Research, sponsored by Chiltern Railways, proves that transport is vital to the successful operation of business in London. Some 98% of businesses asked in the London said that transport was either very important or important to their business.

The research was commissioned by the CBI to gain a greater understanding of the links between business and transport usage and attitudes towards transport in the UK. Chiltern Railways was approached by CBI to sponsor the research, as a market leader within the rail industry.

Cath Proctor, Managing Director at Chiltern Railways, said: “Chiltern Railways is pleased to sponsor the CBI’s research because we recognise that successful railways have a major role to play in the economic success of the UK. We are also delighted that we have been recognised by the CBI as one of the market leaders in the rail industry whose contribution to this survey was felt to be valuable.”

“Chiltern Railways is consistently one of the UK’s most punctual train operators, with more than 9/10 trains running on time. With 2 trains an hour between London and Birmingham and frequent services through Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, we offer a vital contribution to the country’s transportation needs both for business and for leisure.”

Sir Digby Jones, Director General of CBI, said: “This survey shows just how reliant UK businesses are on the transport network. It sheds light on the many different ways in which transport impacts on companies, and how they and their staff are adapting in a changing and increasingly technological world. Working with Chiltern Railways on this project made sense – not only are they a personal favourite, but they also offer the kind of reliable, customer focused service that we need to see more of.”

Businesses in London also highlighted the importance of staff travel as part of the job. Some 93% of those asked said this was very important or important to their business’ operations. And nearly two-thirds of those questioned cited that their companies were reliant on key staff commuting long distances to work.

Some of the research’s key findings were:

• Transport and the transport system is critical to British business needs



• Transport uses vary considerably across the country, with rail proving crucial in some parts, especially London



• The overall cost to business of transport-created problems is 5% of the nation’s turnover



• Companies expect transport usage to increase and to make changes to the patterns of use in coming years



• Environmental considerations are a growing influence on businesses’ transport policies