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Three remaining West of England Transport Schemes get Government go-ahead

December 14, 2011 in Bath, Bristol, Transport with Comments Off

The Department of Transport has today given the go-ahead for the remaining three rapid transit schemes for our region – North Fringe to Hengrove BRT (Bristol), Bath Transportation Package and Weston Package.

Commenting on the news Phil Smith, managing director at Business West said: “This announcement means that the West of England has successfully secured all five transport schemes for our region.  As a result, £136 million of government funding will now be coming here, bringing the total investment in our local transport infrastructure to £244 million.

“We are delighted that these remaining three schemes have been approved.  This demonstrates the government’s confidence in our area, the work of our LEP and the long-standing successful partnership working between our four unitary authorities and business.”

The schemes announced today are:

  • North Fringe to Hengrove BRT (Bristol). Bus rapid transit scheme from the north of the city (including Bristol Parkway) via the city centre to Hengrove in the South. (£51.1m DfT contribution towards a total cost of £92.9m).
  • Bath Transportation Package. Park and ride site expansions and bus priority measures plus improvements to local bus stops. (£11.7m DfT contribution towards a total cost of £28.6m).
  • Weston Package. Package of transport improvements in and around Weston Super Mare including improvements to M5 junction, enhancements to Worle station and access improvements to development areas. (£10.4m DfT contribution towards a total cost of £15.0m)

This news follows quickly on from the announcement in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement which gave the go-ahead for the South Bristol Link Scheme and the Bristol Temple Meads to Ashton Vale Bus Rapid Transit Scheme.

James Durie, Director of Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative said: “This is very good news for our local economy and will help build confidence at a time when we are all focused on creating the right conditions for growth.

“Good local transport is vital for business.  Our members and the business community can feel proud that these transport schemes,  which they have helped us to lobby for over many years, have now come to fruition.  These schemes will deliver substantially improved public transport connections.

BRISTOL BUSINESS COMMUNITY LAUNCHES 2050 VISION

December 8, 2011 in Bristol, Economy, Environment, Ethics, People, HR, Policy, Legislation, Transport with Comments Off

A blueprint for Bristol’s development over the next 40 years has today been published.  The publication is the culmination of a two-year project known as Bristol 2050 and is thought to be the first of its kind in Europe.

Bristol 2050 has brought together business leaders from across the region, led by Business West.  Together they have looked past Bristol’s current overall prosperity and have discarded the very English penchant for the status quo – to test the boundaries, think boldly and keep growth concerns at the absolute forefront of future policy thinking.

The findings of the project have today been published in a hardback book, known as ‘High in Hope’, authored by Dr John Savage CBE and with contributions from influential town planner David Lock CBE.  Among its recommendations, High in Hope advises that up to 6,000 hectares of land may need to be developed by 2050 to deliver much needed jobs and houses.  It also seeks to address the need to create an efficient and comprehensive public transport system.

Other specific ideas seen as critical to the future growth and prosperity of the region include the development of an Avon Barrage, extending High Speed Rail to Bristol and a greater ability to levy local taxes and use the funds.

Commenting on the project, Dr Savage said:

“The Bristol region is already attractive to people and businesses but there is uncertainty about where it is going and why; there is no longer-term vision, no overall leadership, no sense of a shared direction.  By ensuring that the business voice is heard and championing Bristol as the place to do business and to live, we believe that we can achieve a tangible and improving return on public investment, with a significant increase in the gross domestic product of the city-region.  We must make a statement to both local and national government about the importance of the city region and the desire for change and strong leadership.”

Phil Smith, managing director of Business West said: “The book is only the beginning; the primary reason for publishing the 2050 vision now is to start a debate, raise aspirations and illustrate the benefits of long term strategic thinking.  We have involved the wider business community from the start of this project and for it to be a success there needs to be an ongoing debate and a continual flow of new ideas.  To facilitate this we’ve set up project groups and are encouraging the wider business community to participate and take ideas forward.”

Cautious optimism, but still much to do

November 30, 2011 in Bath, Bristol, Economy, Policy, Legislation, Transport with Comments Off

Phil Smith, managing director of Business West welcomes much of the content of the Autumn statement and believes it will have a positive impact on business. He commented: “However, we do share general business concerns about the ongoing challenge of our current economic situation. The revised forecast tells a bleak story for business.  Rapid implementation of the new schemes proposed by the government around credit easing and infrastructure investment is now needed so together we can make a difference.

He added: “Our members will particularly welcome the Chancellor’s renewed commitments to reform employment law and simplify the planning system. Businesses will support the aim of credit easing, but will be watching carefully to ensure that companies can access the finance they need to grow.”

Other highlights from a business perspective were a greater emphasis on tackling youth unemployment, the extension of the business rate relief holiday, reducing legislative burdens on employing staff and an increase in the UKTI budget to help SMEs, all of which will be welcomed by the business community.

Phil concluded: “It is now crucial that the government does everything possible to put these initiatives into place on the ground and help the private sector create jobs as quickly as possible.”

Nigel Hutchings, Director of Bristol Chamber of Commerce said: “A significant announcement for the Bristol area was contained in the proposals around the National Infrastructure Plan. Funding has now been secured for the South Bristol Link, something Bristol Chamber has been lobbying for over the last 20 years. This is a much needed improvement to the transport infrastructure of the city, supporting improved accessibility for business and communities alike.”

 

Major Transport Schemes – have your say on proposals and funding options

June 22, 2011 in Bristol, Transport with Comments Off

You are invited by Bristol City Council to a special meeting which is being held for the business community on funding options for Bristol’s major transport schemes – the South Bristol Link and the Bus Rapid Transit network.  These schemes form the cornerstone of Bristol’s future transport policy.  Following a reduction in national funding, the council has identified a number of options, not only to fund the local contribution for these vital schemes but to reduce the impact of traffic on Bristol’s business community.  One option is a possible Workplace Parking Levy.  Business West has in its discussions with the council agreed to help publicise this important event which is taking place at short notice at 5pm on Wednesday 29th June at the Council House.  We strongly encourage you to attend to ensure business is well represented, able to engage and express its views.  For more details, please see the attached invitation letter.  To confirm your attendance, please email  jane.harding@bristol.gov.uk

Swindon Local Business Leaders Discuss Transport Priorities

December 9, 2010 in Swindon, Transport with Comments Off

Swindon Local Business Leaders Discuss Transport Priorities

The second meeting of GWE Business West’s Initiative in Swindon regular Transport and Connectivity Committee took place recently.  A number of senior business leaders attended including Halcrow, Alder King, RPS Planning and Transport and DPDS.

Swindon Borough Council’s Director of Planning and Transport, Dave Potter, attended the meeting to continue discussions about the Council’s plans for the future of transport in Swindon and give an update on the Local Transport Plan 3.

One of the key issues to arise during the meeting was the review of local bus provisions.  The Council is trying to affect a modal shift and encourage people to use public transport. However, the businesses noted that that in order for this to be best achieved the bus routes may need to be realigned to service key employee commuter routes.

Business leaders also expressed their support for the Council’s proposals for the adoption of intelligent transport systems to improve the transport flow in the town. 

Frustration was voiced due to the expense of railway tickets from Swindon to London Paddington which operates one of the most expensive routes in Europe. Further to this, disappointment was also raised due to the hold put on the electrification of the mainline route from London.

Ian Larrard, Director of Initiative in Swindon, GWE Business West said: “Businesses in Swindon are keen to express their views to the Council to help assist with the transport requirements of the town.  The Initiative in Swindon will continue to bring business together to discuss the important issues for the local area, and ensure that the business voice is heard.”

Business leaders meet MPs to voice concerns

November 8, 2010 in Local Enterprise Partnership, Policy, Legislation, Transport with 1 Comment

Businesses from across Bristol and the West of England met with their local MPs on Friday 5th November. At a meeting organised by GWE Business West, Dr Liam Fox, Charlotte Leslie and Steve Williams met with over 20 local business leaders to discuss a range of issues and identify areas for future collaboration.

All three MPs emphasised the government’s priority to reduce the deficit and grow the private sector whilst shrinking the public sector. They made clear that this meant new investment would be limited and there would be ever increasing pressure on public resources. The message was very clear – there is no spare money in government and therefore the business community shouldn’t rely on the public sector to help them create growth.

One of the themes for discussion was the often heard complaint that Bristol punches well below its weight – something raised by the MPs and businesses alike. Tessa Coombes, Director of Policy & Strategy, GWE Business West said: “The crucial factor here is what we can do about it, with suggestions focusing on the need for a clear long term vision for the future that ignores political timescales and really delivers on housing and jobs growth whilst also protecting all the things we like about our region.” Some suggestions for immediate actions were as follows: 

  • Need for an Integrated Transport Authority for the West of England – bringing the 4 local authorities together with the power and responsibility to really deliver on the raft of new transport measures needed
  • An elected mayor for the Greater Bristol area – with new responsibilities that go beyond the council boundaries and deliver real leadership for the city region
  • The importance of the new Local Enterprise Partnership and its role in taking forward the growth agenda – local authorities need to cede some power to enable this to work

The planning system also came in for some serious criticism with many of the businesses present identifying the system as a major barrier to growth. There was concern about the abolition of the Regional Spatial Strategy and what this would mean for strategic planning. The big question was around how we deliver the new housing needed to satisfy existing and future needs when there is no strategic plan to address this issue – we need a planning system that supports economic growth rather than one that relies on regulatory burdens.

Other issues discussed included the following:

  • A plea from business to reduce regulation/barriers to growth, to enable them to get on with creating jobs and growth
  • Importance of the creative industries sector and its potential role in economic recovery
  • Localisation of business rates – seen as essential to create the right environment for economic growth
  • Use of local authority and RDA assets – an unexploited resource
  • Defence procurement – opportunities for SW businesses, Green Paper due out in December, need for comment from SMEs

James Durie, Director of the Initiative, GWE Business West said: “One clear and positive message that came through was a real willingness to work together to make things happen and to deliver on the private sector jobs growth needed in our area. GWE Business West is well placed to act as a broker in bringing together MPs and the private sector to identify barriers and solutions.”

Business disappointment at Bristol losing out on transport funding

October 27, 2010 in Bristol, Transport with Comments Off

Businesses in Bristol have constantly lobbied for better transport and supported the local councils in their bids to government for funding. In announcements made yesterday it seems that once again transport schemes in the Bristol city region have lost out to other areas. The Ashton Vale to Temple Meads bus rapid transit scheme (the first of its kind in the city) has been put back to bid stage, as have schemes in Weston-super-Mare and Bath, all of which have been lobbied for and supported by the local business community.

These transport schemes now face an uncertain future, bidding once again against other schemes from across the country for a smaller funding pot. Other bids previously submitted have also suffered and been put back for further assessment before they can even compete for those funds - the South Bristol Link (something that has been in council plans for decades) and the North Fringe to Hengrove bus rapid transit scheme.

Tessa Coombes, Director of Policy & Strategy, GWE Business West said ‘Businesses in and around Bristol will be extremely disappointed and angry about the lack of investment in transport in our area. We have suffered from underfunding for many years and are living with the consequences of that every day, with severe congestion, high car use and ownership, and an out of date public transport system.’

‘We desperately need improvements to our transport infrastructure now, to help support the economy and encourage private sector jobs growth. Without that investment the economy of our city region will suffer and find it harder to compete with other areas. We need to work together with the local authorities to see how we can ensure these schemes happen.’

Swindon local business leaders push for better transport

July 26, 2010 in Swindon, Transport with Comments Off

The first meeting of what will be a regular transport forum for Swindon business leaders took place last week (22nd July 2010) under the auspices of GWE Business West’s [1] Initiative in Swindon [2]. A number of businesses were involved, including Howard Tenens, Honda, Alder King and Whitmarsh Lockhart. 

Swindon Borough Council’s Director of Transport, Dave Potter, attended the meeting to talk about the council’s plans for the future of transport in Swindon. The council’s Local Transport Plan 3 is currently out for consultation and Initiative members were invited to give feedback and provide input on the requirements for business. The meeting produced a debate between the Council and Initiative members. 

Business leaders pressed for a number of actions that are needed to sustain business competitiveness in the town, these included:

  • Better orbital bus services linking key housing and employment areas
  • Intelligent transport systems – including better management of the existing road system
  • Much needed improvements to key transport interchanges – railway station and bus station
  • Electrification of the mainline rail route to London and Bristol, with future high speed rail also a priority

Peter Barefoot, Alder King said: “This meeting is an excellent forum for business to prioritise and channel some of its concerns to the council. Alder King is pleased to be involved in this forum giving business the opportunity to present ideas and thoughts to the Council.”

Ian Larrard, Director of GWE Business West’s Swindon Initiative, said: “Businesses in Swindon are keen to work with the council to develop this agenda and help achieve the transport improvements we all want for the town. Through the Initiative in Swindon we will continue to bring businesses together to discuss these critical issues”.

Nicky Alberry, Chairman, GWE Business West, said: “We have to look at what is achievable in the current economic climate.  It’s important that we continue to work to improve transport in and around the town, so when the economy does recover we have in place a long term strategy for transport in Swindon.  This meeting is only the first stage in the process, the Initiative in Swindon will meet regularly to discuss transport issues and provide a means of engaging positively with Swindon Borough Council.”

£1bn plan to electrify Bristol to London rail line welcomed

July 24, 2009 in Bristol, Transport with Comments Off

Delight has been expressed by the West of England’s leading business organisation at the news of a £1bn plan to electrify the rail line between Bristol and London.

GWE Business West has long argued in favour of the improvement, which will provide a real shot in the arm for the local economy.

Managing Director, John Savage, said one of the reasons the Bristol City Region was so productive was its proximity to London.

“We already produce more economic output per person than any other part of the UK, outside London. With the improvement in rail connectivity, I have no doubt that we will do even better in the future. This will make our area even more attractive to businesses and it will draw more people to live and work here. It is also the first step in producing better links to the rest of the South West,” he said.

Electric trains are lighter and more energy efficient, they are 20% cheaper to buy than diesels and 35% cheaper to operate. They should reduce journey times, improve reliability and reduce the environmental impact of train services.

The project, which will take eight years to complete, will include the installation of overhead power lines and the demolition of some tunnels and bridges.