BUSINESS REPORT


PLANS IN MOTION TO FIND GREENER WAYS TO TRAVEL


Ambitious plans are in place to encourage more people in Milton Keynes to cycle, walk, scoot or use public transport, building on a rise of public participation in greener, people-powered journeys, with figures showing that since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been an increase of almost 60% of people cycling in some areas of MK. As well as helping MK take a


further step towards becoming one of the greenest and most sustainable cities in the world, the proposed package aims to promote mental and physical health and wellbeing, and feed into the overall post-Covid economic recovery plan by encouraging people to use active forms of transport to commute to work and school, explore the many


green spaces and visit all the wonderful independent shops and eateries hidden across the city, all while improving fitness levels and enjoying the great outdoors. To get the action plan moving


swiftly, MK Council would commit to investing in the right infrastructure, supplementing existing schemes and working with local partners. New plans include: • Providing small grants to workplaces to encourage staff to adopt sustainable transport • Access to bike schemes – providing access to bikes for people that are unemployed, on low incomes or whose circumstances make them vulnerable • More security cameras and activated flood lights at key


transport interchanges such as Station Square, Bletchley Station and the Coachway to ensure people feel safe • Using our unique redway system for guided CMK walks and mobile film screenings, to open them up to people who may otherwise not use them • Improving the Get Smarter Travel website, journey planner and interactive map and developing an MK Transport App integrating all mobility providers in MK on to one platform. Councillor Lauren Townsend,


cabinet member for transport said:


‘WE WANT THESE NEW INITIATIVES TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO CHANGE THEIR BEHAVIOURS’


“We want these new initiatives to encourage people to change their behaviours and feel confident that Milton Keynes is set up for greener travel for everyone. “The benefits are


big - reducing single occupancy car use, a lower impact on the environment, improved health


and fitness and tools to help residents find and explore some of our


incredible hidden gems across the


city. We aim to make it easier for everyone to travel around MK, particularly on foot, by bike and public transport.”


LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS JOIN FORCES TO DRIVE COVID RECOVERY


Milton Keynes is at the centre of a country-wide alliance to help fuel recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. Several Chamber members are among


13 businesses and one charity, from Kent to Liverpool, which are focusing on collaboration rather than competition – forming a wide-ranging network to generate opportunities for each other. The move has already triggered a


number of ventures, including: • The formation of a new local company, Bright Stars Group – offering consultancy and specialist services to help established businesses grow further. • The recruitment of regional directors to stage Business Live networking lunches in a dozen towns and cities, including Milton Keynes – to launch next year.


• Global Business Wellbeing, a not-for- profit online world conference planned for 2021, on the subject of personal and business health following Covid-19. Many of the companies involved are


already profiting from referring work to each other. Included in the list of collaborators are member businesses Business LIVE UK, Sheila Smith Sales & Events, and Transitions UK. The new Bright Stars Group is expected to become a focal point for expertise in the alliance, to offer a menu of business-to-business support to clients, including recruitment, growth consultancy, marketing and PR.


Visit: www.bright-starsgroup.com


6 inbusinessDECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021


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