On Thursday 10th July, the Women in Bus & Coach (WiBC) Northern Region brought together 25 members of our growing regional community for an inspiring afternoon of networking, shared insight, and connection in Newcastle.
Attendees joined us from all corners of the sector, including operators, consultants, supply chain partners, and Transport Focus, reflecting the diverse roles, perspectives and lived experiences that make our industry so vital.
The event was a vibrant reminder of the power of regional connection and of the difference we can make when women and allies come together to share, listen, and lead.
Our guest speaker, Heather Jones, Head of Enhanced Partnerships at the North East Combined Authority, shared her reflections on the power of visibility and reminding us why inclusive leadership matters:
“At work we see many women in senior leadership roles. We have a supportive environment. Today is a fantastic opportunity to meet people and discover all the different roles available in the sector.”
These themes echoed throughout the afternoon. From frontline voices to policy professionals, attendees shared honest reflections, personal experiences, and words of encouragement.
Joanna Falk from Backhouse Jones spoke about the importance of empathy and accessibility in leadership:
“People trust us with their problems; we need to be accessible and flexible. Every day is different, and I love it.”
Anna Malone from Liverpool City Region encouraged us to think think boldly about inclusive design:
“What might we do differently if we had more gender balance? Design things differently perhaps?”
And Anna Courtier from First Bus summed up the spirit of the day:
“I love the sector and I’m learning every day.”
Held in the relaxed, welcoming surroundings of the Crowne Plaza Newcastle, the event created space for new connections, honest conversations, and shared ambition — all essential to building a stronger, more inclusive future in the bus, coach, and community transport sector.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their stories, and helped make this such a meaningful afternoon. This event is part of our ongoing commitment to regional connection and inclusion, ensuring that women in every part of the UK feel seen, heard and supported.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our next event. Stay connected, share the word – we’re better together.
