Businesses are being encouraged to apply for a share of nearly £500,000 as part of a drive to improve the health of their employees.

New research published by the BBC today suggests that cycling to work can reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease by nearly 50 per cent.

Now, as part of the Government's Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition, up to £470,000 is available for organisations with innovative projects that lead to people walking and cycling more.

The competition is open to individuals, groups and organisations, but is particularly suitable for early-stage, small and medium-sized enterprises.

Industry partners such as local government, independent and third sectors, can carry out the project on their own or with others.

Total project costs can vary between £25,000 and £100,000, while innovations may include technology, infrastructure, manufacturing or behavioural change.

The deadline for registration is midday on 7 June.

The research published by the BBC was carried out by the University of Glasgow.

Its five-year study suggests that regular cycling cut the risk of death from any cause by 41 per cent, the incidence of cancer by 45 per cent and heart disease by 46 per cent.

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