18th May 2012
Facing Transport Issues At Green Business Network Workshop
26th Oct 2004
The Bedfordshire Green Business Network (GBN) is to hold a seminar focusing on Business Travel as an aspect of environmental management systems and the benefits that can be achieved by implementing sound transport policies.
The seminar will take place on:
17 November at 3M, Hudson Road, Elms and Viking Estate in Bedford, and is free of charge. The main speaker will come from the Business Travel Initiative (BTI), which offers free skills training to SMEs in Bedfordshire on transport issues and the travel planning process. He will give a flavour of some of the simple measures that can be taken to benefit both profits and the environment. A case study presentation of a successful transport initiative will be given by the hosts 3M, and Bedford Borough Council will be promoting the benefits of working in partnership with local authorities. The BTI initiative could not come at a better time for businesses in Bedfordshire with measures, such as a High Occupancy Vehicle lane on the M1 in Bedfordshire, congestion charging, and a workplace parking levy under discussion. Companies need to take steps to focus on transport and the damaging effects that congestion has on the economy, the environment and business growth. Many organisations have now introduced sound travel policies to address these issues and comply with Environmental Standards, such as ISO 14001. The benefits to business of implementing a policy and measures are clear – improved efficiencies, higher profits, better public perception, and increased staff morale. Any company in Bedfordshire and its neighbouring counties is eligible to become a member of the Green Business Network, and business people are encouraged to attend workshops and seminars before they sign up to determine whether they will benefit from membership. If you wish to book a place at this seminar please email ruth.sandifer@marstonvale.org. For more information about the Business Travel Initiative, contact Steve Macey, training co-ordinator on 01234 228289, or go to www.btravel.info. NOTES TO EDITORS 1. Bedfordshire Green Business Network is a registered charity and is supported by Bedfordshire and Luton Sustainable Business Partnership and Bedfordshire County Council. 2. Companies in counties neighbouring Bedfordshire are welcome to join the Green Business Network. 3. Bedfordshire County Council, with funding from the European Union Social Fund and working in partnership with the DTI’s Transport Energy best practice unit, has established the Business Travel Initiative to provide free one to one training to SMEs. On request, a trainer will work with a company (or a cluster of companies in an industrial estate) to explore the issues facing businesses, and suggesting measures that will be beneficial to both a business and its employees.4. BTI is available to 45 companies in Bedfordshire. As well as working one to one with companies, the Initiative will also be providing a full series of seminars throughout the year. 5. Training Days will be run at individual businesses within Bedfordshire and are open to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). For press queries or more information, please contact Steve Macey, BTI training coordinator at Bedfordshire County Council on 01234 228289.
For further information:
www.btravel.info
ruth.sandifer@marstonvale.org
Contact Steve Macey, training co-ordinator on 01234 228289
