One of Hull’s most prominent businesses has received another national award for its workplace travel plan, which encourages and supports its workforce to walk, cycle and use public transport for their daily commute.
Rix Group, the sixth-generation, family-owned business, with a portfolio of 22 companies ranging across many industries, has received a ‘Very Good Travel Plan’ award from Modeshift STARS Business programme, its second accolade in just over 12 months.
The national STARS 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.
Rix Group’s latest certificate recognises the business’ ongoing work to:
- decrease single occupancy car journeys among staff by promoting and increasing an uptake in car sharing
- pool umbrellas to support those that walk to work in inclement weather
- a lunchtime running club for staff
- delivery of an onsite, secure cycling marking event in partnership with Humberside Police
- improvements to onsite shower facilities to benefit those choosing to cycle to work
- sharing promotional materials for Hull City Council active and sustainable travel events to their workforce and to neighbouring businesses and organisations.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, roads and highways, said: “Rix is one of Hull’s most iconic business names and it is a great pleasure to present them with their latest award, which recognises their ongoing efforts to support their staff to make more sustainable and active travel choices.
“The Modeshift STARS Business Programme offers real benefits, both to people and the local environment, and it is brilliant to see so many organisations within Hull taking advantage of the opportunity to participate in the programme and work with the council to create a greener and healthier city.”
Cerys Davies, business analyst at Rix Group, said: “We’re proud to have achieved our second Modeshift STARS accreditation. Building on last year’s success, we’ve focused on making sustainable travel more accessible, practical, and appealing for our staff. From improving facilities for cyclists and supporting those who walk to work, to creating new opportunities like our lunchtime running club, we’ve aimed to embed active travel into everyday routines.
“It’s also been great to reach out and offer initiatives we are running, such as secure cycle marking or our running club, to other local businesses near to our office at Humber Quays, helping to strengthen sustainable travel efforts across the wider community. We hope that this inspires other companies in the area to explore similar initiatives to support green travel choices.”
Hull City 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.
If your business or organisation would like to take part in the Modeshift STARS Business Programme, contact Mark Bateman, senior marketing executive at Hull City Council, at: mark.bateman@hullcc.gov.uk
