ways2work > What is it > The people behind it > Norman Baker
The Government’s two overriding and pervasive objectives are one, to build the economy and secondly to cut carbon emissions
"Businesses are key to both. Emissions from transport continue to rise and the cost isn’t just to the environment. Today private cars account for four out of every five miles travelled and there are significant costs to UK businesses from congestion. Nationally, there are concerns about health and there is no doubt that our reliance on the car is not conducive to our well being. The results of inactivity and stress cost UK businesses billions of pounds each year.
But there is a better way to work – both in terms of travelling and also in using information technology to reduce travel. I’m therefore delighted to support the National Business Travel Network, which is funded by the Department for Transport and hosted by Business in the Community, in bringing this issue to the fore. Developed in collaboration with 14 major businesses from across the country, and with the direct involvement of dozens of others, this new ‘ways2work’ initiative showcases the measurable and evidenced business benefits to be delivered from encouraging more active and sustainable travel to, from and for work and from using technology to reduce travel.
In terms of technology, we are already seeing trends whereby more people are working from home. In 2009 there were 691,000 British homeworkers compared to just 582,000 three years earlier. And in a CBI survey in 209, 66% of businesses were allowing staff to work from home, up from 11% in 2004. So already there is a big directional change taking place and, of course, this alternative travel patter also takes pressure off the rush hour both in terms of public transport networks and the roads.
Rail travel is also up by 60% percent since the mid-90s and this is in part due to the train operators catering for the business traveller. Buses and trams too are increasing in popularity and there has also been an increase in cycling for whole or part of the commute.
For those organisations actively involved in reducing the impacts of their work-related travel, business efficiency and cost savings are the key drivers. More people working flexibly, using telecommunications for business meetings and travelling more sustainably are good for individuals, organisations and wider society.
The success to date has been driven by businesses and individuals working collaboratively, identifying opportunity and creating innovative solutions. I would like to see more businesses and supply chains building new solutions and creating opportunities together for the benefit of the UK, it’s businesses and people. Transport operators, suppliers of business travel services like travel management companies or technology providers can create a new type of mobility – one that is financially and carbon efficient.
ways2work shows you how significant savings can be made - and are being made - in a variety of ways for a variety of reasons. It’s also a great opportunity for the travel and business professional; to learn; to share and to work together. Now it’s time for you to engage with other businesses and see how ways2work can benefit you too."
Norman Baker