ALBUM approaches

Jonathan Welch takes a brief look at what delegates can expect at the upcoming ALBUM conference

It barely seems a couple of months since the industry gathered in Edinburgh for last year’s ALBUM conference in Edinburgh, hosted by Lothian Buses. As announced at the end of that event, this year’s conference is being hosted by Warrington’s Own Buses over three days on 22, 23 and 24 April, and is taking place at the Carden Park Hotel in Cheshire.

The event is timely for Warrington’s Own Buses, which recently held a launch event for its new fleet of MCV Volvo BZL electric buses, set to start entering service from its newly-built depot in the near future. The organisers promise the event will be an engaging gathering with notable speakers, diverse exhibitors, and entertaining evenings. “The conference will bring together industry leaders to discuss trends, innovations, and challenges in the bus industry. Attendees can expect insightful sessions on topics like funding, electric vehicles, safety, recruitment challenges, and motivation,” says ALBUM. So who are those speakers, and who will be there? As the date approaches, let’s take a brief look…

As in Edinburgh, the headline sponsor is again Volvo Buses, along with its local service partner in the north west of England Thomas Hardie Commercials, with a long list of additional sponsors large and small including familiar names such as Alexander Dennis, Asset Alliance Group, EO Charging, McKenna, Pelican Bus & Coach, Timespace, and many more.

Having worked closely with Volvo and Thomas Hardie on its new fleet, enthusiastic Warrington’s Own Buses Managing Director Ben Wakerley said: “Having Volvo Buses and Thomas Hardie Commercials as the headline sponsors for the ALBUM 2024 Conference is great news. Their reputation for delivering cutting-edge products and outstanding services is known across the industry. This collaboration reinforces our shared dedication to advancing the future of buses in our communities.”

For those of a sporting nature, the three days kick off, if you’ll excused the mixed metaphor, with a golf event and lunch on Monday 22, giving delegates a chance to catch up and network, followed by an afternoon depot tour and an evening of comedy and pizza.

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The opening of the trade exhibition on day two is followed by a welcome from Ben, from ALBUM Chair and Managing Director of Stephensons of Essex Bill Hiron, and from Chair of Warrington’s Own Buses Cathy Mitchell.

Chief Executive of the arms-length operator’s owning body Warrington Borough Council Steven Broomhead will also speak in the first session, as will colleague Steve Hunter from Warrington Borough Council.

Next up will be Karen Camilleri of boutique recruitment agency Camilleri Appointments which specialises in the passenger transport sector; with the growing trend toward franchising, it’s not hard to imagine that her services might be increasingly in demand as the structure of the industry changes.

After a short break, we’ll hear from Shireen Ali-Khan and Iain Smith from Women in Transport, before closing with an address by Alison Edwards of the Confederation of Passenger Transport.

After an evening of light entertainment, day three will open with addresses from Martin Dean, Managing Director for UK Regional Bus at Go Ahead Group, followed by Mattias Rångeby, Senior Vice President of Volvo Global Bus Technology at event main sponsor Volvo Buses. A mid-morning break will offer more time for attendees to speak to the suppliers and manufacturers present before reassembling to hear from Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Lothian Buses, last year’s conference host. Jason Prince of the Urban Transport Group, and another well-known name, Jeff Counsell, EV Director at Warrington’s Own Buses, conclude the morning’s list of speakers

A speaker from a different background will take the stage mid-afternoon; former RAF Chinook helicopter pilot Liz ‘Chinook Crew’ McConaghy had a 17-year flying career, and has since written an autobiography about her experiences. She is also a keen and passionate motivational speaker, with a story which can help to offer hope to those who have also found themselves in difficult places.

The conference will be drawn to a close by Tony Depledge and Bill Hiron, with final words from Ben Wakerley, though delegates have the opportunity to stay for a three course dinner and entertainment in the evening, including an as-yet unannounced after-dinner speaker and an ‘80s disco.

Looking forward to the conference, Chair Bill Hiron said: “The ALBUM Conference is one of the high spots in the bus industry calendar, and the excitement is mounting for this years’ event from 22-25 April hosted by Warrington’s Own Buses in Cheshire, with the theme ‘Moving on Up.’ There’s a range of knowledgeable and informative speakers, an array of top industry suppliers, great food and entertainment, and of course that vital ingredient, the ability to network and socialise with industry friends and colleagues, old and new.

“I love our annual conference. ALBUM does lots of good work to support the SME sector, but this event is perhaps the most high profile, and highlights everything great about our industry. I’m really looking forward to it and hope to see many fellow operators, suppliers and other industry stakeholders, both ALBUM members and non-members, there.”

For anyone who hasn’t decided yet, delegates can book their place right up to the start of the event, though places at the extra social events had to be booked by 15 April. At the time of writing, there was still one trade stand available alongside a long list of suppliers and manufacturers, including headline sponsors Volvo and Thomas Hardie Commercials, along with EO Charging, Pelican Bus & Coach, Asset Alliance Group, Alexander Dennis, Timespace Technology, DawsonGroup, Alfatronix, Passenger, McKenna, Camira, Backhouse Jones, Journeo, Mellor, Ticketer, TransMach and PSV Glass to name-check just some of the list.

In the run-up to the event, let’s take a look at some (but by no means all) of the names who’ll be there…

Alfatronix

Whether you are installing critical radio communications, telemetry, revenue systems, battery protection or CCTV, Alfatronix says that even the best product or newest technology is only as good as the power supply supplying it, which is why its systems use only modern, rigorously tested designs, automated assembly techniques and an award-winning manufacturing system backed up by expert engineering support. It promises short lead times and reliable couriers to ensure operators receive the highest quality product when they need it.

Based in Poole, Dorset, the company says it is proud of its manufacturing capability and the demonstrated expertise and accumulated knowledge across a wide spectrum of industries which all contribute to the success that it is today.

Asset Alliance Group

Asset Alliance Group has recently launched its new vehicle rental offering alongside its existing growing coach and bus finance proposition. The company says it is proud to attend the 2024 ALBUM conference as one of its main sponsors: “The event offers a valuable opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals and establish connections within a network of manufacturers and operators committed to promoting best practices and high-quality bus services. Our collective aim is to encourage greater use of public transportation,” the company says.

“Additionally, attendees have the chance to tap into a wealth of experience, expertise, and support within the network. Throughout the event, our team will be available to provide friendly and helpful advice on financing your fleet. As your trusted partner, we simplify the process, saving you time and money on vehicle sourcing, procurement, and financing. With customised finance options including operating lease, hire purchase, and finance lease, we ensure the ideal fit for your fleet. So be sure to visit our stand!”

Backhouse Jones

Another familiar name, specialist legal firm Backhouse Jones will be at the event. Under the name Backhouse, the company has its roots in the increasing need for legal advice following the introduction of the first Road Transport Act in 1930, since when the firm has been a constant companion of the industry. In 1999 the firm, rebranded as Backhouse Jones, began to develop as a sector-focused law firm providing industry specific expertise with a goal of creating a superior service that does not compromise on performance.

Concentrating its expertise on the road transport sector, the company is regularly appointed to advise trade associations and their members (the CPT, RHA, Logistics UK, BAR and IRTE) and is described by the Independent Chambers Guide as a ‘market-leading practice with specialist expertise across the full spectrum of road regulatory matters.’

Camira Fabrics

Camira is a well-known name across the bus, rail and hospitality sectors. Its fabrics grace many a coach, bus, tram, train and Underground train. It has a long history, in transport, its products originally being part of the Holdsworth family, a business based in Halifax. Founder John Holdsworth was born in 1797 and founded his own spinning mill at the age of 25 under the name John Holdsworth & Company. In more recent years, the company became part of the Camira Fabrics group but has remained true to its roots and continues to develop its range of transport textiles, including its recently-introduced Camira Print range of printed moquette.

Dawsongroup Bus & Coach

Dawsongroup Bus and Coach is a well-known name in the UK rental, hire and leasing sector, offering a range of bus, coach, minibus and accessible vehicles with a variety of specifications for long-term and short-term hire. In fact, the company currently has over 2,000 vehicles on its fleet serving a diverse client base, from local authorities to major UK bus and coach operators.

Dawsongroup also sells vehicles through its Ventura Bus & Coach Sales arm, and can offer funding options through Dawsongroup Finance, whilst its rent to buy option is another which has proved popular.

EO Charging

EO recently published its white paper on breaking down the barriers to electric bus adoption through effective energy management. It is one of many companies which is helping to reshape the way the bus industry functions, helping to power future fleets.

Despite the clear advantages of electric buses, EO says barriers to widespread adoption persist, including constraints such as the availability of charging infrastructure and grid capacity, which remain significant challenges to deployment. Range anxiety too is still a barrier for some, and poses operational challenges for bus operators, particularly those in rural areas; EO will be on hand to discuss its solutions and how energy management holds the key to addressing the lingering concerns surrounding the viability of electric bus fleets.

Pelican Bus & Coach

“We are delighted to attend the Album conference again, and meet up with operators, suppliers – and competitors!” says Pelican’s Ian Downie. “An increasing number of operators are enjoying the benefits of operating zero-emission buses (and coaches) supplied by Pelican. As a 100% UK family owned business which has enjoyed over a century of partnership with operators, our continued investment in people, products and premises reap benefits for our customers. Our product range has continued to be developed, with electric midibus, single- and double-deck buses now completing our bus portfolio. As other marques are leaving the UK coach business we are proud to continue to offer diesel coaches, as well as being the only manufacture that is able to offer zero-emission coaches in the UK.

“The development of our people sees senior female leaders in sales and aftermarket positions, and we continue to invest in the future with 18 apprentices within the business. Our award winning aftermarket service continues to lead the way within the industry, with excellent feedback from our operators. Our vehicles are completed in the UK, with a significant proportion of UK and European content. They are fitted with industry-leading battery chemistry and safety systems from the worlds leading battery manufacturer, bringing confidence on our vehicles that are tested on the testing ground, and not in the market. We now have 180,000 zero-emission vehicles in service, which have completed over 40.7 billion kms of service – our vehicles are the tried, tested and proven zero tailpipe emission option for operators.

“We would be delighted to talk about our products and services, and assist all operators on your journey to zero-emissions.”

Tranzaura

With bases in the UK, Australia and Ireland, digital safety and compliance specialist Tranzaura was founded in 2010 to ‘positively influence all those involved in transport to have a better day.’ This ethos remains at the core of the company’s business as it continues to invest in innovative solutions. Digitilising existing processes isn’t enough, the company says; it wants to streamline and optimise, remove complexity, reduce manual efforts and provide a flexible platform that serves as the backbone to fleet operations.

Backed by a dynamic team of professionals Tranzaura says it brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of both the transport industry and technology space, helping it to offer the most innovative and effective transport solutions in the market.

TransMach Systems

TransMach is a well-known name which specialises in modular and scalable ticketing solutions, and can build the right ticketing system to suit any business requirements using its range of products including on-bus ticket machines and portable ticket machines. It offers numerous integrated ticketing solutions and ways of analysing data to improve functionality and revenue.

Trapeze Group

“Public transport is more than buses, trains and taxis; it’s how we as a society connect families and friends; children with their schools; and workers with the jobs that drive our economies,” says Trapeze Group.

Whilst transport providers strive to deliver mobility, Trapeze says it aims to match that dedication and recognises that it also plays a vital role in this transport ecosystem, and that customers rely on it to deliver the tools they need to do their jobs with ever more efficiency in the face of shrinking budgets at both local authority and operator level. “We are working to increase the effectiveness of public transport; promoting it as not only the transport system of tomorrow, but of today,” the company, which offers driver allocation, scheduling, real time information and Maas [Mobility as a Service] solutions, says.

UrbanThings

UrbanThings is a company which describes itself as building technology solutions for cities and operators, and as transport and technology geeks. “We believe travelling by shared transport should always be effortless, we build innovative technology solutions that make travel efficient for everyone,” it says.

Its technology powers more than 130 million passenger journeys a year across the UK, Europe, and North America, and the company has recently improved its offering with new features to help passengers access instant travel information and improved on-screen information in its apps, including

adding colours to maps to identify individual routes.

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