Digital transformation for Manchester charity: BJSS helping communities ride towards a better future
Guest blog by Alex Atkinson, Delivery Manager & Enigma Squad Lead at BJSS #StrongerTechEconomies #Manchester
In late August 2024, Harpurhey & Moston Bike Library, Tech for Good and Manchester Council reached out to BJSS to help in the creation of a new website. BJSS developed the website, laying the groundwork for future digital transformations and identifying opportunities to establish architecture patterns for charities across Manchester.
The effort aligns with Mayor Andy Burnham's cycling initiative, which aims to make cycling more accessible, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance the infrastructure for cyclists in the city.
Empowering the community through commitment to cycling accessibility and education
Harpurhey & Moston Bike Library loans and fixes bikes, holds bike riding lessons, delivers workshops on how to maintain bikes, and leads guided bike rides around Manchester. The organisation helps to get people cycling and takes in bike donations, with mechanics refurbishing and repairing donated bikes to offer on loan.
The charity aims to:
Help people commute if they don't have a car
Enable parents to have a shared activity with their kids
And help people get fitter!
However, they faced one key challenge: the absence of an up-to-date and robust website to showcase everything they offer. With no in-house tech resources, the charity needed an affordable, easy-to-maintain solution that would also be secure, stable, and replicable for future growth.
The BJSS team is currently developing a user-friendly accessible website aimed at bringing all information together and enhancing the Bike Library's service promotion. When fully functioning, the updated platform will facilitate the community's ability to:
Learn about available services
Book bikes and cycling sessions
Stay updated with an event calendar
Access cycling routes via an interactive map
Receive online donations, both financial contributions and bikes
Offer valuable content through an online blog
Track and analyse performance through advanced analytics
Standardise service requests and communications
Enhance promotion and visibility through better SEO practices
Improve accessibility and mobile experience for users on the go
Creating a scalable and user-friendly website
A team from BJSS carried out a discovery session to establish the foundations of what was required. BJSS chose a cost-effective SaaS product, Elementor, a WordPress website creation platform. Using technical engineering and SPARCK expertise, the BJSS team reviewed user journeys, built wireframes, designed content, optimising both the website and brand.
“We needed a stable, affordable SaaS solution that would allow the charity to maintain a quality website without limitations. With support from the Tech for Good Alliance, we chose Elementor, a platform that met all our needs and provided a strong foundation for potential digital growth, all at a cost-effective price.”
Alex Atkinson, Delivery Manager, BJSS
BJSS will spend time with the charity to educate them on how to use and optimise the platform (allowing for futureproofing).
BJSS is helping the charity access the community digitally, making cycling more accessible to everyone, boosting mental and physical health. Phase 2 will focus on developing CRM capabilities to facilitate inventory management and provide a bike catalogue for members.
With over 20 bike libraries in Greater Manchester, the new website will not only benefit Harpurhey & Moston but could also serve as a model for other libraries. By showcasing the technology and digital solutions we’ve implemented, it can inspire other libraries to create their own shared digital space for the community cycling network. This project helps the Bike Library make cycling accessible, fun, and inclusive for everyone.
"BJSS has developed a strong working relationship with the charity. The team has taken the time to understand both their present needs and ambitions, ensuring that both the website and the systems that sit behind it are sustainable as they grow and scale. The team has also considered how the solution delivered for Harpurhey and Moston Bike Library can apply to other, similar organisations and we look forward to promoting and deploying the solution wherever it is wanted.”
Kirsty McIntosh, Head of Partnerships, Tech for Good Alliance.
Is your organisation in Manchester ready for digital transformation? BJSS can help you build innovative solutions that make a real impact. Get in touch here.
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