National Painting & Decorating Show 2024
Large industries are slowly waking up to the need for a new, more sustainable way of doing business, thanks to the growing general awareness, but mainly because of rising consumer demand. The paint industry is no different. I was invited to do two talks, over two days, at the National Painting and Decorating Show this year, to introduce our green operation model, with all its advantages and all the challenges we face on the way to becoming truly green. I talked about the paint and fillers we apply to our clients’ properties, and all the nasty chemicals we try to stay away from. I also talked about avoiding single use plastics and using durable, locally manufactured tools which allow us to beautify homes around York and Leeds.
Most importantly I tried to introduce the use of cargo bikes as the new, truly sustainable city mobility option which not only helps keep the noise and emissions away from the urban areas, but is also an ideal congestion remedy – especially in medieval areas with limited space, such as York. Most of the current cargo bike discussion is focused on last mile deliveries. This is obviously an important step towards limiting lorries and vans from entering cities, however there are other very numerous, mostly diesel vehicles which cue to get in on daily basis – trade and small business vans.
Convincing people to try cycling is an uphill battle globally, but it is even more so with trades. I understand the van is a base, it’s an office, a shelter from the elements, and a tool storage.
By now, however, there are ample examples, mainly from Western European countries, demonstrating how every kind of operation can benefit from utilising two wheels powered by muscle.
From a locksmith service in Copenhagen, a furniture maker in Paris, a chimney sweep in Germany, to bakeries, florists, window cleaners and more, businesses are giving up on sitting in traffic, and are opting for a way of reaching their customers which keeps them fit, both mentally and physically, which also shows their clientele they truly care, and which allows them to cut back on the running costs.
With the average motorised traffic speeds in the UK cities hovering under 20 MPH, this solution should be a no-brainer.
I also tried to introduce a way sole-traders and businesses can operate in multiple cities while utilising cargo bikes as the primary vehicle within the urban areas. Because I don’t live in York, when I started using the cargo bike in the city, I paid for a storage unit in Clifton Moor. This didn’t make sense long-term, as I had to drive on the ring road North from A64, only to then cycle South, back into the city. That is why I designed a quick release system for the large box on my bike and had a custom roof carrier made. This allows me to park just off the motorway, quickly change over, and cycle the rest. This solution saves time, takes another vehicle from the overloaded infrastructure, and keeps the emissions away.
It also gets the bicycle noticed and serves as a mobile marketing tool. It’s a happy medium solution for people like myself, who do a lot of work in York but don’t live there.