COMPANIES need to address how they go about getting to meetings reports ACFO chairman Julie Jenner – suggesting the company car isn’t always the right answer to increase a business’s travel efficiency.FROM A to B: The ACFO Guide to Journey Planning is designed to provide a thought-provoking basis for businesses to examine just how effective – and sustainable – their existing business travel planning really is.
The 28-page guide suggests that corporate travel – whether by company car, employee’s own car, hire car, public transport, motorbike, bicycle or indeed car share -should be overseen by a ‘business mobility manager’ who could also influence the increased use of technology-based solutions to travel – such as telephone and video conferencing, instant messaging and Voice over Internet Protocol – as well as smart working.
Historically, the car has always been the preferred form of travel for the vast majority of business meetings and appointments. But this is not always the optimum option in terms of cost, time, reducing risk exposure or, for example, carbon-cutting.
But this guide is not about reducing business travel – although clearly that may be possible. But as a direct result of reading the publication, company directors may be able to implement positive changes that also lead to improved corporate efficiency.
Central to the business mobility decision-making process should be a desire by employers to reduce travel costs, reduce their carbon footprint and reduce the risk exposure of the organisation and staff. That means for the majority of employers a radical overhaul of how work-related travel is presently conducted.
Simultaneously, employers must ensure that both they and their employees have all the information available to make a clear decision on whether to travel by car, train or plane; whether to use a company car, their own or a hire vehicle; for short journeys whether to walk, cycle or use public transport; or alternatively whether car share, taxi or one of the many technology options such as video or tele-conferencing are viable.
The opportunities for employers to implement a diverse, multi-faceted, sustainable mobility plan and display corporate social responsibility have never been greater.
It can be argued that there is no right or wrong. ACFO has compiled the guide to serve as a reminder of the key issues that need to be focused upon when implementing a true business mobility strategy that will cut costs and improve business efficiency and effectiveness.
Editor’s note: The ACFO guide can be downloaded here: www.acfo.org.
