National Business Travel Network and BCC Team Up to Promote Sustainable Travel Plans
12/02/08 | 15:39
The NBTN seminars, in association with BCC and ACT Travelwise, are designed to show businesses the benefits of travel plans, looking at different measures involved. These include cycling and walking promotions, car share schemes, flexible and home working, and improved public transport services, which have all proved successful at reducing single occupancy car use. Each event will also explore practical advice on what to do next, and the various organisations that can help support businesses keen to implement a sustainable transport strategy for their organisation.
David Frost, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce said: “Travel Plans should be a must for all businesses large or small. Not only is it a positive contribution businesses can make to the environment, it also improves congestion, which has a negative impact on productivity"
"Travel Plans could turn time spent in traffic jams to time spent with customers and supporting the business, whilst simultaneously improving employees' quality of life. The cost of driving could rise sharply in the coming decade. Employers will need to be able to recruit and retain the best staff, whilst guaranteeing them good access to their work sites. Travel Plans can help with this, and deliver cost savings.”
Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: “Workplace travel plans, when implemented effectively, can result in massive benefits for companies. Successful schemes can improve staff morale and productivity and provide cost savings to businesses in terms of car park provision, business travel costs, improved staff retention, and absenteeism. These seminars aim to make businesses more aware of their options, and help organisations work together in their local communities”
The seminars are scheduled to take place in Birmingham, Liverpool, North East England, Northern Ireland, Suffolk and Sussex between March and June 2008. For more information please go to click here
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MEDIA CONTACT:NOTES TO EDITORS:About the BCC
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is the authentic voice of British businesses. The BCC sits at the heart of a powerful nationwide network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce serving business across the UK, which employ over five million people.
About NBTN
The National Business Travel Network (NBTN) is a Department for Transport initiative and part of the cross-governmental ACT ON CO2 campaign. The NBTN promotes the benefits of workplace travel planning and sustainable business travel in order to reduce CO2 emissions and congestion. NBTN seeks to achieve this goal through engagement with the business community and the provision of a business-to-business network to enable companies to share best practice and promote the rationale for travel plans and Smarter Choices. The NBTN currently has around 250 members and has published guidance for employers considering implementing a workplace travel plan. 'The Essential Guide to Travel Planning' can be found within the ‘Environment & efficiency’ section at Business Link: www.businesslink.gov.ukwww.nbtn.org.uk
About ACT Travelwise
'ACT TRAVELWISE is a national membership association. Membership is open to any organisation or person that is either developing or delivering a Travel Plan, a marketing campaign for changing travel behaviour, advising on sustainable travel initiatives or providing sustainable transport services to others. We have over over 10 years experience in our field and we have a vast network of experts, all of which are at member’s disposal. Further information can be found at www.acttravelwise.org.uk.’