THREE Worcestershire businesses have taken advantage of a recently expanded and highly successful grant scheme which has enabled them to convert redundant buildings into vibrant places of work.

All three companies have successfully applied to the Redundant Building Grants scheme, which is funded by Advantage West Midlands, and managed by Herefordshire Council on behalf of the Rural Regeneration Zone. RKD Developments was the first to come forward for assistance with its development project at Hanley Swan.

A grant of more than £40,000 is contributing to the costs of converting a Dutch barn, a brick building and former cowsheds adjacent to Cygnet Business Park into office accommodation. The applicants will use two of the offices and the rest will be available for letting.

The work will be completed by the end of 2007. Bob Rudd, one of the directors at RKD Developments, said: "The Redundant Building Grants Scheme has been of real benefit in helping us fulfil our aspiration of establishing a thriving business centre in Hanley Swan. "I urge anyone who is starting or expanding a commercial enterprise involving the conversion of redundant buildings to give the programme team a call before you start; you have nothing to lose and potentially very much to gain."

The second project being supported is Worcestershire Resource Exchange, a social enterprise which promotes re-use, recycling and waste minimisation, provides materials, advice and training for the benefit of play and creative projects, and offers volunteering opportunities. Having outgrown its current premises, a grant of nearly £9,000 is assisting the organisation to refurbish an industrial unit which will safeguard existing jobs and allow the business to expand its portfolio.

The final grant will help to provide a nursery at Gaudet Luce Golf Club in Hadzor, Droitwich. A grant of £44,000 will assist the business with the conversion of an old stable block, providing 34 day care places for the community, creating up to 15 new jobs. Dorothy Coleman, programme manager for the Redundant Building Grants programme, said: "Until recently we have only been able to support small projects in a very small part of Worcestershire.

"We are keen to support business creation and expansion throughout the whole county and would like to hear from companies.

"This scheme can make a considerable difference by providing up to 25 per cent of conversion costs."