25 September NBTN Members' Conference

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Members bring ‘fresh’ ideas to develop NBTN

Calls for more mentoring, boardroom champions and a photo-library were just some of the many innovative suggestions from the floor of the conference when NBTN members were given an opportunity to air their thoughts on the shape and future activities for the network.

With two question and answer sessions and a dedicated breakout session, delegates enthusiastically seized the opportunity to take to the flip charts and play their part by outlining the strengths and weaknesses of the network and some of the developments they would like to see introduced.

Among the themes coming from membership were suggestions on how to develop the scale and scope of the network, proposals for increased partnerships, requests for more practical resources, changes to language and terminology and a call for a national awareness campaign.

Almost 100 different proposals were set out by the members and a small sample included:

  • More practical examples of what actually works – not more research
  • Travel plans not mainstream and need to promote to facilities managers
  • Case studies of business leaders and employers who walk the talk
  • Obtaining a critical mass through more emphasis on local clustering
  • Producing of a new “How to” guide on partnerships
  • Changing the vocabulary away from dull “travel plans”
  • A need to clear up the confusion of brands and messages with ActTravelwise
  • Better marketing to the private sector
  • The importance of NBTN’s helicopter view for members at the coal-face
  • More networking and more mentoring
  • The development of new members’ induction packs
  • The introduction of a new relationship working with trade unions
  • A requirement for an HR business case for travel plans
  • More efforts to bringing local business cases together

Speaking after another successful conference Director, Heather McInroy, said: “I am absolutely bowled over by the enthusiasm and input from the members and I am delighted at the outcomes from the delegate sessions.

“There were loads of fresh, interesting ideas and proposals which is what I have come to expect from a committed membership who want to make the NBTN work better and spread the message that carbon reduction can make a business or organisation more efficient.