Bath-based Wessex Water has won two awards for its efforts to make its business travel more sustainable.
The firm, which employs 2,290 people – many of them at its Claverton Down operations centre south of the city – topped the ‘Organisation of the Year’ and ‘Best Newcomer’ categories at the annual Travelwest Business Travel Awards. 
The awards celebrate exceptional projects which embed the concept of sustainable travel by organisations from across the four local authority areas making up the Travelwest area – Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Wessex Water operates a free bus service for staff to its operations centre every 20 minutes from Bath city centre and Odd Down park and ride.
A record number of businesses competed at the awards, which took place at the Guildhall in Bath, across a range of categories, showcasing the multiple ways that travel modes can be influenced to have a positive impact on health and the environment.
Recognition was given to motivational campaigns and travel champions who could influence behaviour change, while others noted organisations that provide a high standard of support and facilities for employees that use sustainable methods.
Formal travel plans, which demonstrate good planning for the business and the wider communities, were rewarded through official accreditation, with Bath Spa University gaining gold level, B&NES Council receiving a silver star level and the city’s recently opened Apex Hotel attaining bronze.
B&NES council leader Tim Warren said: “I was extremely pleased that Bath and North East Somerset was the host for this year’s awards, reflecting the increasing importance of sustainable travel to maintain healthy lifestyles and a vibrant economy.
“To see so many organisations from our region in the running, not to mention the success of Wessex Water winning ‘Organisation of the Year’, highlights the culture shift taking place to tackle the problems that face us in managing traffic better.”
West of England Mayor Tim Bowles added: “Tackling congestion is a key part of ensuring future economic growth in the West of England. It is good to see so many local businesses playing their part in dealing with the challenges that we face, helping us to maintain our attractiveness as a great place to live and work.”
The full list of winners is:
Best newcomer
For organisations newly offering support and encouragement to employees to reduce travel by car.
Winner: Wessex Water
Highly Commended: Forestry Commission
Most improved workplace
Recognising improvements in the workplace environment to encourage sustainable travel.
Winner: University of Bristol
Highly Commended: Nisbets
Best motivational campaign
Recognising success in motivating staff to make and sustain behavioural change.
Winner: Pukka Herbs
Highly Commended: DAC Beachcroft
Most innovative measure
For organisations that have developed an innovative technique, product or service.
Winner: SevernNet
Highly Commended: Go Travel Solutions
Sustainable Travel Champion
For individuals who have shown outstanding commitment to sustainable travel.
Winner: DAC Beachcroft
Highly Commended: SevernNet
Organisation of the Year
For the organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to sustainable travel.
Winner: Wessex Water
Travelwest Business Travel Plan Accreditations
Apex Hotel: Bronze Level
Edwards: Bronze Level
Bath & North East Somerset Council: Silver Star Level
Bath Spa University: Gold Level
Lyons Davidson: Gold Level
Travelwest is the partnership between Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils, working with the Department for Transport to encourage and support sustainable travel.
