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Employees roll up their sleeves for first blood donor session |
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Issued: 8/7/2008
More than 50 employees at Cobalt Business Park in North Tyneside have rolled up their sleeves for the first blood donor session held onsite.
The session, hosted by the Ramsay Health Care owned Cobalt NHS Treatment Centre, attracted staff from business based across Cobalt including P&G, North Tyneside Council, GE Money and Orange.
Hospitals in Newcastle need over 180 units of blood every day and across the North East, nearly 9,000 units of blood are needed every month to meet hospital demand.
Lynn Cramman, travel and community coordinator at Cobalt, said: “We are delighted with the success of the event and are very pleased to be working with the Cobalt NHS Treatment Centre and supporting the National Blood Donor Service. It’s great that so many people have come along to this first session. The aim is to make blood donation much more convenient, there’s no need for people to make an extra journey and by booking an appointment, donors can still meet all their work commitments.”
Donna Thornton, general manager of the Cobalt NHS Treatment Centre, said: “Sessions like these are particularly important this time of year as many regular donors are on holiday and the demand for blood remains the same. We look forward to hosting future sessions and further encouraging employees at Cobalt to help save lives.”
Anyone aged between 17 and 60, weighing more than 50 kg (7 stone 12 lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor. For more information or details of other sessions in your area call 08457 711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk.
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Football fever hits the park as soccer league kicks off |
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Issued: 1/7/2008
Employees at Cobalt Business Park in North Tyneside are swapping their business suits for sports gear following the kick-off of this year’s 5-a-side football league at the Powerleague Soccer Dome in North Shields.
Title holders, The Village Hotel, are back to defend their title, after last season’s victory scored a trip to St James’s Park to see Newcastle United take on Chelsea and enjoy the pre match atmosphere in the luxurious surroundings of the club’s Bamburgh Suite. They face competition from other teams tackling the challenge including GE Money, Job Centre Plus and Orange.
Michael Joisce, captain of The Village Hotel’s team, said: “We were over the moon when we won last time and the boys are confident that we can successfully defend our title. It’s great that Cobalt offers employees opportunities outside of work, like the football league, to socialise and get active at the same time.”
Amy Carroll, one of Cobalt’s two dedicated transport and community co-ordinators, said: “As well as the 5-a-side tournament there are a range of other activities on offer to the 9,000 staff working on-site, providing great opportunities to meet people and make new contacts. We are looking forward to seeing the competition unfold and wish all the teams the best of luck.”
Paula Shutler, joint organiser of the league and manager of Powerleague Soccer Dome, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the Cobalt 5-a-side league – previous competitions have proved to be a great success and all the teams taking part are determined to give this year’s tournament their best shot.
“Our facilities here at the Soccer Dome – with 11 indoor pitches – mean that the league can continue into winter and players can get their regular dose of exercise!”
For more information about the Cobalt community contact Lynn Cramman or Amy Carroll on 0191 257 6457 or email amy@cobaltpark.co.uk or log onto www.cobaltpark.co.uk.
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Pedal power raises thousands to help research into childhood cancer |
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Issued: 23/6/2008
Hundreds of cyclists took part in the Waggonways to Health Family Charity Ride at Cobalt Business Park in North Tyneside.
More than 400 people of all ages cycled eight miles to raise thousands of pounds for The Chris Lucas Trust, a charity which provides funding for children and young people’s cancer research. The charity was set-up by Lynn Lucas in memory of her son Chris, who died in 2000.
Lynn said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many people on their bikes and having a great day. We’re thrilled with money raised at this event which goes directly to the Trust and helps fund valuable research into children’s cancer.
“The support we have had from Cobalt and North Tyneside Council is fantastic. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part and I hope to see them all again next year.”
North Tyneside’s elected mayor, John Harrison, was on hand to start the eight mile ride from Cobalt which ended at Blyth with a fun day event for all the family.
All participants received a pack containing new North Tyneside, Northumberland and Newcastle cycle maps, a T-shirt and fruit and water.
The event has come at the end of a week of activity for National Bike Week at Cobalt, organised by Get Moving North Tyneside, a four year project funded by a grant from the Big Lottery’s Well-Being Fund, which aims to improve physical and mental well-being and promote healthy lifestyles in the district by encouraging people to walk and cycle rather than drive.
Project coordinator of Get Moving North Tyneside, Emma Spence, said: “Cycling is a great way to save money and get fit. The Waggonways ride encourages people of all ages to get on their bikes, have fun and discover the range of benefits that cycling brings.”
Lynn Cramman, one of two dedicated transport co-ordinators at Cobalt, said: “We are encouraging more than 8,500 staff based on site to choose more environmentally friendly ways to travel to and from work. The ride has provided the perfect opportunity for people to get on their bikes and see what the Waggonways have to offer, at the same time as raising money for a very worthwhile cause”
Sponsors of the event include Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside Council Northumbrian Water, Whiptail Cycles, Hillheads Farm, Blyth Valley Borough Council, Northumberland County Council, Sustrans.
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Employees saddle up and save for national bike week |
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 and Emma Spence (r).jpg) |
Issued: 16/6/2008
Employees at the UK’s largest business park in North Tyneside are being given the chance to cut their petrol bills and get fit at the same time.
A week of activity will take place at Cobalt Business Park for commuters keen to switch from petrol to pedal power. There will be guided rides to and from work, skills and games sessions on bikes, cycle surgeries and bikers’ breakfasts. The aim is to encourage as many of Cobalt’s 8,500 employees as possible to get on their bikes, get saving and get healthy.
Lynn Cramman, travel and community coordinator at Cobalt, said: “We are constantly encouraging staff at the park to choose greener means of travelling to and from work and with the cost of running a car increasing, now is a great time for people to get on their bikes. Cycling to work will enable employees to decrease their carbon footprints by reducing car usage and, at the same time, enjoy the great outdoors.”
The Bike Week events at Cobalt have been organised by Get Moving North Tyneside, a four year project funded by a grant from the Big Lottery’s Well-Being Fund, which aims to improve physical and mental well-being and promote healthy lifestyles in the district by encouraging people to walk and cycle rather than drive.
Emma Spence, project coordinator for Get Moving North Tyneside, said: “Cycling to work can save people thousands of pounds a year. The range of activities on offer during Bike Week will encourage staff from across the business park to get on their bikes, have fun and discover the range of benefits that cycling brings.”
The culmination of the week’s events will be the Waggonways to Health Family Cycle Ride in aid of children’s cancer charity, The Chris Lucas Trust, taking place on Saturday 21 June. Hundreds of people from across the region are expected to take part in the eight mile ride from Cobalt to Blyth ending in a fun day for all the family.
For more information on Bike Week at Cobalt contact Emma Spence by emailing emma@cobaltpark.co.uk or ring 0191 257 6457.
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Wheels in Motion for charity bike ride |
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Issued: 10/6/2008
People throughout the region are being invited to put the “wheels in motion” and enter the Waggonways to Health Family Charity Ride at Cobalt Business Park in North Tyneside.
Hundreds of people from across the district are expected to take part in the eight mile charity ride on Saturday 21 June. The ride costs £5 to enter with all proceeds going directly to children’s cancer charity The Chris Lucas Trust. To enter log on to www.chrislucastrust.com and complete the registration form.
The ride will begin at 10am from Cobalt 14 on Silver Fox Way and all entrants will receive a pack containing new North Tyneside, Northumberland and Newcastle cycle maps, a T-shirt and fruit and water. Riders can also enjoy a family fun day event at Blyth after the ride.
Amy Carroll, one of two dedicated transport co-ordinators at Cobalt, said: “This ride is a fantastic way for staff and residents to explore the North Tyneside Waggonways which have been transformed in recent years.
“At Cobalt we are working to encourage more than 8,500 staff to choose more environmentally friendly ways to travel to work and this ride will give people a great opportunity to see what the Waggonways have to offer while raising money for charity.”
Lynn Lucas, The Chris Lucas Trust, said: “Entries for this year’s event are already pouring - the money raised at this event goes directly to the Trust and helps fund research into children’s cancer and we are really looking forward to an enjoyable day.”
North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, John Harrison said: “The Waggonways are an important part of our green spaces providing a 20-mile network that is used for both leisure and to provide access routes to employment sites – including Cobalt.
“It’s great that they can also host this fun event to raise cash for a very worthwhile cause.”
Sponsors of the event include North Tyneside Council, Cobalt Business Park, Sustrans, Northumbrian Water, Whiptail Cycles, Hillheads Farm, Northumberland County Council and Blyth Valley Borough Council.
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Tyneside Tots celebrate nursery's 5th birthday at Cobalt |
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Issued: 4/6/2008
North Tyneside tots have been celebrating five years since the opening of their nursery at Cobalt Business Park.
Just Learning, one of the country’s leading nursery providers, has cared for over 440 local children since opening the doors of its state-of-the art, purpose built building in 2003.
Children, parents and staff, past and present, celebrated the milestone at a birthday bash spring fair held in the nursery’s large garden - a range of stalls, face painting and tasty treats ensured that fun was had by all.
Victoria Solomon, nursery manager, said: “Everyone has thoroughly enjoyed celebrating our 5th birthday at Cobalt – it is the premier business location in the region, and our nursery is adjacent to a number of prestigious offices whose staff have requirements for high quality nursery care.
“The staff here at Just Learning work hard to provide a stimulating, fun and happy environment for the children in our care and we look forward to welcoming more children and building on our success over the coming years.”
Lynn Cramman, one of two dedicated community coordinators at Cobalt, said: “It has been great to share in Just Learning’s birthday celebrations - the nursery is part of a range of services offered to occupiers at Cobalt, including a 127-bedroom De Vere Village Hotel and Leisure Club and country park.
“There are more than 9,000 people now working at Cobalt and it is great that parents of toddlers have an option to have their children cared for right on their doorstep.”
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Access to employment steps up a gear |
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Issued: 15/5/2008
Access to the growing range of job opportunities at the UK’s largest business park, in North Tyneside, is stepping up a gear with the arrival of new and improved bus services.
Cobalt Business Park has climbed aboard with Go North East to sponsor two new services, and improve the frequency and routes of existing services, in a move that will provide more direct links for passengers to Cobalt than ever before.
Highbridge, the developers of Cobalt, employ two dedicated travel coordinators, Lynn Cramman and Amy Carroll, who work with new and future occupiers to assess the transport needs of their staff, and feed information back to transport operators such as Go North East.
Convenient travel options for staff who work a range of shift patterns are available with the popular Cobalt Clipper 309 service which has doubled its frequency to every 15 minutes and now operates late into the evening.
The 318 service has been modified to provide faster journey times to Cobalt from Cramlington, now 20 minutes, and Seaton Delaval, now eight minutes. Additional direct links to Cobalt from Howdon and Monkseaton will also make it quicker for staff to access the park.
A brand new local bus service, Wallsend Links 75 and 76, and improvements to The Centurion 40 and 41C, have also boosted the number of bus services to Cobalt.
Martin Harris, commercial director with Go North East said: “We recognise the
benefits of serving the business park, giving more employees the opportunity of using public transport to get to work. We were very happy to work with Cobalt to provide these new services and enhancements.”
Mark Ashall of Highbridge, developers of Cobalt, said: “We are delighted to be working with Go North East to provide these new services that will enable the growing number of people who work at Cobalt to travel directly to the Business Park.
“It is important to offer current and potential staff attractive travel options to and from the park. We look forward to further partnership work with Go North East and other transport providers as Cobalt continues to expand. With the introduction of these new services we believe that Cobalt is one of the destinations best served by public transport in the country.”
For more information about these services or any other transport initiatives in place at Cobalt, please contact Lynn Cramman or Amy Carroll, Cobalt’s dedicated transport co-ordinators on 0191 257 6457 or log on to www.cobaltpark.co.uk. For information and timetables for all Go North East buses, visit www.simplygo.com.
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International praise for local travel coordinators |
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Issued: 17/3/2008
The leader of an international travel project has applauded the “personal approach” of Cobalt Business Park’s travel coordinators in their work to promote and encourage staff to adopt green travel habits.
Over 20 members of the OPTIMUM² project travelled from across North West Europe to visit the UK’s largest business park, in North Tyneside, to find out more about the work done by developers, Highbridge, to promote sustainable transport options to the 8,500 staff on-site.
OPTIMUM² is an EU-funded project that aims to improve the environment and the accessibility of urban and busy areas by reducing solo car use, and encouraging the use of alternative transport in order to foster economic growth.
Hans Voernknect, OPTIMUM² project manager, said: “We have been very impressed with the personal approach of Cobalt Park travel coordinators to involve and motivate people. The activities they plan and the personal travel advice they give is key to influencing and changing travel behaviour.
“The work done at Cobalt to encourage the adoption of sustainable forms of transport is highly commendable. By having dedicated travel coordinators for the whole of the park, Highbridge has made it a lot easier for employees to choose to travel to and from work in the most convenient yet sustainable way.”
Cobalt’s travel and community co-ordinators, Lynn Cramman and Amy Carroll, work alongside occupiers including Procter & Gamble, Orange and GE Money to raise awareness of the wide range of travel options available to people working at the business park.
Members of OPTIMUM² were welcomed to Cobalt by Councillor John Harrison, elected Mayor of North Tyneside. Councillor Harrison said: “We have to create sustainable alternatives to car-travel that are attractive and user-friendly. The modern economy has created jobs concentrated at out-of-town business park locations and it is vital that this growth in employment should go hand in hand with improved public transport. We need to minimise single occupancy car travel, helping get people out of their cars and tackling traffic congestion.
"That's why improving accessibility and linking together people and places - and developing a high quality public transport network are two of my top priorities as mayor and as the City Region lead member for transport."
Lynn Cramman said “We are delighted to welcome the members of the OPTIMUM² project to Cobalt, and share with them the ever growing range of initiatives in place at the park to encourage people to use their cars less.
“We are always on hand to help staff work out their most cost effective, efficient and stress free means of travel and work with partner organisations to constantly improve the
options available – this has led to a great increase in the numbers of people choosing public transport and leaving their car at home.”
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Get Moving, North Tyneside’ Urges New Recruit Emma |
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Issued: 26/2/2008
Emma Spence has been appointed to the role of project coordinator for ‘Get Moving North Tyneside’ a partnership between Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside Council and Sustrans.
Working with partners, Emma will be encouraging local people to ‘get moving’ by delivering ‘Back to Bike’ sessions, lead walks aimed at improving health and fitness, as well as promoting the Waggonways cycle routes.
Funded by a £350,000 grant from the Big Lottery’s Well-Being Fund, the four year project is aiming to improve physical and mental well-being and promote healthy lifestyles in the district by encouraging people to walk and cycle rather than drive.
Emma, who studied physical activity at university, said: “I am very much looking forward to getting out and about in the community – I’ll be providing advice and support on how people can travel in ways that do not harm the environment and also benefit their health and well-being.”
Lynn Cramman, travel coordinator at Cobalt said: “We are delighted that Emma has been appointed to this role. Her work will benefit the staff at Cobalt and the wider community of North Tyneside.
“At Cobalt we already have a range of initiatives and schemes in place to encourage people to use their cars less – including a car share scheme, led cycle rides and promotion of the many bus services serving the park as well as a facility for the 8,500 staff based here to have personalised travel plans devised for them.”
Councillor Dave McGarr, North Tyneside Council’s Cabinet member for Environment and Transport said: “Emma’s appointment is great news for North Tyneside! She will be an excellent asset to the district – helping to get us out and about on our bikes or enjoy walking – and therefore boosting our fitness and general well-being.”
Bryn Dowson, Regional Director at Sustrans, the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity, said: “It’s great to have Emma on board – ‘Get Moving North Tyneside’ is a very exciting project which will benefit a large number of people in the district – both workers at Cobalt and residents from regeneration areas in North Tyneside.”
Cobalt has boosted the ‘Get Moving North Tyneside’ fund by its own contribution of £20,000, as well as £10,000 of in-kind contributions.
For further information on how you can get moving, contact Emma on 0191 2616160.
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It's a G'Day as Cobalt Welcomes New Aussie Owners |
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Issued: 26/1/2008
Cobalt Business Park has a “united nations” of people working on-site - from more than 30 countries. The latest is the top Australian private health operator, Ramsay Health Care, who, with Cobalt, celebrated Australia Day in “down under” style.
Australia Day (January 26) marked the re-launch of the Cobalt NHS Treatment Centre under the new ownership of Ramsay Health Care. The Centre, a leading day case surgery unit, was bought by Ramsay as part of the Capio Healthcare Group in November 2007.
Delivering high quality healthcare for NHS patients within the North East, the Treatment Centre, based at the UK’s largest office park, now has a new look that is reflected in signage, patient information and advertising.
Lynn Cramman, travel and community coordinator at Cobalt, said: “It’s great to welcome the new owners of the Cobalt NHS Treatment Centre - Ramsay Health Care joins a number of international organisations based at the park including Orange, Procter & Gamble and GE Money.
“It is fitting that the leading health care provider in Australia now has a base within Cobalt - further reinforcing the international prestige of the business park.”
Donna Thornton, general manager of the Treatment Centre, said: “Australia Day officially marks our new ownership and we are very proud to have become part of Ramsay Health Care, Australia’s biggest private health care group.
Cobalt NHS Treatment Centre has established a strong reputation in the local community, delivering over 5,000 procedures since opening, and will continue to develop as part of the Ramsay group.
“Our staff do a really fantastic job in caring for our patients demonstrated by the fact we receive dozens of cards and comments from patients stating they would choose to come back to us for any further procedures – which is a tremendous testimonial to our staff.”
The group has also launched a brand new website at www.ramsayhealth.co.uk, which includes information on how NHS and private patients can access services at Ramsay’s wide range of facilities across the UK.
Cobalt NHS Treatment Centre will continue to treat NHS and the Treatment Centre for general surgery and endoscopy procedures.
For more information please contact Sandra Moffat on 0191 2703 256 or sandra.moffat@ramsayhealthcare.co.uk
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Nick Brown Pledges support for Newcastle Building Society jobs boost |
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Issued: 23/11/2007
Minister for the North East, Rt Hon Nick Brown MP has attended an event marking the completion of Newcastle Building Society’s new office facility at Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, which is set to create up to 500 jobs over the next five years.
The minister performed a ‘topping out’ of the Society’s building, acquired this September, which is being supported by a £1.3m SFI grant from One NorthEast, which was today represented by Ian Williams, Director of Business and Industry.
The new jobs, which will take Newcastle Building Society’s staff to over 1,700, will mainly be created within its expanding Strategic Solutions business, which generates income by providing technology, processing capability and administrative support services to third party clients, such as banks and other building societies.
Using a rubber hammer the minister placed a final cap on the curtain walling glazing system at the main entrance of the office building. The minister said: “This is an exciting new development, bringing local jobs to local people. Today’s opening is a great step forward for North Tyneside. I am delighted that Newcastle Building Society has chosen to expand its operations in the region.”
The four-storey building at Cobalt Business Park, is a flagship building at the entrance to Cobalt, the largest office park in the UK, being developed by Highbridge Business Park Limited. The build is on schedule to be completely fitted out by 21 December, and around 130 of the Society’s existing staff will move in at the beginning of 2008. The Society’s Principal Office will remain in central Newcastle.
Newcastle Building Society Chief Executive, Colin Seccombe, said: “We are proud and grateful to receive support from the regional minister, and today’s ceremony to mark the completion of the build means we are another step closer to creating 500 additional jobs in the region. I would also like to once again thank One NorthEast for their phenomenal support.
“We have received extremely positive feedback from staff about the new office building which enables us to offer excellent staff facilities and maintain customer service at the highest level.”
One NorthEast Director of Business and Industry, Ian Williams, said: “Newcastle Building Society is a well respected indigenous business that has bucked the trend to off-shore any of its activity. I am delighted that we have been able to help the Society create a new base at Cobalt, which will help broaden capacity to maximise development opportunities in the UK and Europe.
“This state of the art document processing facility with an associated contact centre on North Tyneside will generate 500 new jobs for the North East, which is fantastic for the region and I would commend NBS for its continued commitment to the North East.”
Highbridge Business Park Limited director, Guy Marsden said: “It is testimony to the quality of workspace at Cobalt that Newcastle Building Society chose Cobalt as a base from which to expand its business. We are delighted to welcome such a respected and well known institution to Cobalt, and are confident of securing further significant lettings next year.”
ENDS
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Sustrans’ Connect2 |
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Issued: 13/11/2007
Thank you for voting for Sustrans’ Connect2, and we are delighted to annouce that Connect 2 won the Lottery grant.
More news to follow in the New Year. |
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On-site Tickets at Cobalt Save Staff Millions |
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Issued: 24/9/2007
The 7,500 staff at Cobalt business park in North Tyneside can now save more than £3 million per year if they buy their travel tickets on-site from the park’s dedicated travel coordinators.
By purchasing annual travel tickets from Highbridge’s two dedicated travel coordinators - Lynn Cramman and Amy Carroll - staff can save up to £500 per year each. Metro, bus and ferry tickets can now be purchased at the on-site Cobalt management suite.
Lynn and Amy have been specially trained by Network Ticketing, Arriva and Go NorthEast to sell travel tickets for Metro and bus services. Staff can purchase daily, weekly, monthly or annual passes which will be delivered directly to their office. The more workers who take advantage of this new service the more discount the staff will receive.
Lynn said: “The average cost of a return ticket to Cobalt works out at approx £4 per day. Spread across the year the benefits of purchasing travel tickets in bulk are substantial. This new service will make it even easier for staff to choose public transport.
“The services running to and from Cobalt are improving all the time - we now have 16 buses an hour passing through Cobalt with direct links to Newcastle, Blyth, Killingworth and Morpeth amongst many others - and now staff can also save money by buying their travel tickets in bulk. Not only will this save money but the tickets will be delivered directly to the office.”
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North Tyneside to “Get Moving” With The Big Lottery |
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Issued: 20/9/2007
North Tyneside is set to “get moving” with a huge grant from the Big Lottery Fund to a newly formed partnership between Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside Council and Sustrans.
The £350,000 grant, which has come from the Big Lottery’s Well-Being Fund, aims to improve physical and mental well-being and promote healthy lifestyles in the district by encouraging local people to walk and cycle rather than drive.
The four-year project - “Get Moving North Tyneside” - will be recruiting a full-time coordinator to work with partners and the local community, who will deliver “Back to Bike” sessions, lead walks aimed at improving health and fitness, as well as promote the Waggonways cycle routes.
Lynn Cramman, Cobalt’s travel coordinator said: “We are delighted to announce that we have been successful in our bid to the Big Lottery Well-Being Fund. It is great news for both workers at Cobalt and the wider community of North Tyneside.
“At Cobalt we already have a whole range of initiatives and schemes in place to encourage people to use their cars less – including a car share scheme, led cycle rides and promotion of the 16 bus services serving Cobalt as well as a facility for the more than 7,500 staff at cobalt to have personalised travel plans devised for them.
“It is particularly apt to announce the grant this week which is Change Direction, as part of European Mobility Week, at Cobalt and we are going around all the workplaces letting staff know about the different ways they can get to and from work. Cobalt is also delighted to have provided some of the financial support needed to launch the ‘Get Moving North Tyneside’ initiative.”
Councillor Dave McGarr, North Tyneside Council’s Cabinet member for Environment and Transport said: “This is great news for North Tyneside! The cash boost from the Big Lottery Fund will mean that we can build on the great work that partners like Cobalt are already doing. The new coordinator will be an excellent asset to the district – helping to get us out and about on our bikes or enjoy walking – and therefore boosting our fitness and general well-being.”
Stephen Psallidas, senior project officer at Sustrans, the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity, said: “Get Moving North Tyneside is a very exciting project, which will benefit a large number of people in the district – both workers at Cobalt and residents from regeneration areas in North Tyneside. We are very much looking forward to working with North Tyneside Council and Cobalt to help local people travel in ways that do not harm the environment and that also benefit their health and well-being. It is about changing people’s mindsets, as well as providing support and practical solutions.”
Cobalt has boosted the Get Moving North Tyneside fund by its own contribution of £20,000, as well as £10,000 of in-kind contributions.
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Notes to Editors
North Tyneside Council and Cobalt Business Park are working with Sustrans on an Active Travel local projects as part of a consortium of leading walking, cycling and health organisations being funded by the Big Lottery Fund’s Well-being programme which provides funding to support the development of healthier lifestyles and to improve well-being.
Sustrans is the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity. Its vision is a world in which people
choose to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment. It is achieving this through innovative but practical solutions to the UK’s transport challenges.
The Big Lottery Fund, the largest of the National Lottery good cause distributors, has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK since its inception in June 2004.
The Consortium is led by Sustrans and includes British Cycling, CTC, Cycling England, Living Streets, London Cycling Campaign, the National Heart Forum, the National Obesity Forum, the Ramblers’ Association, Transport 2000 and Walk 21. It is delivering a portfolio of projects that will enable 2 million people to become more physically active by walking or cycling as part of their daily lives.
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Cobalt Travel Coordinators Hit The Road For “Change Direction” |
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Issued: 10/9/2007
Cobalt business park’s two travel coordinators will be hitting the road next week
(17-21 September) with a series of roadshows for “Change Direction” – part of European Mobility Week – helping some of the 6,500 staff at Cobalt go green with their journeys to work.
Cobalt has a range of initiatives to help staff from companies like P&G, Orange, EDS, Fujitsu and GE Money “go green” whilst getting to work. Change Direction, part of European Mobility Week, aims to encourage people to look at other ways of getting to work than driving their cars.
The business park’s two dedicated travel coordinators will be “on the road” all week with travel roadshows at every workplace encouraging staff to leave their cars at home and letting them know about the various transport options open to them, including cycling routes and bus services as well as the option to buy discounted travel tickets.
Lynn Cramman, Cobalt travel coordinator, said: “Change Direction will give the thousands of staff on Cobalt the chance to come along and find out about the different options for them to get to work without their cars. We already have some fantastic initiatives running at Cobalt to help staff find alternative ways to get to work that are environmentally friendly and this is a great opportunity to tell everyone about them.
“We are working hard to improve and extend the transport offering at Cobalt and make it easier for staff to choose cheaper, “greener”, less stressful means of getting to and from work. There are now 16 buses an hour passing through Cobalt with direct links to Newcastle, Blyth, Killingworth and Morpeth amongst many others.”
There will also be prize draws and free giveaways for those attending the Cobalt roadshows.
As part of Change Direction Lynn will be encouraging staff to sign up to Leave Your Car at Home Day on 26 September and travel by public transport, run, cycle or walk. Lynn will be posting staff’s stories online with the most unusual way of travelling to work winning a prize.
Other green schemes at Cobalt include car-share “matchmaking” service where potential car sharers are matched-up through Cobalt’s website www.cobaltpark.co.uk. There are also led-bike rides along the local Waggonways cycle routes and Cobalt’s dedicated travel coordinators provide tailored travel plans for individuals to help them find the best way to and from work using public transport.
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From Sarah Farndale, MDA. Tel: 01670 785000/Mob: 07880 641744 |
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Huge Jobs Boost At Regional Building Society |
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Issued: 6/9/2007
6 September 2007
HUGE JOBS BOOST AT REGIONAL BUILDING SOCIETY
ONE of the North East’s oldest and most trusted financial institutions is expanding operations, creating 500 jobs in the region over the next five years.
Newcastle Building Society (NBS) has acquired new premises at Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside, additional to its Principal Office in central Newcastle. The majority of jobs will be created within the Society’s expanding Strategic Solutions business, which generates income by providing technology, processing capability and administrative support services to third party clients, such as banks and other building societies.
One NorthEast has invested £1.3m, via an SFI Grant, into the project, which reinforces the Society’s commitment to the North East.
NBS already counts a number of major financial sector businesses, such as Bradford & Bingley, Bank of Ireland and Iceland’s Landsbanki with ICESAVE, as customers, and this project will enable it to develop the Strategic Solutions business services to a wider market. It will also see the company invest further in leading edge information technology.
Newcastle Strategic Solutions Limited manages savings, loans, mortgages and pre-paid cards on behalf of third party customers. The bulk of jobs created will be in its ‘Fully Managed Services’ offering, which includes customer acquisition, application processing, account management, administration services and telephone based contact centre.
Colin Seccombe, Chief Executive of Newcastle Building Society said: “We are tremendously grateful to One NorthEast for its significant support, which is a massive vote of confidence in the Society and our commitment to creating employment in the region.
“We have recently enjoyed significant growth across the whole business, reflected in our extremely positive half year financial results. In particular our Strategic Solutions operation is continuing to grow rapidly. Cobalt Business Park offers us the best solution in terms of location and facilities and also meets requirements to replace our current Wideopen site as a business continuity centre.
“We are working with the developers of Cobalt Business Park, Highbridge, to design the high-spec office space which will house state of the art equipment to allow us to continue providing the highest level of service to our customers, as well as improved training and recreation facilities for all our employees. We look forward to the premises being fitted-out and open for business by early next year.”
The origins of Newcastle Building Society date back to 1861 when the Grainger Building Society was formed – the company currently employs over 1,000 staff across its 37 branches and main offices.
One NorthEast Chairman, Margaret Fay, said: “NBS is a well respected indigenous business that has bucked the trend to off-shore any of its activity. Rather than look to cut costs by outsourcing work they have chosen a more positive and proactive response in broadening capacity to maximise development opportunities in the UK and Europe.
“This project will create a state of the art document processing facility with an associated Contact Centre on North Tyneside that will generate 500 new jobs for the North East, which is fantastic for the region and I would commend NBS for its continued commitment to the North East.”
David Ashall, director, Highbridge Business Park Limited, said: “It is testimony to the quality of workspace at Cobalt that Newcastle Building Society has chosen the location as a base from which to expand its business. To secure a high profile pre-letting on a statement signature building prior to completion is very unusual for the regional office market and a real coup for Cobalt Park. We are delighted to welcome such a respected and well known institution to Cobalt, and are confident of securing further significant lettings this year.”
For more information please contact:
Bryn Littleton, press office, One NorthEast on Tel: (0191) 2296713, mobile no: 07717 468918. e-mail: bryn.littleton@onenortheast.co.uk
Nicola Green, Newcastle Building Society on tel: (0191) 244 2024, mobile no: 07917 388 329. e-mail: press@newcastle.co.uk
Mary Dryden, MDA (on behalf of Highbridge) on tel (01670) 785000, mobile 07850 820251. e-mail: mary@mda-mpr.com
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Cobalt Appoints Second Travel Coordinator |
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Issued: 20/8/2007
Cobalt Business Park in North Tyneside has appointed its second dedicated travel coordinator to raise awareness of the wide range of travel options for workers to and from Cobalt.
Amy Carroll will work alongside Lynn Cramman - who was appointed last year as the North’s first dedicated travel coordinator on a business park - in helping to inform the more than 6,500 people employed at Cobalt about the different travel services available to them, as well as promoting more environmentally friendly and also healthy options such as walking and cycling.
Amy, who lives in Tynemouth, will assist Lynn in working with transport operators such as Arriva, Nexus and Go North East – providing them with feedback on the performance of existing services - as well as feeding back to the operators demand for new services.
Amy will also be working closely with occupiers at Cobalt, which include Procter & Gamble, Orange, Fujitsu and Department for Work and Pensions as well as employees to help them devise their own individualised travel plans and enable them to purchase tickets on site.
Amy said: “I am thrilled with my new role at Cobalt. It will be great to take on the challenge of advising staff the best way for them to travel to work. There is such a huge range of options now available at Cobalt and more and more staff are starting to take up some of the alternatives such as the Cobalt Clipper, our car share scheme and cycling along the Waggonways – which offer real benefits both in terms of health and the environment.”
Mark Ashall of Highbridge, the developers of Cobalt, said: “We are very pleased to have appointed Amy to work alongside Lynn in the great work that she is doing. Cobalt now has a number of initiatives in place to assist employees in making their way to and from work in the most environmentally friendly way possible.
“Amy’s appointment further demonstrates our commitment to working closely with transport providers. Amy and Lynn will be liaising with the “Cobalt community” through road-shows we run across Cobalt promoting travel choices and the Cobalt Community Card.”
On completion, Cobalt will be the largest business park in the UK, comprising 2.25 million square feet and employing more than 14,000 people from the Tyne Wear conurbation. /ends
From Sarah Farndale, MDA. Tel: 01670 785000/Mob: 07880 641744 |
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Start On Site For Next 100,000 Sq Ft HQ Office Building |
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Issued: 18/3/2007
Work has started on site at Cobalt business park in North Tyneside on a new speculative high specification headquarters building which, when let, will provide office space for around 1,000 people.
The project was officially launched by the Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, Councillor John Harrison. The 101,500 sq ft (9,429 sq m) state-of-the-art office comprises four storeys, is fully air conditioned and has more than 400 dedicated car park spaces.
Cobalt 21, on Cobalt South, can be let as one office building or divided into two wings to create separate offices. The wings share a common, full height, glazed ground floor reception area with access to each office by dedicated lifts. Completion is due in November 2007.
Guy Marsden, director, Highbridge Business Park Ltd, said: “The recent letting to GE Money further demonstrates that Cobalt is the location of choice in the region for prestigious occupiers and we are confident this latest building will be attractive to a range of occupiers.”
Elected Mayor, John Harrison, said: "North Tyneside is a powerhouse of regeneration for the North East and Cobalt business park has a very successful track record in attracting high quality jobs to the borough.
“Part of the jigsaw in encouraging inward investment is to ensure that very good accommodation is available and this latest development is a valuable addition to that portfolio. The council is keen to work with Highbridge and others to create a prosperous borough which will close the gaps in our communities and ensure that everyone has access to good employment."
The new office building is being designed by architects RyderHKS.
A number of prominent companies are already based on Cobalt Park including Procter & Gamble, Orange, Fujitsu, the Department for Work and Pensions, GE Money, EDS, Capio Healthcare, a Just Learning crèche and the 157 bedroom Village Hotel & Leisure Club, part of the De Vere Group. |
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More Than £1 Million Cycle Saving For Staff At Cobalt |
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Issued: 18/3/2007
More than half of the 6,500 staff at Cobalt live within five miles of the business park – the UK’s largest business park – and they could save £400 each year by cycling to work instead of bringing their car, according to a travel expert.
Highbridge – developers of Cobalt business park in North Tyneside – has set up a Bicycle User Group (BUG) in a bid to encourage staff to take advantage of the cycling facilities at Cobalt.
BUG is the latest in a line of travel initiatives put in place at Cobalt to improve the transport offering at the park. Staff are being encouraged to attend meetings with Lynn Cramman, Cobalt’s on-site travel co-ordinator, to discuss cycle options to the park and make suggestions for future improvements. Staff can take advantage of on-site pool bikes to trial new routes home and to get some lunchtime exercise.
Lynn said: “The first BUG meeting was a huge success, staff really showed an interest in cycling to work and made some very useful suggestions. We are working hard at Cobalt to ensure staff have the best transport options possible.
“Cycling is a fantastic way for staff to cut travel costs, improve their health and help protect the environment. Not only will staff cut out the stress of sitting in traffic jams it is often quicker to make local journeys by bicycle than jumping in the car.”
Travel expert Peter Whitehead, associate director, Glanville Consultants, said: "Using the car for short distance trips doesn't make any sense. The engine never warms up fully and so fuel consumption is dreadful, the car emits more pollution and wears out quicker.
“Highbridge is showing real leadership in promoting environmentally friendly travel. Staff at Cobalt are encouraged to consider more efficient, cost effective means of travelling to work and by taking advantage of the cycling options at Cobalt staff could save more than £400 each year. On top of that, thanks to a simple Government tax free bicycle buying scheme, staff can also make huge savings - up to 40 per cent - on the cost of the bike!"
Councillor Dave McGarr, North Tyneside Council’s cabinet member for environment and transport said: “The council’s work to bring the old Waggonways back into use as a green travel and leisure corridor means there is an ideal route to many surrounding areas such as North Shields, Killingworth and Burradon and we are certainly keen to encourage people to use bikes rather than their cars.
“It’s good for North Tyneside’s environment and it’s also good for health. Highbridge’s approach shows what can be done.”
For more information contact Lynn Cramman on 0191 2576457 or email lynn@cobaltpark.co.uk. |
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GE Money creates over 400 new jobs |
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Issued: 16/2/2007
GE Money today announced a multi-million pound investment in the North East, creating over 400 new jobs in the region.
GE Money announced today that it is to expand its operations in the North East with the construction of a purpose built 100,000 square foot office facility that will accommodate up to 1000 people. The investment continues to build on the success of their current operation, which opened in 2005 and employs 450 people. The construction of the new building will start on the 19th February and is due to be completed and fully operational by June 2008.
Stewart Macphail, CEO, GE Money Cards UK, commented: “This multi-million pound investment announced today represents the biggest investment in property GE Money has ever made, and reinforces our commitment to growth and job creation in the UK. The new development will create over 400 new jobs - taking our local workforce to over 800 people.
“This investment in the North East continues to build on our current success here, and represents a very exciting new chapter for GE Money.”
Recruitment for the new vacancies will begin immediately, with a highly visible and ongoing recruitment campaign in the regional press. The campaign will start week commencing 19th February, offering a variety of roles, predominately in Sales, Customer Services and Collections and will include recruiting for a number of new management roles.
Rob Willis, HR Director, GE Money UK, comments: “The new development will grow Newcastle significantly, and the creation of over 400 jobs demonstrates GE Money’s commitment to the area and our current employees. We are very lucky to have talented, enthusiastic and dedicated staff who have helped make our existing Newcastle operation such an overwhelming success.”
Guy Marsden, director, Highbridge Business Park, developers of Cobalt Park, said: “The credentials of Cobalt have been fully endorsed as a low cost centre of excellence by GE Money’s recent decision to commit to a 100,000 sq ft bespoke building, with an option on a further 50,000 sq ft. We have also commenced development speculatively of a further 100,000 sq ft headquarters building on Cobalt South.”
Alan Clarke, One North East Chief Executive, said: “ GE Money’s reinvestment in its Cobalt Park business is a huge vote of confidence in its workforce and the North East economy. And we look forward to GE Money moving into its new offices, creating 400 valuable new jobs”.
For Further information please contact:
Robert Buller, External Communications Manager,
GE Money,
6 Agar Street,
London, WC2N 4HR
TEL: 020 7853 1831
FAX: 020 7853 1910
Email: robert.buller@ge.com
GE MONEY
GE Money is the new trading name of GE Consumer Finance (GECF), one of the world’s leading consumer finance services to consumers, retailers and auto dealers. Headquartered in the US, GE Money operates in 48 countries around the world and has assets worth over $150 billion.
GE Money – has an active corporate citizenship program and is committed to making a difference in our local communities
In the UK, GE Money offers credit cards, fixed-term retail credit, loans, and auto finance. GE Money also operates retail branded credit cards for fashion retailers, department stores and supermarkets. Further information about GE Money can be found at www.gemoney.co.uk .
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On The Road With Travel Roadshows |
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Issued: 11/12/2006
Highbridge – the developers of Cobalt business park - is showcasing new travel initiatives with a series of roadshow exhibitions to more than 6,500 people working at the development.
The new travel options put in place by Highbridge, enable staff that include P&G and Orange to choose more sustainable, inexpensive and convenient ways to travel to and from work. By choosing to take advantage of these new initiatives staff could each save more than £1,000 a year.
With the new Northumberland Park metro station, extended Arriva bus routes and the addition of the 318 Northumbria Coaches service, staff now have more travel options than ever before. Schemes such as Car Share, Taxi Share and walk and cycle options have also proved hugely popular.
Occupiers that also include GE Money, Fujitsu and EDS can take advantage of having the on-site travel roadshow call on them in a bid to help workers find their perfect travel plan.
Lynn Cramman, developer Highbridge’s on-site transport co-ordinator is visiting all of the offices to tell staff about the travel options available to them. Lynn will be on hand to answer questions, give advice and talk to workers about the quickest and most environmentally friendly way to get to work.
Also available are leaflets and brochures on local transport routes, a Cobalt travel pack, the new Cobalt Travel Special newsletter and opportunities to link up with potential car and taxi sharers.
The roadshows are taking place monthly and will provide workers with the opportunity to make suggestions for improvements discuss transport options with Lynn and take advantage of having a dedicated transport co-ordinator on site. More details are available at www.cobaltpark.co.uk.
Guy Marsden, director, Highbridge said: “We have worked with North Tyneside Council, Nexus, transport providers and development agencies to strategically plan the transport infrastructure that will enable as many people as possible – north and south of the Tyne – to access job opportunities at Cobalt. As a result a comprehensive range of transport options is available to allow people to travel via public transport to Cobalt from throughout Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.”
Adam Dalton, site leader, GE Money, said: “We are delighted that Cobalt has brought the travel roadshow to GE Money. It has given the staff a fantastic opportunity to get advice and guidance from Lynn. Staff travel from all over the North-East, and it is great that Highbridge is working so hard to help them find the most suitable and most environmentally friendly routes possible.”
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Cobalt Moves Travel Plans Into Fast Lane |
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Issued: 21/7/2006
More than 600 “green commuters” will soon be sharing lifts to the North-East’s leading business park. They will also be saving money as well as fighting global warming, predicts a travel expert.
Charli Bullock of transport experts Liftshare, said: “More than 6,000 people work at Cobalt and we are hoping that within six months more than 10 per cent of them will be lift sharing. Cobalt is a great example of how to go about improving the travel options on a business park. Liftshare is delighted to be working with Cobalt.”
Liftshare, that aims to encourage more efficient travel and transport, is also using Cobalt’s travel plans as an example for other businesses to follow.
The high-tech car share scheme will help Cobalt staff find car share partners. Developer Highbridge’s travel and community co-ordinator Lynn Cramman is working alongside occupiers at Cobalt including Procter & Gamble, Orange and GE Money to raise awareness of the wide range of travel options available to people working at the business park.
Lynn said: “Car sharing is a fantastic way to protect the environment and save money. On average Liftshare predicts that car sharers will each save more than £1,000 per year and overall Cobalt staff are set to save more than £600,000. Finding your perfect car share partner is made even easier with our new website. They just register their details and I do the hard work for them. ”
The car share scheme was launched by North Tyneside Council’s transportation team at a Cobalt Staff Open Day organised by Highbridge that gave employees the opportunity to meet Lynn who was on hand to talk about the scheme, help workers register their travel needs and match them with other Cobalt workers.
Staff will also find information on all aspects of travel, community life and Cobalt news at www.cobaltpark.co.uk.
Susan Darroch, senior transportation officer at North Tyneside Council, said: “A car share scheme at Cobalt is a great idea. With so many people working in one place the number of potential sharers is greatly increased. By having a dedicated travel coordinator for the whole of the park Highbridge has made it a lot easier for employees to choose to travel to and from work in the most convenient yet sustainable way.
“Car sharing provides staff with more transport options, direct cost savings, as well as opportunities to socialise and network.” Further help is available from North Tyneside Council at www.tyneandweartravelplans.co.uk. |
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More Than 1M Sq Ft Completed at Cobalt |
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Issued: 6/6/2006
More than one million sq ft of the highest quality specified accommodation has been completed at Cobalt, North Tyneside – making it the UK’s largest office park, employing more than 4,000 people.
Ready to occupy now is Cobalt 16, a 100,770 sq ft (9,361.4sq m) building, and under construction are two further facilities comprising Cobalt 13a of 30,000 sq ft (2,787sq m) and Cobalt 14 of 46,000 sq ft (4,273 sq m).
Recent lettings include 280,000 sq ft (26,012 sq m) to two global companies. Electronic Data Services (EDS), which already occupies 20,000 sq ft (1,858 sq m) of accommodation at Cobalt, has taken the whole of a100,000 sq ft (9,290 sq m) building at Cobalt. The company is now also occupying Cobalt 2, a flagship building at the centre of the business park.
GE Money has an option to take up to 180,000 sq ft (16,720 sq m). It is occupying 2,787 sq m (30,000 sq ft) at Cobalt 15a, and has agreed an option to pre-let a total of 150,000 sq ft (13,935 sq m) at Cobalt 9.
Also under construction is Cobalt 14, comprising 46,000 sq ft (4,273 sq m) with four storeys each of 11,600 sq ft, with 48m x 22.5m clear floor plates, comfort cooling and three meter high ceilings. Completion is due in January.
Highbridge director, Guy Marsden, developers of Cobalt, said: “We have demonstrated that Cobalt is a preferred destination in the international, national and local marketplaces. Credit must be given for this success to North Tyneside Council, which has supported and partnered us in securing fast track planning, financial support for occupiers and assistance with training and recruitment.” |
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Lynn Shows Green Light to Travel Options |
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Issued: 6/6/2006
The North’s first dedicated travel co-ordinator on a business park has been appointed at Cobalt, North Tyneside.
Lynn Cramman’s mission is to make the more than 4,000 people who work at the North Tyneside business park aware of the wide range of options that exist to travel to and from Cobalt, placing particular emphasis on those which are more environmentally friendly.
Lynn will be working with transport bodies and operators, including Nexus, Arriva and Go North East, to communicate the options available to staff and provide feedback on the suitability and quality of existing services and the demand for new services to the operators. She will also help staff to select the travel option that is best for them by producing personalised travel plans using alternative transport options.
Lynn said: “I am delighted to take on this position. It is my aim to help people see the options that are available to them and to make them aware of the environmental and health benefits that can be achieved by a simple change in their daily routine.”
Peter Whitehead, associate director of Glanville, said: “In a national context, Cobalt already has excellent public transport provision. Highbridge is showing real leadership in promoting environmentally friendly travel.”
Mark Ashall of Highbridge said “We are extremely pleased to appoint Lynn as the first full time travel coordinator in the North and see this as an important element in our plans to promote environmentally friendly travel to and from Cobalt.” |
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