On your bike! Cycle Ashford campaign launched to encourage more riders

A new initiative to encourage more cycling to work in the borough has been launched by Ashford Borough Council.

Cycle Ashford is a campaign to promote cycling as a key mode of active travel and leisure activity in Ashford. It aims to increase participation from all sections of the community by making it easier for everyone to utilise the cycling infrastructure that is available.

Central to Cycle Ashford is a new website that provides information about cycling in Ashford and also a bespoke route planner. The planner can be used by anyone to find the best cycling routes between any two places, with options to avoid busy roads and steep inclines. It also shows all of the available cycle parking in the area. The route can be downloaded and integrated into digital maps and followed in real time on the journey.

Cllr Steve Campkin, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Sustainability at Ashford Borough Council, said: “Ashford offers safe, scenic and accessible cycling routes for all ages and abilities. Our hope with this campaign is that it will encourage more people to consider using their bikes to get to and from work, support their own physical and mental well-being and take some cars off the road.

“The warmer summer weather is the perfect time to get back into cycling and with our new route planner everyone can find the best way to get from A to B by bike.”

The Cycle Ashford website features case studies of local people who cycle regularly for either business or pleasure and details their favourite rides and experiences to provide first-hand local insight.

The campaign is being supported by Henry Urand, para-triathlon World Champion and Paralympian, and Ashford resident.

Henry said: “Riding my bike has taken me around the world to compete in major competitions, but some of my favourite routes are in and around the Ashford area. Growing up in the borough, there was nothing I loved more than exploring on my bike, and I still do most of my training following routes around the area.

“I hope that the Cycle Ashford campaign will encourage more people with the option to commute to work to get on their bikes and explore the fantastic local cycling routes we are blessed with, while also improving their fitness.”

Cycle Ashford will be providing information on routes, promoting cycling events, signposting to local cycling services, as well as sharing hints and tips from local cycling enthusiasts.

The campaign can be followed on social media, or see the website at www.cycleashford.org.uk.

Clients will be the winners as payroll business deal reached

Advo One Limited has completed a deal to buy the Surrey based payroll bureau, Pay-Nex Limited.

Advo, established in 1997, focusses on HR and payroll allowing SMEs the same access to essential employer services as their PLC counterparts.

Pay-Nex process a diverse range of payrolls, attractive to Advo with its focus on SMEs. It also works with accountancy firms, a speciality of Advo, and sectors including hospitality and care where Advo has considerable expertise. Staff will be retained with Pay-Nex’s Managing Director initially remaining to ensure smooth integration. All Advo’s clients have access to bespoke HMRC and BACS-approved software, providing unrivalled levels of flexibility with managing their payroll while using other market software where suitable.

Advo’s HR service delivers all the protections and advantages of having an in-house human resources team.

Pay-Nex becomes part of Advo’s payroll division, with clients benefitting from wider services including technology platforms and HR support.

Commenting on the acquisition, Larry Bulmer, Advo’s CEO said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Advo and Pay-Nex clients too. They will have the same client care with access to wider Advo services including HR advice and our technology platforms. Pay-Nex’s expertise and wide range of clients will be a strong addition to Advo.”

For more information visit www.advo.co.uk