Freestyle has recently signed up to the 'Cycle to Work' scheme. The government funded initiative is designed to encourage staff to cycle to work (surprise, surprise).

The employer technically buys the bike from a retailer that is part of the scheme. The company then 'lease' the bike to the employee and the employee pays off the bike over the period (usually 12 months). The company can claim back the VAT (if registered) and the money is paid back by the employee under the 'salary sacrifice' scheme ie payment is paid BEFORE tax and NI. The employer also saves on Employer NI contributions. An average tax payer can save 30-40% on the cost of a new bike and associated items eg lights, locks and clothing.

So far, 3 Freestyle employees have taken up the offer.

Paul Brook, Head of PR & New Media comments, "I only live 4.5 miles from work, yet the journey normally takes 25 minutes by car. It takes me exactly that long to cycle in. I’m getting more exercise, saving on fuel and feel far less stressed; I can predict within 2 minutes what time I will be arriving at work – you can’t say the same when travelling by car!"

The two other staff have got a much longer commute so have opted for folding bikes. They will drive into the outskirts of Nottingham and cycle in from there.

It seems like a win-win situation, let’s just hope we don’t have a wet winter!