inspire BUSINESS WEST – CONNECTING BUSINESSES COMMENT & OPINION Keeping you up-to-date with the latest political policies and decisions that affect South West businesses ABOVE: The West of England Public Transport Summit RIGHT: James Durie, chief executive of Bristol Chambers of Commerce


How business can enhance mobility


A clear ambitious vision for the mobility of workers across Bristol, Bath and the West of England and the need for the business community to come together to support the case for major investment in the public transport system were seen as key to the future success of the city region economy and business sector at the West of England Public Transport Summit. Enhanced digital connectivity, promotion of active travel through major investment in walking and cycling, as well as the introduction of new innovative approaches to travel were other key factors highlighted to enhance the mobility of the city region’s workforce. The Summit, organised by Business


‘City region employers are key in attracting investment for future mobility needs’


West with JBP PR & Parliamentary Affairs, was attended by some 150 members of the business community. Marvin Rees, mayor of Bristol, called for a coherent voice which will be supported by a new Bristol Transport Board incorporating representatives across the transport spectrum. Rees also announced that a new bus deal, involving a partnership with First West of England, was imminent, which will significantly increase the frequency of buses throughout the city and include investment in bus prioritisation measures and Park & Rides. There was consensus that city region employers had a key role to play in attracting investment to support the future mobility needs


14 insight MARCH/APRIL 2019


of workers in the region. Colin Stanbridge, chief executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry provided an insight on how the Greater London business community had come together and played a major role in making the case for huge investment from HM Treasury alongside the Mayoral Authority into the capital’s public transport and with massive success. David Carter, director of infrastructure at the West of England Combined Authority, called for the business community to: “help us tell our story and show Government we are united when it comes to the mobility of our regional population.” James Durie, chief executive of


Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative at Business West, said: “It is


crucial that all the business representative groups, including Business West, CBI, Federation of Small Businesses and IOD come together and speak as one on transport in the city region.” James Freeman, managing director of First


West of England and Matthew Golton, commercial development director at GWR both emphasised the need for decisive action on public transport developments to bring improvements sooner rather than later. Active travel through increased walking and


cycling was a key theme throughout the Summit and the role of transport in supporting healthier lives. Jon Usher, head of partnerships at


At the Summit Business West also unveiled the findings of its transport survey it had conducted ahead of the event into employers’ views on congestion impact and current public transport provision, which included:


• Lateness is the key impact of congestion according to 70% of businesses interviewed


• 15% of employers said that congestion impacts recruitment and retention


• 80% of businesses want better integration between transport modes


• 60% of businesses say that existing public transport links not suitable for their businesses.


Sustrans, the UK sustainable transport charity whose flagship project is the national cycle network, said the West of England needs to be ambitious when it comes to developing an active travel network. At the heart of the debate was the need to enhance the communications network so that data could help shape future mobility investment decisions said Julie Snell, managing director, Bristol is Open, a joint venture between the University of Bristol and Bristol City Council, which is delivering research and development initiatives that contribute to the development of a smart city. The opportunity afforded by digital transport


service platforms that enable users to access, pay for, and get real-time information on, a range of public and private transport options, known as mobility as a service (maas), was highlighted by James Lancaster, head of policy at Enterprise Holdings, the car rental, car sharing, truck rental and fleet management group.


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