UK’s only motorway toll road becomes Chamber patron

The UK’s only motorway toll road is looking to broaden its horizons – by signing up as patrons of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

The M6toll is keen to explore new avenues with fellow members of the Midlands’ premier business group while raising the profile of the 27-mile stretch of motorway first opened in December 2003.

M6toll general manager Michael Whelan said: “At the M6toll we’re keen to strengthen relationships with stakeholders and businesses across the region, and as a previous member of the Chamber we saw value in joining as a Patron, to play a more active role in regional infrastructure and transport strategy.

“We’ve recently invested £20m in new tolling infrastructure, improving the customer experience and, for the first time, we are able to offer much cheaper tariffs to those making short hops on the road, meaning you only pay for the section of road you use. 

“It’s not something people are aware of, and joining the chamber will help spread the word on this, and our ESG initiatives.”

He said the new patron membership of the Chambers would help bosses at the Toll Road interact with other businesses across the West Midlands.

“That is why we are joining organisations like the Chamber – it’s been established for over 200 years, it’s got an outstanding reputation.

“We want to connect with local communities – I am interested in what our customers think and how we can support them.  

“Joining the Chamber gives us the chance to interact, particularly with other businesses – what are their challenges – and we can be a part of it. Being an active participant in the regional business community is a key part of this.”

He said the M6toll are particularly keen to highlight the varied ESG initiatives, ranging from investment in solar technology and EV fleets, encouraging the growth of wildlife, flora and fauna, the legacy of one million trees coming to maturity over the last 20 years, water treatment, bee pollination and other ecology projects undertaken following the development of the motorway.

Henrietta Brealey, CEO of the GBCC, said: “Regional transport connectivity and reducing congestion on key routes are critically important to our business community.

“We are delighted that the M6toll are the latest influential organisation to join GBCC patronage.

“Their work speeds up journey times and takes 15 to 18 million journeys per year off the M6 and local roads, playing an important role in capacity in our road network.

“We look forward to building on our partnership with them and collaborating with our patrons, a collective of the city-region’s most dynamic and civic minded organisations, on helping to shape the future of our great city-region.”

Pictured: M6toll’s Michael Whelan (bottom right) and Joanna Seabright (back left) with the GBCC’s Henrietta Brealey (bottom left) and Raj Kandola