So how can you put your plans into action?
To get the ball rolling, email Matthew.Price@nottinghamcity.gov.uk, the Big Wheel Business Club adviser for Nottingham City, or call 0115 8763947.
Although Nottingham City Council is unable to accept any more applications to its TransACT grant scheme for SMEs in 2010/11, the first step towards accessing any future funding opportunities will be to start to develop a travel plan. This will identify which measures would be most effective for the promotion of travel alternatives within your organisation.
For those outside the City, Nottinghamshire County Council currently has funding available towards the design and implementation of workplace travel plans and the installation of capital measures that support targets set out within the plan. If you are located in the County area and would like more information about the help that is available please call 0115 977 3145 or email andrew.barnes@nottscc.gov.uk.
A travel plan provides a comprehensive approach to improving transport to and from your site/s. The process starts with a survey, which is easy to complete and can be filled in on this website once the Business Club adviser has given you a password. The survey will help to identify travel patterns and behaviours within your organisation, so that you can really start to change things.
The City Council’s Workplace Travel Plan leaflet sets out the key steps involved and the Business Club Advisors can offer guidance and advice to support your organisation through each stage of the process.
There are also national experts who can give you a steer on travel planning. ACT Travelwise has long been promoting travel planning. In March 2008 the Department for Transport released The Essential Guide to Travel Planning and the Energy Saving Trust (EST) has a free advice service aimed at companies looking to make their car or van fleet more environmentally-friendly. Call 0845 602 1425 or register at http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/business.