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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Matt is leading techUK’s work with members and stakeholders across the UK to increase the Local Digital Capital across the UK’s nation and regions, build communities and to ensure that digital technology plays a key part the post-COVID-19 levelling-up recovery.
Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked for several national education charities and membership bodies to develop their regional partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and other stakeholders. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services.
He holds a BA in Politics from the University of York and an MA in International Relations from the University of Leeds. Away from work he’s a keen football fan and golfer.
If you’d like to find out more about our work in the nations and regions please get in touch with Matt:
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie Barr
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie is the Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions at techUK.
Working across the two programmes, Stephanie develops activities to support the growth and development of tech SMEs and engages with members and stakeholders more broadly to help strengthen regional tech economies.
Prior to joining techUK, Stephanie worked for a political events company and as a Senior Caseworker for an MP. She holds an MA (HONS) in Politics from the University of Glasgow.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys travelling, climbing and playing squash.
Programme Manager – Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Luke Newcombe
Programme Manager – Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Luke joined techUK in September 2025 as a Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions.
Luke works closely with members and stakeholders across industry and government at local, regional and national levels to support collaboration, drive innovation and strengthen tech-enabled public services. His work supports the development of strong local and regional tech economies by helping organisations to engage with public sector challenges, explore emerging technologies and build impactful partnerships.
Prior to joining techUK, Luke worked at Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government’s export development agency. He began by advising SMEs on export strategy to the UK and later focused on connecting Irish businesses with multinational organisations to foster strategic partnerships, drive international growth and support economic development.
Luke holds an MSc in Political Economy from the University of Amsterdam and a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin.
