If you are going to use it offroad then ok bike for that as a starter , SCOTT are very well made i think .
If you are going to ride it on the road then go for a Sportster , Mountain bikes on the road are naff .
Bike to work scheme is great and even better if you are 40% taxpayer .
Best to spend the maximum (£1000) i would say to get more off the actual price in real terms and also easier to sell a higher spec bike second hand if you were trading up