Stagecoach Manchester hosted the group’s first Young Managers Network gathering on 21-22 March. The business says that the Network aims to bring together up-and-coming talent “to inspire, self-evaluate, and discuss the future of Stagecoach.”
Besides that goal, the event was also “a key opportunity for our young leaders to network with peers and senior members of the business to aid retention and development,” says Stagecoach Manchester Operations Delivery Manager Richard Greaves (pictured above, left). He is co-organiser of the Network alongside Stagecoach South West Operations Manager Jessica Soord (pictured above, right).
“Inspiration for the event came from Jess and I,” explains Mr Greaves. “We are both advocates of industry networking and we have gained some fantastic connections with likeminded colleagues across the UK.”
Mr Greaves adds that with Stagecoach having many young managers within its ranks, their ability to spend networking time with colleagues and senior leaders is highly beneficial. “It was a no-brainer to bring the future of the business together to share experiences and challenges in a trusted setting, be self-critical, inspire best practice, and motivate our younger managers to challenge the norms of the industry.”
Event majors on people and best practice at Stagecoach
Delegates at the conference took in a tour of Sharston depot, which is home to Stagecoach Manchester’s first battery-electric buses in the form of 32 BYD ADL Enviro400EVs. The famous Wilmslow Road bus corridor was also explored, including examination of how the enduring Magic Bus brand came about.
Speakers on the agenda included Stagecoach Executive Chairman Ray O’Toole, who looked at the future of the group; Regional Director Janine Summers, who explored her journey to that position; and former Senior Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell. Ms Bell discussed the stipulations placed upon operators, particularly around driver shortages and punctuality requirements.
Also presenting were Group Commercial Director Marc Atkins-Turley; Stagecoach South West Managing Director Peter Knight; Head of Safety Peter Jenkins; and Bid Manager Ruth Dhliwayo.
Response from Stagecoach young managers is positive
Feedback on the event has already been positive, with mentoring connections and working groups quickly established, Mr Greaves reports.
Among attendees, Stagecoach East Assistant Operations Manager Hayden Mustafa describes the gathering as having delivered “a lot of content, a lot of learning, plenty of engagement opportunities and as a result, increased knowledge and ambition among colleagues.”
Adds Mr Mustafa: “Trips like this open the mind to possibilities and opportunities.” He has also welcomed the opportunity to network and speak with senior members of both Stagecoach and the wider industry.
It is expected that the Stagecoach Young Managers Network will in person meet biannually, with the next conference planned for October or November. It will potentially be held in Edinburgh to enable the CAVForth autonomous bus project – set to open to passengers on 15 May – to feature.
“We are already in conversation with leading names internally and externally to speak,” adds Mr Greaves. He and Ms Soord will remain as Network leads.
Please note the late-2023 date for the next in-person conference represents a correction to that published in the April print issue of routeone.