29 October 2007

RADIO TAXIS GROUP Receives Inaugural ITM Ground Transportation Award

Radio Taxis Group (RTG), one of the UK’s leading ground transport providers, has received further praise for its extensive environmental impact management programme, by being awarded the Institute of Travel Management (ITM) ICARUS Award, in the ’Ground Transportation’ category.

The ceremony took place, not at a glitzy dinner, but in an office just off London’s Oxford Street in front of the ITMTV cameras, thus minimising the carbon footprint.

Paul Tilstone, ITM Executive Director commented,

"The judges, all eminent environmental experts in their fields, marked the entries based on set criteria covering how scaleable, sustainable, innovative, and demonstrable of leadership the solutions were.

The average mark created across the seven categories became the "plimsol line" for this year’s judging and entries below this line were not considered further. This resulted in some categories not presenting a winner where no leadership was demonstrated.

In others, however, where a sole winner was announced without any commended runners-up, the marking methodology demonstrates this winner as being head and shoulders above all other entrants."

On hearing of the award, Michelle Nunan, Head of Marketing at RTG said,

"We are delighted to have been recognised at these important awards. This is further acknowledgment of the hard work we have put into improving our environmental credentials and setting ourselves apart from the competition.

"We are committed to taking responsibility for the effect our business has on the environment. This initiative was the next step - but we are constantly looking for ways to further improve."

Chair of the Judging Panel, Dr Keith Mason of Cranfield University said,
"The judges were particularly impressed by the winner’s involvement in the development and supply of a bio-diesel fuel which is currently available for its taxis.

The company demonstrated leadership in a field not renowned for technical innovation and is commended for its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.

The bio-fuel developed demonstrated a 7% reduction in CO2 emissions but also significant reductions in noxious gasses, and increases in mpg performance of vehicles that use the bio-fuel.

The company is also commended for educating its drivers about the social and environmental benefits of cleaner, less carbon intensive fuels. "

Radio Taxis Group has been recognised by a number of independent awards, including The Energy Savings Trust Best Practice Award, the Business in the Community Awards for Excellence, the Impact on Society Award and the CIMA Financial Management CSR Award.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

  • Formed in 1953, Radio Taxis Group provides a single point solution for all business and private ground transport needs. It was de-mutualised in June 2004.
  • Based in North London with an office in Fulham, Radio Taxis Group’s fleet of over 3,000 vehicles includes chauffeur driven executive cars, black taxis, private hire vehicles (including an in-house driver training school) and a motorbike and van courier service.
  • Radio Taxis Group is the first UK company to offer a fully integrated booking and review system, allowing customers to book online and then quickly and accurately track their usage afterwards.
  • Radio Taxis Group has pioneered sustainable transport systems in the UK. It was the first CarbonNeutral® transport service provider, invests heavily in energy and emissions reductions programmes and has an in-house R&D facility dedicated to reviewing new technologies that target improving environmental performance
  • With over 4,000 corporate clients ranging from leading city businesses to the creative industries and from public sector bodies to charities and football clubs, Radio Taxis Group is one of the UK’s largest ground transport service providers. Clients include EMI Music, Allen & Overy and the British Library.

For further information about Radio Taxis Group, informed comment, interview or images please contact:

Paul Donlon / Oliver Williams (Four Communications Plc)
E: rtg@fourcommunications.com
T: + 44 (0) 870 420 3268