Bikes Exempt from Congestion Charging - In November the message from Transport to London to the Motorcycle Action Group MAG lobbyist Phil Neal was, 'Motorcycles will be exempt from congestion charging.' The fantastic news came as stunning vindication of the unassailable logic of MAGs campaign to promote motorcyclists as part of the solution to London's congestion and pollution problems. MAG urged all bike couriers to support the organisation in its efforts to build on this victory and reinforce the identity of motorcycling as not only a valid but a preferred choice of transport.
Norris takes top spot for Motorcycles - The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) Appointed Steve Norris as their new president at the end of 2000. Steve former Conservative Transported Minister and ex director general of the Road Haulage Association began work in the new post by opening the International Bike Show at the NEC in Birmingham.Steve had already shown support for the courier industry, he had presented awards at the National Courier Awards in 1998.
HMS Belfast for National Courier Awards - The 2000 National Courier awards were held on HMS Belfast with a key note address from Despatch association President Lord Falkland. The decks of the mighty battleship were awash with the courier industry who celebrated their highest levels of achievement on a hot June evening.
National Courier Network Century - NCN chairman Simon Bliss opened the 100th depot of the National Courier Network in Chelmsford, early 2000. Marketing manager Sharon Morgan spoke of potential e-commerce driving home deliveries into the network and growth from strength to strength.
National Courier Association Scottish Sell Out - The National Courier Association had a sell out success for their AGM which was held in Scotland with Chairman Dave Vickery at the head. London based Point to Point Couriers became association company of the year and Jacqueline Hope of Eagle Couriers Edinburgh was one of the top people winners.
Parking Wars Solution MAG - MAG the Motorcycle Action Group wrote to local authorities offering to pay for motorcycle parking bays. This brought a fresh innovative approach far different from the Despatch Associations head to head court battles on parking tickets. MAG went on in 2000 to blitz the Corporation of London with protests in response to a harsh anti motorcycle stance in their Unitary Development plan for the City.
Courier Adverts leave Peterborough - EMAP Motorcycle News courier industry situations vacant advertising left its age old office in Kettering to take up space alongside other glossy titles of the EMAP empire in their posh Peterborough location.
TNT Marathon - TNT couriers provided 400 tonnes of drinks on the morning of the Flora London Marathon to drinks stations on the famous runners route. A further 50 tonnes of registrations packs were delivered by TNT.
Business Post E Commerce - To exploit online shopping Business Post rebranded its home delivery service to HomeServe.net. Peter Kane commented, 'The Business Post board remains committed to growing the core business of express mail and parcel delivery, but we will adapt to meet the e-commerce opportunities that arise.'
