The reality is that whilst we might be destroying our planet for future generations the current economic environment has the potential to destroy the livelihoods of many people...today.

So what is the answer? Do we put green issues to the side until we are in a more stable economic position, or do we seek to find suppliers who don't force you to choose?

Over the past decade many organisations have sprung up which have firmly hung their hat on the green peg. Whilst they may have, at one time, been considered forward thinking and innovative they could also be termed ‘one trick ponies'. However, all is not lost as true value can be found amongst the organisations who have taken a more balanced approach to being ‘green' whilst continuing to concentrate on providing customers with choice, high levels of customer service and a variety of cost effective options. 

However, how many shareholders would be satisfied that a major contract was lost because a financier was late after being ‘stuck on the tube'? It is a decision which, as with most real-life situations, needs to be flexible and have professional support enabling decisions to be made using logic and not just rules or pre-set algorithms.

The reality is that today's businesses require the support of a private hire provider who is able to offer a range of cost effective and reliable solutions. They need to tick the environmental box but also provide travel management support, clarity over health and safety and also detailed management information.

Big isn't always best but in this case a provider who can provide standard vehicles for executive journeys, has access to an international network to support global travel and also raise the game for visiting dignitaries adds considerable value.

The answer to that question lies in defining what training means. Yes, a full driving licence is a no-brainer but can we really afford to discount elements such as customer service, PCO, vehicle and other relevant legislation and expect to be regarded as a professional industry?

As unemployment figures continue to rise very few sectors seem immune from redundancies.

But what do these figures mean for industries where the barriers to entry are perceived to be very low, if exist at all?

To the uninformed (and I include some private hire operators in that!) the passenger transport industry can seem like an opportunity for individuals who have 2 key attributes 1) a driving licence and b) the desire to earn some cash.

However, as those being made redundant turn to quick fix jobs such as driving will the industry suffer as a result? The industry, as a whole, has been plagued with negativity surrounding illegal mini cabs but there is also the issue of training, or lack of it. Will the increase in the number of ‘new to the job; drivers drive down industry standards? Do career drivers care more than someone doing it to pay the mortgage or make ends meet till they find something ‘better'? And who will suffer? The customer who doesn't get as good a service? Or the career drivers who see their job market flooded with competition?