiving this grant is that it has enabled me to forge closer relationships with some of my clients.

“When I mentioned the bike to them, I quickly realised that I shared a common interest in cycling with some of my clients. These relationships are crucial to me and my business, so the stronger they are the better.”

Sustainable Routes has ensured a legacy beyond its own initial grant, as Stevenson explained: “The Sustainable Routes grant has helped to capture my passion for cycling and sustainability, and as a result of this I have started volunteering for Sustrans, a charity that like Sustainable Routes focuses on environmentally friendly travel.”

Sustainable Routes grants of up to £1,000 are available to businesses with a turnover of at least £75,000 that have been trading for over a year and employ less than 250 people.