Telecommunications firm KCOM has become the latest business in Hull to be recognised for its work in promoting and supporting its staff to choose more active and sustainable travel choices as part of the Modeshift STARS business programme.
The national accreditation scheme recognises workplaces that go above and beyond in developing, implementing and monitoring an effective travel plan to bring about a change in travel behaviour and reduce the number of single occupancy car journeys to, from and between their sites.
Sites are awarded Approved, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding accreditation.
KCOM received a ‘Good Travel Plan’ certificate for the work done at its head office, at Carr Lane, in Hull city centre, which is home to 420 staff.
The broadband and telephone services provider joined the scheme, which is delivered by Hull City Council, in December 2023 and secured the award after completing a travel survey and putting measures in place to enable staff to walk, cycle and use public transport.
Lauren Haysom, estates team leader at KCOM, said: “We’re extremely happy to have achieved a ‘Good Travel Plan’ certificate for Carr Lane, showing the progress we’re making to be a greener, more sustainable, business.
“Going forward, we’re looking forward to working closely with Hull City Council on further initiatives to further reduce our carbon footprint as we strive to be a net zero business by 2040. But we’re not resting on our laurels and we’re aiming to progress our accreditation from good to very good next year.”
The council offers businesses and organisations within the city the chance to join Modeshift STARS for free as part of its strategic objective of promoting active travel choices.
The benefits and advantages of a workplace travel plan, include:
- reductions of single occupancy car journeys, which helps alleviate pressure and congestion across site car parks
- identifying availability and accessibility of viable transport options, based on staff locations
- potential to improve and develop site connectivity links through sustainable and active travel
- improving staff wellbeing, with physical and mental health benefits.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, roads and highways, said: “KCOM is not only one of Hull’s most recognisable names it is also one of the biggest employers in our area.
“With its head office in Hull city centre, it is brilliant to see the business promoting the full range of travel options available to its workforce.
“Encouraging people to consider more sustainable and active travel choices supports the council’s ambition of creating a healthier and fairer Hull and also forms part of our response to the climate emergency.
“We’d like to congratulate KCOM on all that they have achieved so far and look forward to working with them on further initiatives in the future, particularly to understand how staff travel between their two sites in Carr Lane and Salvesen Way and how we can reduce the carbon impact from business mileage.”
