Businesses supported in drive for sustainable journeys

TAMESIDE businesses are being urged to support their staff in making sustainable journeys to help the environment.

Tameside Council is working with Modeshift to help businesses in the borough increase their use of active travel.

It follows the first ever Tameside Means Business Net Zero Festival, which brought local organisations together to support each other in reducing carbon emissions. The event shared information about Modeshift and encouraged businesses to get involved.

Modeshift is a not-for-profit membership organisation that aims to increase levels of active and sustainable travel in business, education and community settings, with more than 800 industry professionals registered representing the public, private and third sectors. It supports, inspires, and champions individuals and their organisations to deliver sustainable travel interventions and strategies.

It's established Modeshift STARS, the only national Travel Plan accreditation scheme in the UK that’s recognised by the Department for Transport and is supporting NHS England in its journey towards Net Zero.

It’s helped deliver a reduction in CO2 emissions, positive management of car park demands, an evidenced-based route to lowering the impact of travel and transport upon a local community, and improvements to staff health and wellbeing with an increase in staff retention and employability rates.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Inclusive Growth, Business and Employment, Councillor Jack Naylor, said: “I’d encourage our fantastic Tameside businesses to register with Modeshift to help with supporting their organisation and staff in making more sustainable journeys. There are lots of ways that they can help with transport, travel plans and active travel to become more environmentally friendly. The key is that we all work together to achieve what’s best for the community and each other.”

To register or for more information about Modeshift and Modeshift STARS, contact marie.hare@tameside.gov.uk or visit www.modeshift.org.uk.

The Tameside Means Business Net Zero Festival at The Vale in Mossley featured guest speakers included Cllr Naylor and members of Tameside Youth Council. Some of Tameside’s businesses, including Candy’s Cupcakes and Gwafuvegan, also gave presentations on what they’re doing to be environmentally friendly, while Global Grooves spoke about the sustainable activities at The Vale and Carl Hirst, from the Business Growth Hub, talked about the training, mentoring and grants available.

The festival also featured interactive experiences and green business networking and Manchester Bikes showcased their e-bikes and cargo bikes. Some attendees also did a Net-walk: walking to The Vale together to make connections and conversations during active travel.

The event, sponsored by Dukinfield-based World Heat Cylinders, supported the Think Green campaign, which aims to inspire residents and local businesses to join the journey to a cleaner and greener Tameside.

Residents and businesses can get support and advice on reducing emissions and saving money from the Think Green webpages at www.tameside.gov.uk/thinkgreen.

Businesses can also access a range of support, including green initiatives, at www.tameside.gov.uk/tamesidemeansbusiness. Any business wanting to get involved in Tameside Means Business events and activities can contact the team at tamesidemeansbusiness@tameside.go.uk.