The awards recognise employer achievements in writing and implementing workplace travel plans to promote sustainable and healthy commuting to work and business travel. The Keynote speaker was the LEP's CEO Grahame Nix OBE, who gave a great overview of the work of the LEP, the ambitious and exciting growth agenda and how developers and employers implementing travel plans can help alleviate the transport pressures that such development can cause.
The other speaker was the inspirational Dr Dan Gordon, world record holding Principal Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at Anglia Ruskin University. Dan competed at the 2004 Paralympic Games and has held two world records, one of which currently still stands. He made event attendees all aware of the very real health issues facing the region, and the impact this can have on the economy. Encouraging more cycling, walking, running, skating to work can help people get fit and healthy which is good for them, good for the NHS and good for economic development.
In parallel to the Awards, TfW arranged a very successful Electric Vehicle Event open the public This was very well attended (including a bus load of engineering students from HRC), with many test driving the latest in EV technology. BMW’s new i-3 all-electric car, and Renault were among the high profile exhibitors present. Cllr Bates, who closed the Awards event for TfW, was among those who went for a test drive.
The event was enjoyed by all and created a real buzz. Jayne Proctor, of the Wellcome Trust, said “An absolutely brilliant event – I now have even more ideas! Speakers were dynamic and interesting and the organisation was first class.”
The Awards were a fantastic celebration of all the effort TfW and Travelchoice members have put in over the last year and Cllr Bates, who also spoke at the event, said, "A big thank you to all organisations for all your effort in your travel plan and embedding travel plans in your workplace.”
Image: Travel Plan Award winners with Grahame Nix OBE and Dr Dan Gordon
*******
For further details, please contact:
Mark Webb, Travel for Work Business Manager
Email mark.webb@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or call 01223 715696
____________________________________