Starling Bank has signed up as the first sponsor of the Greater Manchester Bike Hire Scheme.
The deal was brokered by transport specialist PHAR and will see them rebranded as Starling Bank Bikes.
The biggest sponsorship deal in Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM’s) history, it’s part of a wider aim, to deliver a fully-integrated, London-style transport system.
Money generated will be reinvested into the scheme, supporting ongoing operational costs, such as bike and stand maintenance and future expansion.
“The sponsorship will see the scheme undergo an exciting re-brand to become Starling Bank Bikes, with the full bike fleet, stations and app to get a new look in the coming months,” said Mike Mellor, Head of Commercial Services at TfGM.
“It has been great to work with PHAR on this project and we are really grateful for their hard work in helping us shape and find a partnership that we know will be hugely beneficial for both parties.”
Starling recently announced a new Manchester office, which will employ more than 1000 staff.
“There was no question that Manchester would be home to our next phase of growth; we’ve hired some incredible talent here and have ambitious plans for further job creation,” added Susanna Yallop, Chief People Officer at Starling Bank.
“We look forward to seeing how our investment in Starling Bank Bikes will boost the breadth of the cycle scheme, and Starling’s presence in the north.”
