focus on southampton 25 More people take to their bikes
Two-thirds of people questioned in Southampton for one of the largest cycling surveys in the UK said they are taking to their bikes more frequently than three years ago.
The research, conducted by the University of Southampton for Southampton City Council, revealed keeping healthy and enjoyment are the main reasons for riding bikes more, but also showed one-third of those who have increased cycling are doing so because of rising fuel prices.
The survey is one of the biggest of its kind in the UK with more than 1,300 people returning questionnaires and mapping their routes. Staff, students and volunteers from the local community helped distribute 3,700 survey packs to cyclists at key points on the city’s cycle network.
Julia Branson, of the University’s GeoData Institute, said: “The survey data not only shows us the routes people are using in
• 80% spent fewer than 30 minutes on their bikes, with just over half of journeys fewer than three miles
• More than 75% travelled by bike four days a week or more
• 41% have had at least one accident or collision, most of which were with motor vehicles
• 56% stated they only travelled by bike on their journey, while 20% sometimes used a car.
Southampton and at what volume, but also people’s habits and opinions in relation to cycling. This will help the city council to develop its cycle strategy for the future.
“The most frequently used routes in the city are between the University of Southampton Highfield campus and Southampton General
Over 500 British Gas workers face redundancy
Some 500 Southampton British Gas workers face redundancy after the decision to close the city’s call centre at St Mary’s Road by the end of the year as part of a cost cutting review.
Around 600 people work at Dorset House for British Gas and a 90-day consultation period has been launched.
UNISON, the UK’s largest union, said it was a blow for both staff and the local economy. Mike Jeram, UNISON’s national energy secretary, commented: “This is very worrying news and a blow for our members working in Southampton. British Gas has been a significant employer in the town for many years and the customer service centre provides a variety of working patterns that are popular with staff, especially those with children or other carer responsibilities.
“UNISON’s immediate priority is the interests of our members in Southampton and the impact
on British Gas customers. We will rigorously examine the company’s business case with a view to defending members’ jobs and avoiding compulsory redundancies. Members will need significant assistance from the company given the dire state of the economy if this plan goes ahead.“
British Gas has begun the formal 90-day consultation period with the recognised trade unions which will end on July 23. It said it was dealing with more customers through digital channels and needed to reduce costs to remain competitive and offer best prices: “We have reviewed resource levels in our energy business and are proposing to close our Southampton contact centre at the end of 2012, leading to a reduction of 550 roles.
If the
proposals go ahead, 50 customer services roles currently sited at Southampton may transfer to our site at Chandlers Ford.“
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – JUNE 2012
Hospital, and between the city centre and the common, along the route of the Avenue.“
Other major findings from respondents were:
• 73% were travelling to work, 16% to the University
• Half took to their bikes from 8am-9am
People highlighted “drivers not paying attention“ as their main concern, and most thought more off-road cycle paths were important to increase safety. They also wanted to see more secure cycle storage, particularly in the city centre.
Frank Baxter, travel and transport manager at the city council, said: “Cycle use is increasing and we want to encourage it. This research has provided us with a useful insight into what cyclists want and need. We are using it to plan new high-quality cycle routes and other facilities.“
Ageas to move to new £6m site
Ageas, new sponsor of Hampshire County Cricket Club, is moving to the former B&Q headquarters at Chandlers Ford in the largest office deal in south Hampshire for three years.
The insurance company paid an estimated £6 million for the Portswood House site at the Hampshire Corporate Park. Ageas, which employs 1,200 staff at three offices at Eastleigh, is planning to move to the 90,000 sq ft site next year as part of its expansion, bringing the prospect of more local jobs.
Portswood House was the base for B&Q, which occupied the offices since they were built in 1985, but has moved its 1,400-strong workforce to new 220,000 sq ft headquarters on the other side of Bournemouth Road.
Nick Tutton, associate director at CBRE, which advised Ageas, commented: “Following B&Q’s relocation, the availability of Portswood House gave Ageas the perfect opportunity to acquire a building suitable for future expansion close to its existing offices.“
Southampton snippets
Award for Tudor House: Landmark museum Tudor House, recently refurbished and made more accessible, has won a top regional design award from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Entered in the building conservation category for its refurbishment, it won its category and was also named best overall project. It now goes forward to the national finals later this year.
Reduced queueing: Travellers will find it even easier to travel by public transport now that South West Trains has installed a new railway ticket machine at Southampton Airport. With many passengers choosing to buy their tickets through the South West Trains website, the new style ’ticket on departure’ machine will provide a quick and easy way for them to collect their pre-booked railway tickets.
www.businessmag.co.uk
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