Annual Summit 2025
Women in Bus and Coach Annual Summit 2025 – Driving Change
On: Tuesday 30th September 2025
At: BT, Three Snow Hill, Birmingham
Time: 09:30 registration | 10:00– 16:30, followed by Networking & Drinks Reception until 17:30
The Women in Bus and Coach Annual Summit is our flagship event, bringing together women and allies from across the bus, coach and community transport sector.
This year’s theme, Driving Change, reflects our mission to create a more inclusive, supportive and dynamic industry.
Hosted by BT at Three Snow Hill, Birmingham, the Summit is a full day of inspiration, action and celebration — including keynote speeches, interactive panel sessions, and the prestigious Women in Bus and Coach Awards 2025.
From drivers, engineers and frontline staff to managers, executives and community transport leaders, the Summit is a unique opportunity to connect, share insights and shape the future of our industry together.
A huge thank you our host sponsors BT and all our summit sponsors
Agenda Highlights
09:30 – Registration
10:00 – Welcome with Compere Emma Hignett followed by Jane Walker, BT and our Chair of Women in Bus and Coach, Louise Cheeseman
10:20 – Keynote: Anne Shaw OBE, Executive Director, Transport for West Midlands
10:30 – Keynote & WiBC Ambassadorship: Loveday Ryder, Chief Executive, DVSA
10:45 – Panel: Inspiring the Next Generation
11:20 – Keynote: Marie Daly, CEO Transport for Wales; Chair of Women in Rail
11:50 – Panel: From the Front Line
12:25 – Speaker: Kathryn Pulham, Pulham Coaches
13:40–14:20 – Industry Speakers: Kim Ward, Lucy Reynolds, Carla Thomas MBA, Julie Hartley
14:50 – WiBC Awards 2025
15:50 – Announcements & New Initiatives
16:20 – Keynote: Nigel Wood, WiBC Ally
16:25 – Closing remarks: Louise Cheeseman, Chair of WiBC
16:30 – Drinks Reception
Compere
Emma Hignett
In 2006 Emma’s voice was tested on London Buses’ route 149 as part of the new iBus announcement system – it got the thumbs up. She has since voiced more than 70,000 transport announcements, and, as the voice of London Buses, the city’s Overground Trains, Riverbus and the Elizabeth Line, she is heard daily by more than 8 million travellers in the capital. Not to be limited to London, she now also voices routes for Go North East, East Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Transpora.
She records in her purpose-built studio at home, and runs her voiceover business alongside a public relations consultancy.
Keynote Speakers
Anne Shaw OBE
Executive Director, Transport for West Midlands
Anne Shaw OBE has worked in public sector transport since the 1990s, inspired by her family background and education to make a difference for people, communities and the environment.
She began her career as a drainage technician at Birmingham City Council, progressing into highways and transport roles where she led teams delivering policy, strategy and modernisation programmes. As Assistant Director of Transportation, she oversaw initiatives such as Birmingham Connected, the Cycle Revolution and the early requirements for the city’s Clean Air Zone before joining the West Midlands Combined Authority in 2017.
At Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), Anne first served as Director of Network Resilience, creating the Regional Transport Coordination Centre to keep the region moving during incidents and events. She later led the planning and delivery of transport operations for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, ensuring safe, sustainable travel for over a million spectators and staff.
Appointed Executive Director of TfWM in 2022, Anne now leads strategic transport planning and a £6bn investment programme driving sustainable growth and innovation. She is Deputy Chair of the Urban Transport Group, a CIHT Fellow and Council member, and was awarded an OBE in 2023 for her leadership of the Commonwealth Games transport programme.
Loveday Ryder
Chief Executive, DVSA
Loveday Ryder was appointed as the new Chief Executive of DVSA in January 2021 and was new to the transport sector. Since joining, she has led the agency through a challenging period of rebuilding testing capacity post-pandemic, particularly focusing on car practical test waiting times which have remained a challenge. She has worked closely with industry to improve commercial vehicle testing services and continues to promote safer roads through strategically targeted enforcement and promotion of the best and safest operators through DVSA’s Earned Recognition scheme. Within the agency, she has focused on delivering efficiencies, whilst improving services for customers.
In her prior role, Loveday was CEO of BPDTS Ltd, providing specialist digital technology services to the Department for Work and Pensions. Previously, Loveday spent 12 years in the Ministry of Justice, where she successfully served in several senior roles, most notably as Programme Director for large, multi-agency, digital transformation programmes.
Before joining the Civil Service in 2006, Loveday had a broad management consultancy career, specialising in organisation design, process improvement, change management and programme delivery. Her early career was as a chartered civil engineer, working in both design and construction.
Marie Daly
Chief Operating Officer, Transport for Wales (TfW)
Marie has more than 17 years of experience in the rail industry and a strong track record in operational leadership, customer excellence and cultural transformation. Her career includes pivotal roles including, Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Chief Customer and Culture Officer at TfW and Service Delivery Director at Greater Manchester’s Metrolink during times of transformational change for both organisations.
Since joining TfW Marie has led major initiatives, including the transition of the rail franchise in 2021, developing a new operating model and strengthening partnerships with trade unions. Her leadership has driven significant customer improvements, such as the introduction of the first customer proposition framework, the opening of two new transport interchanges and enhanced event management, boosting customer satisfaction.
As Chief Operating Officer, Marie is instrumental in driving TfW towards its vision to become a multimodal transport operator, focusing on delivering service excellence every day to enhance the customer experience.
Marie is also Chair of Women in Rail where she actively champions and amplifies the voices of women within the industry
Nigel Wood
Independent Transport Consultant / Advisor
Formerly served as Area General Manager at Go-Ahead London, Managing Director at Go-Ahead Singapore, and Chief Operating Officer at RATP Dev, now First Bus London.
Extensive knowledge of Operations in the TfL-tendered markets of London and internationally.
Driven by a passion for operational and engineering excellence, always placing customer safety and satisfaction at the heart of every decision.
Extensive experience across Operations and Service Delivery, People Engagement, driver well-being, and Communication, often within complex and unionized environments.
Proven track record of driving performance improvements and managing change at all levels as the bus industry evolves and technology advances.
Panels & Speakers
Inspiring the Next Generation
Leora Wilson
Analyst, Mott MacDonald/Coach Travel Group
Leora is an Analyst at Mott MacDonald, having come into the industry through an Apprenticeship. Starting in 2021 as a Transport Planning Apprentice, Leora has a passion and is developing her capabilities in Transport Planning and Operation for Sports and Major Events. She thoroughly enjoyed her time as part of the Player’s Transport Team at Wimbledon this summer!
In addition to her role at Mott MacDonald, she now Co-Chairs the Department for Education’s Apprenticeship Ambassador Network for London, looking to give back, inspire the next generation of apprentices and show how life changing apprenticeships can really be.
Following her Apprenticeship, Leora had the fantastic opportunity of joining The Coach Travel Group on secondment for 6 months which has been a career highlight of hers.
Dr Sarah Shaw
Director, The Logistics Institute at Hull University
Dr Sarah Shaw is Director of The Logistics Institute at Hull University and Reader in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, specialising in carbon mapping, reporting and ESG transformation. She works with major FMCG organisations including Team GB, Wren Kitchens, The Royal Mint, Kersia Group and Birds Eye Peas to support their sustainability goals.
A member of Hull University’s Sustainability Board, Sarah is also a Fellow, Board Director and Trustee of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Before moving into academia, Sarah gained over 15 years’ industrial experience in senior UK logistics roles, with expertise in operations management, transport and performance measurement. She won ‘Leader of the Year’ at the 2017 Women in Logistics Awards for her voluntary work with CILT encouraging young people into the sector, and was a finalist in the 2018 Women in Business Awards – Humber, in the ‘Women Breaking Boundaries’ category.
Sarah leads on multi-disciplinary sustainability research and has published widely, including work featured in Emerald Gems. She also helped develop the Supply Chain Leader Professional Degree Apprenticeship, supporting organisations to use the apprenticeship levy to address the UK logistics skills gap.
Candice Mason
Owner Masons Coaches & WiBC Director
Candice is owner of Masons Coaches of Tring, Hertfordshire. Masons operates a fleet of 25 vehicles, providing school transport, contract services, private hires and a programme of day trips and holidays. Candice entered the industry 10 years ago. The business has tripled in size since her appointment. Candice has had a pivotal role within the coach industry during the pandemic, campaigning hard for the industry, and engaging the contribution of trade bodies and government figures to support the industry. Candice rallied to get a national survey completed showing the value of the industry and coordinated the whole industry to get involved in a national marketing campaign. With a background in education and apprenticeships the training and development of staff within the business has been one of her proudest achievements.
Rachel Mostyn, Co-founder, Women’s Work Lab
Rachel Mostyn is co-founder of the award-winning Women’s Work Lab, a social enterprise launched in 2019 that has already supported over 600 mums back into work. Recognised by the Prime Minister and celebrated for its impact on women’s lives, the Lab runs transformative programmes that rebuild confidence, develop skills, and connect mums with employers who embrace flexible working and nurture talent. By partnering with forward-thinking businesses, Women’s Work Lab creates opportunities for women who might otherwise be excluded from the workforce, helping to unlock untapped potential and drive social change. A former national newspaper journalist and mum to three teenagers, Rachel brings lived experience and perspective to her mission of ensuring that every mum has the chance to thrive in work and beyond.
Cassandra Jefford, Operations Manager, National Express
Hi, I’m Cassie and I am an Operations Manager for National Express, who I joined just over 3 years ago. I began my career as a bus driver with Arriva 23 years ago before moving over to Metroline and driving buses in London. During the 17 years spent with them I progressed from a driver to Garage Administration Supervisor role until 2020 whereby I took a change of professional direction, diving into the retail and logistics industry. However, after 2 years away from my true passion the calling of the Bus and Coach industry was one I could not resist and so I returned with full enthusiasm, joining National Express in 2022. I am a mum to a very testing 13 year old boy (who I have affectionately renamed as Kevin) and dog mum to my 11 year old pointer, Moose.
Victoria Armstrong, Chief Executive of the Community Transport Association & WiBC Director
Community transport is about providing flexible and accessible community-led solutions in response to unmet transport needs. As Chief Executive of the CTA (Community Transport Association) Victoria is passionate about leading a thriving community transport movement in the UK and believes that everyone should be able to access transport which meets their needs. Prior to her current role, Victoria was Chief Executive of Disability North, a regional user-led charity promoting inclusion, independence and choice for disabled people and their families by providing information, legal advice, and support on any aspect of disability and health. Victoria also has significant experience of innovation, research, project design and delivery as an independent consultant to a range of voluntary sector organisations, and in 2016 was awarded a PhD in applied social sciences and mental health from Durham University. Following completion of a qualifying law degree in 2004 Victoria also has valuable experience of working in social welfare, community care and public law. Victoria’s career has been driven by a motivation to create positive change, collaborating across disciplines and sectors, and with an unwavering commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
From the Front Line
Kathleen Lyons
Chief Executive Officer, Westway Community Transport
Deputy since 2006, in 2019 I became CEO at Westway CT – a social enterprise Community Transport (CT) Operator based in West London. Made up of two entities, we provide both ‘not for profit’ and commercial transport across several boroughs on behalf of the voluntary, statutory and private sectors. Our services include a volunteer car scheme, shopper and excursion buses, S19 community minibus hire and TfL DaR routes, ‘O’ licence home to school and PCO NHS contract work. I first became involved in community transport, as the minibus driver of a Women’s Aid Refuge minibus who moved on to set up a Women’s Safe Transport Scheme for a central London CT, which subsequently tasked me develop and manage for seven years a ‘one stop shop’ for individual and group transport. Fired up by the positive social impact of such projects, I worked as the CTA London Development Officer for a further seven years providing advice, training, and supporting the establishment of seven CT Organisations across the capital. I then spent three years as the founding CEO of one of these. I remain a passionate advocate for CT and its place in the wider transport mix, through my role as Chair of a strategic forum and CT rep. on the WiBC London Region Group.
Alicia Lawrence,
Engineer, Go-Ahead Group
My career path started as a car mechanic where I did a 3-year apprenticeship in light vehicle and worked as a humble car mechanic before being told about an opportunity on the buses. I applied for the apprenticeship at Go-Ahead London and was successful. I then completed my second apprenticeship, now in Bus and Coach engineering maintenance and repair. After completion I worked in our Camberwell depot for 4 years before progressing onto an engineering auditor role. This mostly involved carrying out quality checks on the vehicles ensuring the maintenance the engineers were carrying out, was to standard. I also carried out pre delivery inspections on new vehicles ensuring they were mechanically sound and built to the spec we ordered. In my current role I mentor the engineering apprentices, hopefully making their 3 years enjoyable but most importantly creating top class engineers by the end.
Danielle Curtis
Engineer, Go-Ahead Group
I came into Engineering via an apprenticeship at the age off 33. I completed my apprenticeship with East Yorkshire, part of Go-Ahead. I have had some incredible opportunities such as being selected to take part in the IRTE skills challenge, spending 3 months working for Go-Ahead London and being seconded into a workshop managers position. These opportunities have allowed me to develop my knowledge and progress my career. I am now working as an apprentice recruiter / mentor with Go-Ahead Group. This involves taking part in careers fairs and events with groups and schools across the country to share our new and exciting apprenticeship with people who are looking for a career in engineering. I am really enjoying this role and see it as an opportunity to have a positive impact on the industry.
Carole Stevens
Operations Manager, Go-Ahead & Co-Chair, London Region Women in Bus & Coach
Carole is General Manager at Go-Ahead London’s Putney Garage, providing services on behalf of TfL in some of London’s most iconic tourist attractions, such as Knightsbridge, Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Piccadilly Circus.
Starting out as a bus driver at 18, Carole has also worked for First Bus, Stagecoach, and City Sightseeing throughout her career. Her journey has included time as a coach driver whilst working towards becoming a transport manager and was fortunate to get a once in a lifetime opportunity to work as a Divisional Manager, at the London 2012 Olympic Games. With extensive frontline and management experience across operations in local bus, regulated operations, and coach operations, Carole understands firsthand the opportunities and challenges women face in the bus and coach industry.
Carole is Co-Chair of the London Region of Women in Bus and Coach and is a strong advocate for inclusion within the industry, having a particular interest in gender bias and everyday sexism. Her leadership and commitment to diversity was recently recognised when she won the Driving Inclusion Award at the London Bus Awards 2025.
At this year’s Summit, Carole brings both frontline and strategic insight to the conversation, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for women in operational roles and the importance of inclusive leadership in driving change across the industry.
Justine May
Depot Supervisor, National Express
My name is Justine, I have been in the bus and coach industry for just over 25 years. A majority of those within the London Bus sector and recently the coach sector. I started as a trainee bus driver and eventually progressed to service controller, Assistant Operations Manager to where I am today as a Senior Operations Manager. In that time, I also held the position of Union Convenor for supervisory, training and admin grades. I always say that I have grown up in this industry and have seen many changes over the years. I love what I do with a passion, and love leading large teams. I am now involved with WIBC on the London Regional Committee, the Sub Coach Committee and co-chair for the Events Committee. My other passions are my two beautiful Rottweilers and biscoff cheesecake.
Louisa Juniper
Depot Supervisor, National Express
I am the Senior Coach Station Manager overseeing National Express customer service operations at London Victoria and Golders Green Coach Stations. My team annually serves approximately 4 million customers departing from these London terminals. With five years of experience in public transport, I am passionate about my work and thrive on being at the heart of operations for customers. Outside of work, I am an avid runner and am currently training for the Big Half Marathon in London
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Bobbie Enright
Zero Emission Bus Development Manager, Transport for London & WiBC London Co-Chair
Bobbie is currently a Zero Emission Bus Development Manager at TfL, working alongside colleagues to decarbonise the London bus network. Bobbie has previously worked for a London bus Operator where she was responsible for safety and environmental compliance. The bus industry was an accidental career choice but 6 years into a 3-month temporary role she is happy to have found a welcoming and supportive community and is excited to see the industry continue to develop. Alongside her day job, Bobbie is co-chair of the Women in Bus and Coach London Regional Working Group.
Industry Speakers
Kathryn Pulham
Director, Pulham Coaches & WiBC Coach Subgroup Chair
Kathryn has over 17 years of experience in the bus and coach industry, building extensive knowledge across transport compliance, DVSA Earned Recognition, customer service, HR, payroll, health and safety, finance, business systems, project management, and staff engagement. She is a strong, driven leader, committed to excellence and creating a positive organisational culture.
Kathryn is the founder and Director of BluClarity, where she supports bus and coach operators in achieving exemplary standards of transport compliance, gaining DVSA Earned Recognition, and strengthening their governance and operational processes. She also works with Go-Ahead, using her wide industry and operational knowledge to support business functions across the group, with a clear understanding of the full operation from the ground up. Kathryn is delighted that Go-Ahead champions her leadership as Chair of the Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC) Coach Subgroup, enabling her to advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in the sector.
Beyond her professional work, Kathryn is passionate about supporting her local community. She serves as a Director of Bourton Business Network, bringing businesses together to share opportunities and knowledge, and is a founder member and Chair of Headspace, a youth mental health charity in the Cotswolds, working to create meaningful support systems for young people.
Kathryn holds a degree in Psychology and is a qualified Designated Safeguarding Lead, underlining her commitment to wellbeing and safety. She is also a licensed PCV driver, giving her valuable hands-on insight into the operational realities of the industry.
In January 2026, Kathryn will become President of the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), where she will play a key role in championing the industry and shaping the future of passenger transport in the UK.
Kim Ward
Lothian Community Transport Services (LCTS) & WiBC Award Winner 2024
I am the Chief Executive for Lothian Community Transport Services (LCTS). We are committed to providing high quality and reliable passenger transport services across Edinburgh and The Lothians. People are always surprised when I tell them that community transport is primarily about people and how we can connect them better to people, their community and opportunities – rather than the actual fleet we use! I am passionate about equality and particularly supporting women to achieve their potential. Women in Bus and Coach has been doing incredible work over the past two years to raise the profile of women in our industry and it was an honour to be named the 2024 WiBC Woman of the Year in Community Transport.
Dr Lucy Reynolds PhD
Founder and Director of We Are All Disabled CIC and Chair of Disability North
Lucy Reynolds PhD is a social entrepreneur, public speaker, academic researcher, blogger and advocate for disability rights. She is Founder and Director of We Are All Disabled CIC and Chair of charity Disability North. Lucy is passionate about changing perceptions of disability through sharing the insights and knowledge gained from her PhD research and first-hand through her own experiences as a disabled person. Lucy’s blog ‘We Are All Disabled’ which she started writing during the first national lockdown, aimed to explore, challenge and change perceptions of disability during a time when everyone was marginalised from society and experiencing exclusion and isolation. The success of the blog led to We Are All Disabled being awarded CIC status in July 2021 and the development of the ‘Disruptor’ programme and workshops which challenge organisations to think differently about disability through opening up conversations and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, in order to create real, positive cultural change. Lucy has delivered inspiring presentations at many key regional and national events including DRUK, NADP and IGPP national conferences and has taken part in numerous panel discussions, podcasts and TV interviews. She has also consulted on several ED& I projects including NHS disability awareness training and the Virgin Money Inclusion programme. Lucy was very honoured to win the Inspiring Female for Small Business awarded by the North East Chamber of Commerce 2023 and last year she was a finalist in the Northern Power Women Awards. Lucy and We Are All Disabled were also shortlisted for the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 Awards.
Carla Thomas MBA
Senior Leader, Openreach
Carla has worked for over thirty years in telecoms, nationally and globally but always male-dominated. Carla started her career as a part time contact centre agent and has worked her way through a variety of roles currently she is the Director of Customer and Operations in Openreach. Carla has three children, many animals and a patient partner. Carla always looks to pay it back and offer support and guidance to others in their career – simply because so many wonderful people have helped her along the way. Carla’s motto is ‘say yes and be you!’
Julie Hartley
Sales Director, Irzar UK
Having served an Apprenticeship at Massey-Ferguson in Coventry and a further 9 years at Volvo Trucks in Warwick, I began my career in the bus and coach sector 27 years ago, when I joined Dawsongroup as an area sales executive for the Midlands, responsible for renting buses and coaches. Subsequent roles included coach sales for Mercedes-Benz (EvoBus) and MAN as well as 4 years at Expo Management (now part of Diversified) as Sales and Marketing Manager for Euro Bus Expo and Coach & Bus Live exhibitions. In 2014 I joined Irizar UK as Business Development Manager and became Sales Director in 2018. Outside of work, I live in Warwickshire with my husband of 23 years, Bob. We love to travel and my camera goes everywhere with me. We have two very fluffy white cats called Lily and Luna.
Women in Bus and Coach Awards 2025
The Women in Bus and Coach Awards celebrate outstanding women and allies making a difference across our industry. Six awards will be presented this year:
Best Woman in Community Transport award criteria sponsored by IntSol Recruitment – For exceptional contributions to community transport and inclusion.
Best Woman in Bus award sponsored by CitySwift – For women driving positive change in the bus industry.
Best Woman in Coach award sponsored by Dawsongroup Bus and Coach – For leadership and impact in the coach sector.
NEW: Rising Star Award sponsored by C9 Recruitment – For women showing outstanding potential early in their careers.
The Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill Allyship award sponsored by the Go-Ahead Group – For individuals championing gender equality and inclusion.
Woman of the Year award, sponsored byMCV Group – Our highest accolade, honouring a woman whose leadership and impact are shaping the future of the sector.
