Go-Ahead has said that it is supporting local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to remain viable and to grow during the pandemic and in the longer-term. Go-Ahead’s commitment to its people, passengers and communities has been highlighted through the sustainability reports of its rail and bus companies, which show how they have worked with local suppliers across the UK, including collaborating with breweries and gin distilleries to produce hand sanitiser and setting up contracts with small cleaning companies to support the enhanced cleaning taking place due to Covid-19.
Go-Ahead has now announced that it will target a minimum of 33% of the spend it directly controls towards local businesses by 2023, that being spending outside long-term contractual such as fuel.
Meanwhile, Go-Ahead says its bus and rail colleagues have brought £1 million worth of social benefit to towns and cities this year through donations, volunteering initiatives and fundraising activities – bringing its five-year total to £5 million. Initiatives include Brighton & Hove bus colleagues volunteering 850 hours over 20 nights for its ‘Santa Bus’, Go North East setting up a bus distribution network to deliver essential items to NHS workers, and rail company GTR collecting over 800 meals for local food banks.
Katy Taylor, Go-Ahead’s Chief Strategy and Customer Officer, said: “Public transport is critical for the health and wellbeing of our communities through environmental sustainability, economic recovery and maintaining vital links with employment, education and healthcare.
“The sustainability reports published today reflect the critical work of our bus and rail companies in helping their local communities, as well delivering cleaner, greener and safer journeys to passengers. Setting a target for local procurement further demonstrates our commitment to the communities we serve.”
