An event co-created by Credo Asset Finance and Anglia Car Charging, two leading Norwich businesses, helped promote the benefits to the environment and to businesses of switching to electric vehicles and renewable energy.
The event brought together local motor dealers, sustainable energy providers and industry-leading expert guest speakers to highlight the attractions of an electric future.
34 electric vehicles (EVs) were on show from more than a dozen motor manufacturers at The Nest, the Community Sports Foundation’s new hub at Horsford, near Norwich. Most were electric cars but there were also electric vans, a couple of motorbikes and even a small digger which highlighted the range of EVs now available.
When asked about the event, Richard Seppings of Anglia Car Charging explained:
“Driving Business Green is about encouraging employers to adopt a carbon reduction strategy. It is SO important. Whilst I don’t believe there is a single person ignoring environmental concerns, the problem is in knowing where to start. Driving Business Green is all about knocking down those perceived barriers – and using the electric car as a way of making the whole process fun and exciting”.
Reflecting on what was believed to be one of the first event of its kind in Norfolk, Managing Director of Credo Ian Tims said: “It’s just brilliant that we have managed to bring so many local businesses and our business partners together and support what is going to be a major part of everyone’s life going forward when everything is electric. It’s all about trying to make this big leap for people as easy as possible by giving them the knowledge and confidence to perhaps consider it.”
Speakers covered a wide range of green energy topics including the environmental benefits and how businesses can play their part, the planned switch to EVs with the 2030 ban on selling new pure petrol and diesel vehicles, the charging network and financing the switch to a greener energy.
Ian said tax benefits and cost savings can make switching to running electric cars and vans renewable energy more affordable for businesses.
“We have seen businesses going back to having company cars but a lot of people are not aware of the tax incentives and very low benefit-in-kind rates for employees driving electric vehicles.
“People moved away from having a company car because of the BIK tax implications but now there is an incentive to go back to having one if it is pure electric.”
Speakers were:
- Alex Cliff, Norfolk County Council highway network and digital innovation manager – plans for the EV charging infrastructure in Norfolk.
- Peter Frost, Suffolk County Council environment strategy officer – low carbon business practices.
- Darren Handley, head of infrastructure, grants and delivery at the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) – a national overview of Government plans for switching to EVs.
- Richard Seppings, Anglia Car Charging – making EVs work for your business.
- Mary Schofield, a tax partner from accountants Lovewell Blake – EVs and tax savings for businesses.
- Members of the Credo Asset Finance and Credo Eco Finance spoke about financing the electric future.
Credo’s Marketing Manager Fran Brown was pleased that the event attracted more than 100 visitors and how attendees took advantage of the opportunity to explore the options for their specific needs directly with the experts.
She explained that the idea for working together on the Driving Business Green event had grown out of Anglia Car Charging installing EV charging points at Credo’s office near Norwich Airport.
“We have already decided to make it a regular event, with the great advances being make in EV technology and a host of new models coming to the market”, she added.
The Driving Business Green event also helped Norwich City FC’s Community Sports Foundation, which is Credo’s chosen charity, by raising awareness and money. CSF helps more than 38,000 people every year achieve their goals through sport, supporting some of the most disadvantaged, disabled and talented people across Norfolk.
For more information and advice go to www.drivingbusinessgreen.co.uk and https://carboncharter.org/
Credo’s specialist advisors can offer no-obligation advance on EV and renewable energy options. Its finance packages can also include the cost of fitting EV chargers at home or business premises. Call 01603 381955, email [email protected] or visit the website at www.credoassetfinance.com
