October 30th 2014

Connected – the local sustainable travel initiative, which aims to ‘Keep Derby moving’ has awarded a £17,000 grant to representatives from International Rail Consultancy, Interfleet.

The grant, which was match funded by Interfleet, contributed to the refurbishment of showers, changing areas and locker facilities, together with security cameras and a brand new cycle shelter at their Pride Park site, in a bid to encourage staff to leave their cars at home and cycle to work.

The original provisions on Interfleet’s site were deemed inaccessible by staff following a travel survey carried out by Connected Travel Advisors.  As a result they successfully applied to the Connected grant scheme for a grant to improve the facilities.

Interfleet first engaged with Connected back in April 2013.  During their first year of engagement Connected ran a travel survey, produced a travel action plan, and ran a number of initiatives for staff including free personal travel planning sessions, free bus taster tickets and travel seminars for graduates.

In April 2014 Interfleet was awarded silver accreditation at the inaugural Connected Business Awards and Group Security, Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Manager, Sian Page was announced as Connected Travel Champion of the Year for her continuous work.  Since then Interfleet have continued to support and promote Connected events and initiatives and were announced Large Organisation winners of the Derby Commuter Challenge in June this year.

Ian Phillips, UK Health, Safety, Quality and Environment Manager, said: “Interfleet is proud to be part of the Connected scheme which both benefits our employees and our commitment to sustainable travel. We welcome the grant as it has helped to improve our facilities for those employees who want to leave the car at home.”

Councillor Martin Rawson, Cabinet Member for Planning, Environment and Regeneration, said: “I thank Interfleet for their contribution to the Connected Programme and LSTF objectives in continuously promoting and encouraging environmentally friendly travel options to their staff.  Derby continues to lead the way on the alternative transport agenda, and Interfleet supports our ambition as a Council to reduce carbon emissions, generate economic growth and improve physical activity. I encourage Derby employers to engage with Connected and take advantage of the free services and financial support on offer in a bid to get more people using sustainable travel options in the city.”

Grants of up to £25,000 are available through the Connected grant scheme to local businesses and community groups who need financial help to meet the cost of funding work-based or community-based travel improvements in initiatives.