The industry-led LoCITY programme is offering practical help for local independent businesses looking to keep pace with emissions regulations in London, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
Denise Beedell, FSB development manager for Greater London, said the impartial guidance provided by LoCITY will help time-pressed small business owners make informed vehicle buying decisions.
“Quite contrary to popular belief, most small business owners aren't against environmental improvements. Indeed, many go into business because they want to do things better than the corporate world,” she said.
“But at the end of the day, they are there to make a profit and one of the hardest parts of people embracing more sustainable attitudes and behaviours in their own operations is the huge challenge of obtaining relevant and timely information.”
The FSB is a national organisation that represents the interests of small and micro businesses, using evidence-based campaigning to help influence policy-makers and politicians.
In London, the FSB engages regularly with stakeholders like TfL and City Hall on key policies such as the mayor’s Draft Transport Strategy and the Ultra Low Emission Zone.
Beedell said her London-based members fully recognise the need to support air quality proposals to improve the health of those living and working in the capital.
“But equally, and this is where my job comes in, I need to talk to the policy-makers to make sure the small business community aren’t the ones who have to bear a disproportionate burden of costs to pay for all these aspirations. Let's get a fair deal,” she added.
LoCITY will therefore play a vital role in helping small business owners invest wisely in their business vehicles and give them the information they need to make informed choices.
“Providing the right information and guidance are really, really important,” said Beedell. “Because they simply don't have time to do the research. They also don't have the experience or expertise to understand things the way a fleet manager in a large distribution company may do.”
She added: “LoCITY provides a really positive, independent forum to put forward sensible information that has been checked out. It's trusted; it's not trying to sell things to people and aligns with what the FSB does.”
Beedell will be speaking at the LoCITY annual conference, which this year takes place at Freight in the City Expo in London on 7 November.
Register today for your free place!
