Why Modeshift Matters to its Partners

The Houses of Parliament was the stunning venue recently for the 25 year anniversary celebrations of Modeshift, the UK’s professional body for those working in the sustainable everyday travel sector.

Here at Brightwayz our relationship with Modeshift goes back almost to the start and we were the first ‘corporate partner’ (although it feels strange to be called a ‘corporate’ when we are a not for profit social enterprise). 

So I was really pleased to be invited to say a few words representing all the corporate partners at the event. I was in excellent and very familiar company as alongside me was Paul McConnen from East Riding Council representing all local authority partners and Emily Cherry, CEO of the Bikeability Trust representing charity partners. 

We were all given the same three questions to each respond to in our allocated two minutes: when did we join Modeshift, what is the greatest benefit and what has been the most memorable moment. 

As my comments were not just about our partnership with Modeshift but about why Modeshift matters to any corporate partner, I’m sharing them again here…

“Hello, I’m Alison Holland, founder of Brightwayz social enterprise.

Modeshift Partner Beginnings

I joined Modeshift in 2004 when we started Brightwayz then know as Brightkidz, and Modeshift was then known as UK LAST. I was introduced as ‘the mum who started a walking bus, set up a website about it and sells walking bus waistcoats and stickers’. And I was the first unofficial exhibitor -  rocking up at a meeting in Peterborough and asking if I could put our walking bus waistcoats on the back table. 

There are three things I most love about Modeshift:

Like-Minded People

Firstly it has connected me to so many like-minded people who really care about finding and sharing good solutions to the challenges we have making everyday journeys greener, healthier, safer and more equitable for all.

Different Insights into Active Travel

Secondly I love that Modeshift members come from such an array of backgrounds - not just local authorities but schools, charities, not for profits like us, hospitals, universities and the commercial world. We all have different perspectives and bring different insights. 

Building a Green Economy

Thirdly, I’ll speak on behalf of all the corporate partners - as those of us with products and services to offer that support the sector are known. I love the fact that we can easily connect to the people who need our products and services. It means we can reach you efficiently, get good insights into your (our customers’) needs and together can find the right solution.

The active travel investment that goes in at the top has an impact you may not realise as it trickles down and helps boost financial resilience of businesses like ours. 

We are all building the ‘green economy’ which brings long term sustainability and positive growth to our society - financially, socially and environmentally. 

So thank you all for supporting the corporate partners with your custom. It means a lot to us all. 
 

The Final Roar

Finally my most memorable Modeshift moment was in Birmingham when I realised my inner dragon when I was volunteered on stage with Dave from Histrionics and had to roar. 

So on behalf of all the corporate partners - we love working with you all - and let’s work together to continue to make Modeshift a roaring success.”

As I left the stage there was a request to hear my roar so luckily Dave was nearby and joined me in together obliging very loudly….ROOOOOAAARRRRR!!
 

Here at Brightwayz social enterprise we love to provide information and tips to help you, your colleagues, friends and family travel in safe, active, sustainable ways for everyday journeys.

Our unique range of products is here to help support your active travel campaigns and 100% of profits from sales is ploughed back to support the work we do. Take a look at our range here and find something to help you inspire others to travel in good ways.