Maxson Goh reports from the Young Bus Professionals spring conference held in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
The County Hotel in Newcastle-upon-Tyne was this year’s venue for the Young Bus Professionals (YBP) Spring Conference, held over two days on the 26 and 27 February. This is one of two conferences planned annually by the informal not-for-profit organisation, with the 2025 autumn conference set to take place in Southampton later this year. The events begin with an optional depot visit and a distinguished after-dinner speaker on the first evening. The second day features a keynote address, presentations from industry professionals, and an interactive workshop where delegates collaborate in groups.
CBW attended the second day of the event, which opened with remarks from Roger French, an industry veteran and YBP Patron. Roger began his address by asking attendees about their thoughts on the hotel and sharing his astonishment at a £3 price tag for a tiny packet of crisps from the minibar, drawing laughter from the delegates. He then asked how many were first-time attendees, with about half the room raising their hands. Roger remarked: “Hopefully all of you will meet friends in this industry that you will have for the next 50 years. It is a very friendly industry, but we are aware that the nature of the industry is changing rapidly. There is a lot of talks among governments now to ‘take back control,’ which grants them the rights to key operating decisions, rather than the bus operators having full control, which will undoubtedly affect the decision making process.”
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