Decision details

The report seeks authorisation to establish a Partnership Agreement with the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) to support the delivery of the business travel planning element of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) programme. The Partnership Agreement has a value of £22,000 per annum with an end date of 31 March 2015 in line with the LSTF funding period. The Agreement will be fully funded by the grant from the Department for Transport (DfT).

The SCCCI is a “not for profit” organisation which supports and promotes the local business community through representing the views of the businesses, providing information and advice, and facilitating activities for the benefit of the local business community.

The SCCCI is uniquely placed to facilitate business engagement, joint working and collaboration on travel planning activities in Crewe. They have existing networks and partnership structures already in place, which are sustainable beyond the funding period. It is anticipated that the involvement of the SCCCI will help to secure the buy-in and ownership from the business community.

The Council have appointed an LSTF Project Officer to lead the business travel planning activities. The Project Officer will work closely with the SCCCI by “hot desking” from their offices, utilising a SCCCI email account when communicating with the business community.

The SCCCI will support the Council’s Project Officer in initiating, co-ordinating and facilitating business engagement on travel planning activities. The SCCCI team will help to raise awareness and promote business travel planning to major employers and local businesses. The team includes skills, knowledge and expertise in business development and engagement, events and marketing, partnership working / liaison and international trade.

The SCCCI also have a number of well established communication tools and channels which are familiar to the business community. Through the Partnership Agreement, the Council’s Project Officer will have access to these tools when promoting and encouraging the take-up of travel planning activities. The communication channels include a web portal, magazine, e-newsletter, existing networking events and business awards.

The primary aim of the partnership is to encourage increased levels of walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing for the journey to work amongst major employers and local businesses. If successful this will reduce the levels of congestion that are currently hindering the local economy and help to unlock the growth potential of the town. Tackling congestion and improving accessibility will make Crewe a more attractive location for business investment and job creation.

1.    To agree the establishment of a partnership arrangement with the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI).

2.    To authorise the Borough Solicitor or an authorised signatory within Legal Services to sign the Partnership Agreement and to implement and monitor the Agreement until 31 March 2015.