Making sustainability improvements to the firm

26 Mar

Written By

Written by Nash & Co Solicitors | 26th March 2021

Making Nash & Co Solicitors more sustainable and in turn reducing our impact on the environment is especially important to us. Everyone’s aware of the climate emergency that we face. Some very significant changes need to be made across the world, and the 14th century proverb “Mighty oaks from small acorns grow” comes to mind.

It’s true that we don’t have a lot of influence over the larger changes that need to be made. But we can make our own sustainability improvements here, and they in turn will contribute to those larger changes.

We’re looking forward to making some important changes and sustainability improvements across the firm. Our own changes will be coming. However, we’ve just completed a couple of key projects that will contribute to our environmental footprint. As part of this, we wanted to thank Plymouth City Council for their input, and let others know how they can get help too.

But make sure you’re ready to apply soon – the grants open for applications again on April 1st 2021!

Workplace Travel Grants

In November of 2020, we applied to Plymouth City Council for a Workplace Travel Grant.

The workplace travel grants form part of the Plymouth City Council’s Productive Plymouth Programme for sustainable transport measures. These are funded by the Department for Transport’s “Transforming Cities Fund (TCF)“.

The TCF projects, collectively, are designed to reduce congestion, improve air quality and help the city prosper. It does this by investing in infrastructure to improve sustainable transport connectivity across the City.

You can find out more about the Workplace Travel Grants themselves by clicking the banner below. But essentially, companies can apply for up to £25,000 over 3 years. The Council can contribute up to 75% of the cost of the scheme (not including VAT). For example, for a project that costs £10,000 +VAT, the council can award up to £7,500. That makes sustainability improvements a lot more affordable.

Electric vehicle charging points

We have a number of staff who either already have electric vehicles, or who’ll be getting one in the near future. As we know, diesel cars are soon to be phased out. Electric cars are increasing in popularity. Now’s a good time to turn thoughts to installing electric vehicle charging points for our staff to use. So we applied for the money to help us install 3 of them.

They certainly look great, they’re very easily controlled and monitored through a mobile phone app. Furthermore, they’re secure, with users needing a pin code to access them.

Bike Rack

Anyone wishing to cycle to and from work faced the issue of having no where secure to store their bike during the day. So we’ve bought a cycle rack that can securely store up to 8 bikes. This will be next to our car park, within the Beaumont House grounds. This is due to be delivered any day now!

Shower room and changing facilities

We also have quite a few members of staff who are keen on running, cycling or walking. As part of the sustainability improvements that we want to roll out across the firm. A number of people have mentioned that they would be keen to choose more sustainable methods of travelling to work in the future . They’d like the option to cycle, run or even to walk to work, but without any shower or changing facilities, they were unable to do so.

In our boardroom on the top floor, we have a kitchen that we don’t tend to use very much anymore. So we made the decision to convert this into a shower room and changing facilities.

The scheme

We’d honestly recommend that any business genuinely interested in making sustainability improvements consider applying for a grant. They’re very easy to apply for. The team at the Council are especially helpful. And all things considered, given the opportunity to make some real meaningful improvements to your firm’s sustainability and environmental efforts… why wouldn’t you?

Feedback

Anyone who has visited our offices will surely agree, we’re truly blessed to be working in one of the City’s most beautiful buildings. Beaumont House has a lot of history attached to it. It goes back a long way. However, now, we’re looking forward to the future. And these improvements will help us do just that.

Jon Loney, our Managing Partner, is delighted to kick off our sustainability improvements with the development work above.

“We’re delighted to have been given a grant from Plymouth City Council’s Travel To Work grant scheme. We’ll be investing the money in our own infrastructure, enabling us to offer more sustainable ways for our staff to travel to and from work. It’s vital that businesses do whatever they can to reduce any negative impacts on the environment. By working with the Council, and using this grant funding, we can carry on the work that we started some time ago as a firm. Over the next year we’ll be making additional changes, reducing our carbon footprint, sourcing more locally, and delivering some exciting green initiatives that will involve the local community as well. We would strongly encourage other businesses in the City to apply for the Workplace Travel Grants and offer more sustainable travel solutions to their staff.”

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, Plymouth City Council was excited to know that we’d been successful.

“I was delighted to hear about the work Nash & Co are delivering through their successful application to the Transforming Cities Fund Workplace Travel Grants.
The grants are designed to support local businesses provide facilities to encourage employees to travel to work sustainably and this is exactly what the new shower, EV charge points and cycle parking will do.
It’s great that Nash & Co Solicitors have been able to directly tackle barriers staff identified as stopping them from walking and cycling to work and we look forward to working with them, through our Plymotion at Your Workplace programme, to provide further help to staff who are considering active travel for their commute.

**It can be easy to despair in the face of climate catastrophe. But we know that we have the power to make a small change – and we’ll do anything we can to help save the planet.**

More insights

Insights

Domestic Abuse and the Beautiful Game - UEFA Euro 2024

We all know that Euro 2024 is well underway and there has already been excitement (and upset) along the way for all the nations, not least England. Sadly, the harsh reality is the beautiful game does not always mean excitement for all and particularly those in a high risk or abusive relationship.

What is a Fatal Accident Claim?

The Fatal Accidents Act, initially established in 1846 and consolidated by the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, is a significant piece of legislation in the United Kingdom. It was passed to allow relatives of individuals who have died as a result of someone else's negligence, legal recourse to claim damages.

What is Vicarious Liability?

Vicarious liability is a legal principle that holds an individual or entity responsible for the actions of another person, typically in a relationship where one party has control or authority over the other.

What is my employer’s responsibilities with regards to working at height?

Work at height accidents remain a significant concern in the UK, consistently representing a notable percentage of workplace fatalities and injuries. In the 2022/23 period, there were 40 reported fatalities due to falls from height, which is a stark reminder of the risks associated with working at height.

What are my employers' legal responsibilities for Workplace Safety and PPE?

Employers have a fundamental duty to ensure the health and safety of their employees at work. This includes providing safe work equipment and maintaining it in a condition that is safe for use.

What are the common causes of construction accidents?

Employees in the construction industry are statistically more likely to sustain an injury at work: 27 out of 1,000 people suffered one last year, compared to 17 out of 1,000 workers in all other industries. Falling from height is the number one cause of non-fatal accidents in the construction industry.

What are my employers’ health and safety responsibilities?

According to the Health and Safety Executive, 135 workers were killed in work related accidents in 2022/2023. It’s important to understand what your employer’s health and safety obligations are.

What is happening with Michael Jackson’s estate?

While Michael Jackson’s musical contributions continue to be celebrated, the management of his estate has been the subject of legal battles and family disputes. Recently, a new feud has unfolded, centring on Bigi Jackson, Michael's youngest son, and his claim against his grandmother, Katherine Jackson.

What is Collaborative Law and how can it help?

The court system in England and Wales is an adversarial system, meaning that parties become two opposing sides, presenting their case to a judge for a decision. This approach can, unfortunately, create or amplify conflict, lead to expensive legal costs on both sides, as well as heavy emotional cost.

The State of Maternity Care in British Hospitals: A Call for Reform

Maternity care is a cornerstone of any healthcare system, ensuring the well-being of both mothers and newborns during one of life's most critical periods. However, recent findings from a parliamentary inquiry have cast a harsh light on the state of maternity care in British hospitals, revealing a worrying trend of substandard care that demands urgent attention and reform. As specialists in medical negligence cases, Nash & Co Solicitors in Plymouth are committed to advocating for victims of poor maternity care and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

How do I apply for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding?

NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding offers a lifeline for people who require ongoing care but it’s important you understand how you can obtain it for your loved one when they need it.

How much is NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding?

When it comes to accessing essential healthcare services, it’s important that you understand the financial aspects. NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding provides comprehensive care support for individuals with significant health needs. However, questions about the costs involved often arise.

What is NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding?

Accessing long-term care for loved ones with complex health needs can be daunting. It’s understandable that you want to do the best for them and ensure they have access to the right medication and treatment. NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding provides a lifeline for those requiring ongoing healthcare support.

When is a Best Interest Meeting needed?

The question of when a Best Interest Meeting may be necessary is a common one. Best Interest Meetings are required in the event where decisions need to be made on behalf of individuals lacking the capacity to make these decisions themselves.

Who attends a Best Interests Meeting and who is the decision maker?

When it comes to making decisions for individuals who lack capacity, clarity on who attends Best Interest Meetings and holds decision-making authority is crucial. Best Interest Meetings bring together a range of people in different roles, who each play an important role in the decision-making process.

What is a Best Interest Meeting?

Decision-making on behalf of individuals lacking mental capacity requires legal frameworks that have been designed to safeguard their rights. One such system is the Best Interest Meeting, which ensures that decisions are made in the individual's best interests.

What is the Court of Protection and Deputyship?

Making decisions for a loved one who lacks capacity can feel daunting, and understanding the legal structures in place to protect their rights and interests is crucial.

environmentSustainability