Zenith Provecta launches bike to work scheme

With a head office in one of the hilliest parts of the UK and a business operating in the motor industry, it might seem a little unusual for a scheme that encourages employees to cycle to work instead of the usual car-based commute. However, Yorkshire-based Zenith Provecta has done just that and introduced a bike to work scheme for all its employees.

Bike to work is a simple and tax efficient means of using a new bicycle through a salary sacrifice mechanism, run in partnership with Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op. The scheme forms part of the company’s corporate social responsibility policy and was introduced through their CSR Focus Group.

Through bike to work, employees choose a new bike which Zenith Provecta buys, along with any related equipment required such as lights and a helmet. The equipment is then leased back to the employee over a set re-payment period of 12 months. The scheme is cost efficient because the cost of the lease to the employee is taken from gross salary, producing tax savings.

Ian Hughes, commercial director of Zenith Provecta, comments: “Our new bike to work scheme has already generated a lot of interest. Our employees are very aware of the advantages of cycling to work, in terms of its impact on the environment and their fitness – and it can often be quicker than using a car on congested roads.”