SECTOR FOCUS: BUSINESS TRAVEL
Terrible traffic is bad news for businesses
Worsening road congestion in the West Midlands tops the list of complaints by local businesses and needs to be urgently tackled, says Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC). The region is suffering from a number of issues with its roads, including a huge number of roadworks, and a lack of investment in alternative methods of transportation, including the railways – and this is hitting businesses hard. Improvements should include boosting public transport, including
continuing expansion of the Metro light rail system, which still basically consists of just one line, from Wolverhampton to Birmingham, despite being conceived decades ago during the era of the West Midlands County Council. More electrification of local railway lines is also needed, and other
measures, such as increased cycle route provision. With regard to transportation improvements, the Chamber is backing the work of Midlands Connect, a strategic partnership aimed at boosting transportation in the West and East Midlands. Midlands Connect is providing the strategic oversight needed to
deliver a comprehensive and co-ordinated longer-term programme of road and rail infrastructure in the West Midlands, with the aim of improving traffic flows and connectivity for residents and businesses. At the same time, the Chamber is set to oppose a number of
measures which have been thrown into the ring to tackle congestion, including copying London’s controversial congestion charge and introducing a city centre parking charge levy. The Chamber believes both of these measures would have a serious
impact on businesses in the city centre, if they were to be introduced. Stephanie Wall, Chamber policy and patronage advisor, said: “We
understand the importance of good, reliable connectivity for business. It’s key to all aspects of business, from delivering products and services, meeting clients to staff actually being able to get to work.”
The biggest little car fest is set to return
One of the most exciting and interactive events dedicated to the most iconic small car in Britain is set to return to the calendar in 2016, with Mini World Live promising to be even bigger and better than the show’s debut last year. The initial event was deemed a
great success, attracting hundreds of beautifully restored classics, modified performance cars and the UK’s leading Mini specialists and experts to Rockingham Motor Speedway. Thousands of Mini enthusiasts
made their way to the Northamptonshire venue for the first ever Mini World Live, and that number looks set to grow further, with the organisers promising even more action and more of a festival feel for the show, which is backed by three major Mini-related magazine titles – MiniWorld, Mini Magazine and Modern MINI. The show will feature attractions
catering for fans of both classic and modern Minis, including a huge retail village, show and shine areas, club displays and on-track action.
It’s a Mini World Event manager Kat Chappell
said: “Mini owners are renowned for loving a good show, so it was great to see Mini World Live get such a great reception in its first year. We now have a place in the calendar and are delighted that the event has become a ‘go-to’ events for fans of classic and modern Minis.” Full details will be announced
nearer the date on the website, or via the official Facebook page and twitter feeds.
FEBRUARY 2016 CHAMBERLINK 55
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