A recent survey has revealed that a third of business owners and managers in the north have switched their company vehicles to more fuel efficient models.

The research was carried out by specialist business cash flow provider Bibby Financial Service

It also shows that 54 per cent of all small companies claim to have changed the way they approach business travel purely because of their concern for the environment.

Scarborough Green Party Councillor Dilys Cluer said: "Taking a greener approach to travel is very important as travel constitutes a big percentage of the amount of global warming gases that are produced in this country.

"I think it's important to cut back on travel not just for the environment but also as it will save a lot of cost for companies. It is a win win situation."

The survey also found that 30 per cent of business owners and managers are trying to cut down on face-to-face meetings by opting for conference call, while 25 per cent take the train wherever possible.

Looking at the business sectors, it was revealed that finance companies are demonstrating the highest level of environmental concern, with 82 per cent of owners and managers having actioned some form of environmental policy for business travel.

At the other end of the scale, two thirds of businesses in the construction sector reported that concern for the environment has not had any impact on their approach to business travel.

The survey concluded that the companies most likely to embrace environmental issues are those firms that have started out in business since the year 2000.

Of these, nearly three in 10 have changed their company vehicles to more fuel-efficient models and nearly a quarter have introduced environmentally friendly policies, such as car share schemes and cycle to work initiatives.