Community Transport Show

15/10/2007

The UK’s Largest Community & Accessible 
Transport Event

5 - 8 November at Manchester Central

Community transport organisations, charities, social enterprises and local authorities are invited to attend and take part in the Community Transport Association’s biggest annual event and conference at Manchester Central, between 5 - 8 November.

 The event will feature: 

• An essential one-day conference on 7 November to examine the opportunities for community transport presented by the draft local transport bill and the Government’s wider plans for social enterprise and public service delivery.  This conference will analyse the main risk areas of financing enterprising community transport, the changing culture of charities and sustainability.  Stuart Hetherington, Chief Executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations will be giving the keynote speech, joined by policy experts and practitioners, who will lead the discussion.

• A major exhibition of accessible vehicles, products and services, including the latest on safety equipment, computer and booking software, financial, technical and consultancy services.  Expert representatives will be carrying out demonstrations and answering questions alongside more than 100 specialist exhibition stands. 
•  A comprehensive programme of 63 seminars and training programmes arranged around transport management, finance, Third Sector legislation, local authority and regional partnerships.

In the centre of the main show hall Allied Vehicles (stand 36) will be demonstrating a range of accessible vehicles, from compact MPVs to larger mini and midi-buses.  On show will be two major new products designed to improve transport options for thousands of wheelchair users across the UK, traveling together with able bodied passengers.

Keith Halstead, Chief Executive at the Community Transport Association, said: “Community Transport 2007 is unique; it is the only annual event organised for everyone involved in community transport.  It offers something for everyone – a member of staff, volunteer, trustee or consultant working across the charity, community transport, social enterprise or local authority sectors. 

“This year the conference will be particularly pertinent, examining the opportunities and risks created by the Government’s expanding plans for social enterprise and the role of the third sector in local service delivery.”

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