Newmarket goes upmarket by bike!

12th August 2008

The Newmarket Group launched their Travel Plan on 22 July 2008 with a fantastic promotional lunchtime event. With over 190 staff, Newmarket is one of our largest companies and the Smarter Travel Team were delighted to welcome them on board. Newmarket are also embracing recycling and energy efficiency management, so are well on the way to establishing their green credentials.

Debbie Martin, HR Adviser organised the event and Sandria Lewindon from the Smarter Travel Sutton Team was pleased to help them roll out their New Way to Work Cycle Package. Employees who made a sustainable travel commitment took away pedometers, back packs, rain macs, maps, and cycle accessories to help them turn that motivation into a new habit.

Sandria said “It is really great to see the enthusiasm, support and commitment from so many members of staff and we are proud to have Newmarket on board”.

Although the whole workforce deserves a mention, three champions in particular agreed to stand up and be 'counted on' to travel sustainably. Vicki Elliott and Neil Scarborough all promised to kick the car habit and Vanessa Pearce has never driven a car to work. Vicki loves running and readily embraced the chance to run or cycle to work as part of her fitness programme. She said “Running motivates me and helps me cope with my busy day”.

Neil readily agreed to walk to work at least two days a week. Neil said “Walking makes me feel better about myself; I’m fitter and healthier”.

Debbie has enthusiastically embraced her role as Travel Plan Co-ordinator and is organising a Cycle to Work day in August. She hopes 'Cycling Champions' will form a Bicycle User Group and encourage other employees to switch to cycling to work. "We have a great team of people here," she said "and the company is supporting them 100%".

(Photo: Vicki Elliott, Neil Scarborough and Vanessa Pearce from The Newmarket Group.)