Groupama employees get on their bikes
16 May 2008
Employees at Groupama Insurances are getting on their bikes to reduce carbon emissions and improve their well-being through a new cycle-to-work scheme being piloted by the insurer in conjunction with Halfords.
Over 800 employees are being offered the opportunity to cycle to work rather than use a car or public transport. This will be particularly beneficial for those living in close vicinity to one of Groupama’s 6 centres in the UK.
Through the scheme with Halfords, Groupama will purchase bikes and equipment on behalf of employees, the cost for which is simply repaid interest-free by way of salary sacrifice over a maximum period of 12 months.
Paul Picknett, Corporate Services Director said. “This is a great tax and National Insurance free opportunity to buy a bike and equipment and Groupama is happy to fund it. It’s all part of our commitment to be a good corporate citizen and a great place to work and supports the Government’s Green Transport Plan, by promoting healthier journeys to work. We have been pleased with the interest generated by the pilot launch and anticipate further take-up at the next opportunity for staff to sign up, in October 2008.”
END
May 2008
Notes to editors
Cycling ‘2gether’ with Halfords
Halfords pioneered ‘Cycle2Work’ in the UK and now provides the UK’s largest compliant cycle-to-work scheme to over 300 blue chip companies through a nationwide network of 408 stores. Groupama has negotiated a special arrangement with them to support its scheme.
Groupama Healthcare is the UK's 8th largest health insurer and is centred in Letchworth.
Groupama Healthcare is the specialist health insurance brand of Groupama Insurances, one of the UK's leading general insurers. In addition to health insurance, the UK group offers motor and home cover and also provides insurance protection to a growing number of smaller UK businesses.
The company employs over 800 staff in the UK and is an accredited 'Investor in People'.
Award winning
Groupama Healthcare won the "Most Innovative New Product" Award at the Health Insurance Awards 2006 for Santé by Groupama Healthcare.
Groupama Insurances was winner of the 'Claims Initiative of the Year' Award in the 2007 British Insurance Awards, 'Company of the Year' Award in the Insurance Day Awards 2005, winner of the 'E-Business Award' in the British Insurance Awards 2005 and was 'Highly Commended' in category for 'General Insurer of the Year' in both 2005 and 2006.
Groupama Insurances was also 'Highly Commended' in the National Business Awards 2005 in the 'Best Use of Technology' category.
An impressive pedigree
Groupama Insurances is part of European financial services giant Groupama, an international insurance and financial services business that generates annual revenues in excess of 14 billion euros.
Groupama is the second general insurer in France and the country's number one individual health insurer.
Visit www.groupamahealthcare.co.uk or www.groupama.co.uk for more details about UK activities or go to www.groupama.com for further information relating to the worldwide group
For further press information please contact Alison Reeson, Antonia Connolly or Sarah Samee at HSL on 020 8977 9132 or at hsl@harrisonsadler.com