London,
02
April
2009
|
23:00
Europe/London

Smarter ways of working in Hackney

Writer and broadcaster Janet Street-Porter was the key speaker at a business networking event organised by Hackney Council to encourage local businesses to develop workplace travel plans as smarter ways of working.

A workplace travel plan is a business management tool that encourages safe, healthy and sustainable travel options. It encourages alternative travel such as walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing. Like many environmental measures that businesses can put in place, workplace travel plans can also help a business to save money.

Janet Street-Porter, Vice President of the Ramblers Association, joined the Council’s Transportation team at Shoreditch Town Hall on 24 March to promote workplace travel plans to local business, and gave a humorous and inspiring presentation about the benefits of walking as part of the journey to and from work.

Hackney has a unique, diverse and sustainable economy with over 7,000 businesses, including established household names such as Burberry, White Cube Gallery and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant in Hoxton.

Its vibrant business base features manufacturing, creative and cultural industries, printing and publishing, financial services, leisure services, new media and software development and even a farm.

Many of these businesses can benefit from developing a workplace travel plan, which can assist a business to effectively manage the organisation s journeys and reduce financial and time costs associated with business travel - staff expenses, car park charges, congestion charging and fleet management costs.

Match funding is also available to businesses who develop a workplace travel plan, along with free advice and materials.

Councillor Alan Laing, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We know people are concerned about growing levels of inactivity, obesity and stress. So we want to encourage local businesses to make smart and active travel decisions that can have a positive impact and improve the health of their workforce, as part of our commitment to help make the borough cleaner and greener.”

The event was organised by Hackney Council’s Transportation team in association with Transport for London’s Enterprise scheme and was supported by Hackney’s car club provider Streetcar.

For more information about workplace travel plans contact the Council’s Transportation team on 020 8356 3000, email: movegreener@hackney.gov.uk or visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/workplacetravelplans