Connected businesses were once again recognised for their commitment and efforts in promoting and encouraging staff and visitors to use sustainable transport at our annual Connected Business Awards.

Over 100 local organisations were accredited with recognition, bronze, silver or gold certification.  For more details about the Connected Accreditation Scheme click here. The full colour is available to view online, or if you wish to receive a copy, please email us.

In addition, four special Connected achievement awards were presented to individuals and businesses who have excelled in their commitment to the programme to encourage staff to travel more sustainably over the past 12 months. Congratulations to the winners of this year’s awards:

Derby Museums (web2)Connected Small Employment Site of the Year – Derby Museums

Derby Museums joined Connected in 2015 and have actively been promoting sustainable travel to
employees at their three sites in the city centre (Silk Mill, Pickford’s House and Museum and Art Gallery).  They have supported Connected initiatives, taking part in the Commuter Challenge and
Commuter Count, and worked with the Connected Travel Advisors to carry out a staff travel survey
and prepare a Travel Action Plan for each of their three sites.

Derby Museums have recognised the opportunity to link the promotion of sustainable transport to their
existing programmes with the Arts Council and to the Green Tourism recognition scheme. It is this synergy with other long-term programmes that will ensure that the Connected principles become ingrained in Derby Museums’ day-to-day operations.

Highly Commended: Angel Trains, Derby Conference Centre and Synergy Health

Connected Large Employment Site of the Year: Reckitt Benckiser

Reckitt Benckiser (web)Since signing up to Connected in 2013, Reckitt Benckiser have actively promoted sustainable travel
alongside their ‘Wellbeing’ and ‘Keeping Healthy’ programmes and in conjunction with supporting charity events such as ‘London to Paris in 24 hours’ which staff will participate in later this year.
The management team believe that leading by example is essential to raising the profile of sustainable travel and several will be participating with co-workers in this summer’s “London 100”, the biggest closed-road bike ride in the UK. In addition, the company highlights staff members’ efforts to travel sustainably through its Reward & Recognition Scheme, the presentation of gift vouchers and by publicising achievements and initiatives in the workplace newsletter.
New starters are offered advice and hands-on support with regard to sustainable transport as part their
induction and RB have arranged events with Connected Advisors and Partners to promote alternative modes of transport and incentive schemes to staff. As a result, they have seen an increase in the number of staff opting to travel sustainably.

Highly Commended: Balfour Beatty, Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, intu Derby and SNC Lavalin

Connected Travel Initiative of the Year: Angel Trains

Angel Trains (web)At Angel Trains, they recognise the significant impact that active travel can have on health alongside other benefits such as savings in money, travel time and congestion, and therefore they are keen to raise the profile of sustainable travel across the organisation. Cycling is a popular choice for commuting among many employees and a core group of staff regularly commute by bike from as far away as Chesterfield, Matlock and Alfreton. In recognition of their efforts to travel sustainably, and to reinforce the health aspects of active travel, the company provides staff with a daily supply of fresh fruit. A free breakfast is also offered every fortnight and combined with their dress down day as a means of encouraging other staff members to get on board.

This positive approach on the part of the company is proving successful in increasing the number of staff commuting by bike and other sustainable means, and is helping the organisation to embed a long-term culture of sustainability.

Highly Commended: Atkins – Supporting Sustainable Travel, Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Parking Partners and Derby Museums – ‘Connecting sustainable transport and tourism

Connected Travel Champion of the Year: Abi Matemezano – Webhelp

Abi (web)As an engagement ambassador at Webhelp, Abi volunteered to promote Connected events and initiatives to Webhelp staff. Thanks largely to Abi’s enthusiasm and commitment Webhelp have participated in every Connected scheme available including the Bus Taster Ticket campaign; Commuter Challenge and the Commuter Count. She has actively encouraged car sharing within the businesses to try and reduce parking problems on site. Abi is now working with a local bus operator to see how new Pride Park bus routes can serve Webhelp staff, and has encouraged Webhelp to recognise the benefits of sustainable transport and the reasons to go green.

Highly Commended: Sarah Orpwood – Atkins, Stacey Cassidy and Sharon Loftus – Derwent Living, Simon Stanton – Reckitt Benckiser, and Ian Phillips – SNC – Lavalin