October 2021: An Update From Our CCO

Hi everyone

In the space of a few weeks, I’ve gone from trick-or-treating with our kids in Halloween costumes to hearing people talk about their plans for the Christmas holidays – how time flies.

The last couple of months we have been able to announce many milestones in our efforts to help improve the environment and continue leading the charge in sustainability across the industry. After a difficult 18 months, celebrating achievements are important – I’m delighted to share more announcements with you in this month’s update.

Our appearance at the ITM Sustainability summit

On 21^st October we partnered with ITM | Institute of Travel Management at their Sustainability Summit were a host of experts, including our own Andrew Wescott, Head of Regulatory and External affairs discussed how the game is changing when it comes to a sustainable future and the vital role the travel industry is going to play.

Read Andrews blog post on what to anticipate from Cop26, and how this can help form our decisions on sustainability over the next 5 years here.

Our JustPark charging partnership

In last month’s update, we shared our September announcement that our passenger car fleet will become fully electric by 2023 – at least two years before anyone else in the industry. With the largest UK purchase of electric vehicles (EV) by a private hire provider, through our partnership with Volkswagen and the roll-out of their ID.4 SUV.

In our efforts to help improve the environment we operate in, and our pledge to be fully electric by 2023, I’m pleased to share that we have partnered with JustPark to support drivers in the transition to electric vehicles by providing them with exclusive access to off-street charging points.

Charging points will be installed by Octopus Energy and drivers who rent a JustPark parking space will be given exclusive use of the charger, powered by low cost, renewable electricity while reducing the time spent searching for an available public charging point.

As a company, it’s never been more important to help shape the future of responsible travel in the industry. Read more about our Just Park charging partnership here.

1,000 new drivers as demand for travel surges

There has been a sizable increase over the last few months in the number of people travelling for work and leisure and as we emerge from the pandemic, we believe this will only continue. . It’s been great to see, not just for us at Addison lee but London’s recovery in general

To ensure we continue to support existing drivers and meet future demand, we are looking to add 1,000 new passenger car drivers to our London fleet. With a market-leading package for both existing and new drivers, including; pensions, holiday pay, competitive vehicle rental plans, and Addison lee covering the cost of either the Congestion Charge or the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Drivers will have a huge role to play, in helping people get around the city as safely and reliably as possible. Read more on last month’s driver recruitment announcement here.

The US is open for business

On Monday 8th November, the US eased travel restrictions for fully vaccinated visitors from the UK. I’m sure many of our customers will be planning a business trip stateside in the coming months.

Corporate travel abroad for in-person meetings is still so important, and it’s equally important for anyone making a business trip to prepare thoroughly after months of restrictions. Our teams are here to support your business when colleagues start travelling again, please don’t hesitate to contact your Account Manager.

We’re always here to discuss how we can help your colleagues travel safely during the winter months, support events in the lead up to the festive season (Yes, we are already thinking about Christmas) and deliveries – as you ‘snow’ – sorry for the pun – this is the month were sending gifts to colleagues and clients often begins.

Best Regards,

Wesley Bishop

CCO

Wesley.Bishop@addisonlee.com