BA conference 2023; developing a greener, more equitable industry

The UK Bicycle Association met last week for its 2023 Annual Members’ Conference, ‘working together to grow the UK cycling market’, with 150 delegates representing more than 90 cycling brands and businesses.

The largest ever gathering of cycle industry leaders under the BA banner, the Members’ presentations and discussion focused on how to lead the cycling industry out of a turbulent year.

The day-long conference, held in Birmingham, included panel discussions, new announcements and projects. The BA Market Data Service presented its 2022 full year report, Riding Out the Storm, with Head of Insights John Worthington taking members through exclusive analysis of sales data. The afternoon saw an update on the BA’s Industrial Case for Cycling project, ahead of the launch of this crucial initiative for summer 2023.

The agenda also included learning clinics focused on technical and regulatory headlines, diversity and inclusion, e-bike battery collection and re-shoring.

Steve Garidis, Bicycle Association Executive Director, said: “We are thrilled to have had this kind of record turnout for our conference, the first time we’ve had to open a waiting list. This is testament to the commitment that the cycling industry has to recover after a difficult year, and to explore every growth opportunity available for cycling in the U.K.”

Nikki Hawyes, Country Leader at Cycle Sports Group, said:  “I came away from the BA Members’ Conference feeling energised by the initiatives in the BA pipeline and the collective industry will to tackle our challenges and redouble efforts to get more people cycling in the U.K.”

Panellists and speakers at the conference included:

• Danny Williams – CEO, Active Travel England
• The Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP, Minister of State (Decarbonisation and Technology)
• Diane Wehrle – Marketing & Insights Director, MRI Springboard
• Nikki Hawyes – UK Country Leader, Cycling Sports Group
• Adam Tranter – West Midlands Cycling & Walking Commissioner. Founder & CEO Fusion Media
• John Worthington – Head of Insights, BA
• Paul Kenchington – Managing Director, The Bicycle Chain
• Nadine Thompson – EMEA Commercial Director Outdoor & Cycle, Pentland Brands
• Lisa Hopkinson – Transport for Quality of Life
• Jerry Lawson – Chief Frog, Frog Bikes
• Mark Urbanowski – Warwick Manufacturing Group
• Lee Kidger – Managing Director, Raleigh UK
• Members of the Bicycle Association

As part of its commitment to championing the sector, supporting members and helping shape the bike industry of the future the next BA members meeting will be held this summer.

To learn more about how to join, click here.