Cars and other vehicles have been increasingly creating pollution for decades. It’s this increase of harmful emissions in the atmosphere that led to the UK government and some EU countries to introduce a petrol and diesel ban. While there has recently been a move to overturn the ban, there are cities across the taking steps towards reducing pollutants that affect residents.

Will Manchester join these cities? How likely is it that we’ll see Clean Air Zones in the region?

What are Clean Air Zones?

Clean Air Zones (CAZ) are designated areas of a city where there has been a direct move to improve the air quality. Clean Air Zones were originally set to apply to buses, taxis and HGVs. But this was changed to include non-compliant private vehicles. This means that private motorists may be affected by them too.

There are different types of CAZ that are divided into different classes. These classes detail if private vehicles are affected, for instance, motorcycles. The cities that have so far introduced CAZ fall into different classes.

Air pollution in Greater Manchester

According to Clean Air Greater Manchester, air pollution contributes to around 1,200 deaths a year in the region.

Manchester City Council has already taken steps to improve the air quality, listing among other things the funding of the free city centre bus, introducing pedestrianised parts of the centre and improving bus and cycle lanes.

Introducing CAZ in the city remains on the to-do list, however. There was originally a plan in place to set this up in May 2022. But due to major events after the pandemic, such as the cost-of-living crisis, it was agreed that a CAZ at this point could cause “significant hardship”.

While there are financial repercussions of introducing a CAZ at this stage, high pollution levels continue to impact on businesses and communities. There is a deadline in place to have a CAZ ready by 2026, but for those exposed to pollutants every day, it could impact on their health in the meantime.

Switching to EVs

Making the move to electric vehicles now could be a solution in the meantime. The ban on diesel and petrol vehicles may not be introduced for another decade, but getting used to EVs now could help prepare for the phasing out of standard fuel, plus it could bring down emissions in built up areas across Manchester in the meantime.

For those thinking about trying EVs before making the leap to ownership, it could be worth borrowing a friend’s EV to see if it suits you. Taking out temporary insurance and hitting the road for a few hours could be the ideal insight into EVs.

Alternative options

Taking the bus or hopping on the bike might also be helpful alternatives. The free bus that runs through the centre can be particularly helpful if you’ve come into town by train and need to get across the centre.

While the CAZ may still be in the pipeline, there are ways to help reduce emissions in the meantime.

As we approach one year since Investment Zones were first announced by then-chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng in the Autumn ‘mini-budget’, mid-market business leaders in Greater Manchester are encouraged by the blueprint for what it could mean for the selected regions. 

In Grant Thornton’s latest Business Outlook Tracker* survey, 60% of business leaders in the Greater Manchester region said that the introduction of Investment Zones will help towards the government’s Levelling Up agenda. 

Businesses can see benefits to local areas from the introduction of Investment Zones, with a significant number of respondents citing that being located within one of the Zones would help to support the local region, with factors such as job creation and skills development (76%) and be beneficial to local businesses (76%). 

Investment Zones provide a number of financial incentives to local businesses in the area and a clear majority (66%) of Greater Manchester business leaders believe that these incentives, such as Stamp Duty Land Tax relief and 100% Business Rates relief, have been focused on the right areas to encourage business investment. While almost three quarters (69%) also believe that being located within an Investment Zone would encourage businesses to stay within the local area. 

However, the survey also revealed that business leaders in Greater Manchester believe that the twelve proposed locations are not completely adequate, with 72% of business leaders believing that there should be more Investment Zones located in other areas in the UK.   

Currently, eight of the 12 proposed Investment Zones will be in England with at least one of the remaining four in each of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Eight have already been shortlisted in England, including Greater Manchester.  

Wayne Butcher, Director of Public Services Advisory at Grant Thornton UK LLP in Manchester, said:  

“From our latest tracker, it is clear business leaders in Manchester can envisage the benefits the extra funding will have on the city, which will hopefully help drive long term economic growth and increase opportunities for all who are located here.  

“The majority of businesses in Manchester were also extremely optimistic about business revenues and funding for the rest of 2023, which is great to see after a period of economic and political uncertainty we have all been privy to.  

“That said, there’s clearly an opinion from businesses in Manchester that we need more throughout the UK to really have an impact on the overall economy too, and I’m sure some regions will feel as if they have missed out on these much-needed funding pots.” 

In today’s modern work environment, finding the perfect balance between comfort and productivity is paramount.

One key element that can revolutionize your workspace is a height adjustable desk. Also known as an adjustable desk, this innovative workstation allows you to customize the height according to your preferences, promoting optimal ergonomics and enhancing your overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore what a height-adjustable desk is, why you need one, and introduce the Motions Series Standing Desk, a pinnacle of style and functionality in the world of adjustable desks.

Understanding the Height-Adjustable Desk

A height-adjustable desk, as the name suggests, is a desk that offers the flexibility to change its height. Unlike traditional desks that are fixed at a specific height, adjustable desks allow you to modify the working surface to match your preferred sitting or standing position. This adaptability empowers you to find the perfect ergonomic setup for your unique body and work style, promoting comfort and enhancing productivity.

Customized Ergonomics for Comfort

One of the main reasons to invest in a height-adjustable desk is the ability to achieve customized ergonomics. We all have different body types and preferences, and a desk that is too high or too low can lead to discomfort and strain on our bodies. With an adjustable desk, you can easily find the ideal height that supports proper posture, reduces the risk of musculoskeletal issues, and allows for a more comfortable work experience.

Promoting Health and Well-being

Sitting for long periods has been linked to various health concerns, including poor posture, increased risk of chronic diseases, and even decreased life expectancy. On the other hand, standing for prolonged periods can also lead to fatigue and discomfort. A height-adjustable desk offers a solution by allowing you to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. This movement helps promote blood circulation, reduce the negative effects of sedentary behavior, and improve your overall health and well-being.

Enhancing Focus and Productivity

A height-adjustable desk goes beyond physical benefits; it also has a positive impact on your mental well-being and productivity. When you have the freedom to adjust your desk’s height, you can find the position that keeps you most engaged and focused. The ability to switch between sitting and standing can boost energy levels, increase alertness, and combat the mid-afternoon slump. This translates into enhanced productivity and a greater ability to tackle tasks with clarity and efficiency.

Versatility for Different Tasks and Preference

Another advantage of a height-adjustable desk is its versatility. Different tasks may require different working positions. For instance, you may prefer sitting when working on detailed tasks that require concentration, and standing when collaborating with colleagues or during brainstorming sessions. The adjustable nature of these desks allows you to effortlessly transition between various postures, catering to your specific needs and preferences throughout the workday.

Introducing the Motion Series Standing Desk

When it comes to height-adjustable desks, the Motions Series Standing Desk is a leader in both style and functionality. This exceptional desk combines sleek design, seamless height adjustments, and customizable features to provide you with the ultimate ergonomic experience. With the Motions Series Standing Desk, you can effortlessly transition between sitting and standing, enjoying the benefits of a versatile workstation that elevates both your productivity and your workspace aesthetics.

Investing in a height-adjustable desk is a smart choice for creating a comfortable and productive work environment. With the ability to customize the desk’s height, you can achieve optimal ergonomics that promote good posture, reduce discomfort, and enhance your overall well-being. By incorporating movement into your work routine, you can combat the negative effects of sedentary behavior and boost both your physical and mental health. And when it comes to finding the perfect height-adjustable desk, the Motions Series Standing Desk offers a blend of style, functionality, and versatility that will transform your workspace into an ergonomic haven.