We aim to reduce our carbon footprint here at Gregory Accounting HQ but today I had to challenge my attitude. My car is awaiting repair and I had a meeting booked in with a potential client today. It was about 4 miles away so I decided the best thing to do would be to cycle there. But then I started to worry about being unprofessional. How would the potential client feel when I turned up on a bike? Would they think I looked unprofessional? Would it portray an image of someone with little money? Hmm, interesting that in business I have this view of professionalism at the cost of the environment. I donned my city cycling tights and skater dress on, put a change of shoes in my backpack and rode there. And guess what? Not only did I win the contract it was also a talking point with the client as they cycle too. I've not used any fuel AND I get to claim mileage at 20p per mile.
How would you feel if your accountant turned up on a bike? Would you think they were environmentally friendly, unprofessional or just a bit eccentric?