Sir Robert Peel, twice UK Prime Minister, once said that "What Manchester thinks today, the world does tomorrow."

 

So it was fitting that the CIHT FUTURES workshop programme got underway with a session in Manchester on 2 October. 

 

Professor Glenn Lyons led a useful and enjoyable session drawing on his scenario planning in New Zealand. This illuminated the breath of different possible transport futures we face, and encouraged participants to explore their own biases and breadth of experience in assessing how well-prepared they, the profession, and the UK are to respond to these.

 

The process highlighted some interesting differences between the views of members in the three different age groups – as well as within each age group!

 

Reflection on policy and practice also explored the capacity and ambition of different areas to respond differently, and in some cases seek to shape, their own transport futures. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) - who have used scenarios in their own current strategy process - were well-represented, alongside private sector and local authority members. Two Institution past Presidents – Chris Jackson and Alastair Haydock – also participated, setting a high bar to other workshops to aim for!

 

Participant feedback from the day, included:

“a well-run, excellent event with a good range of participants giving depth of experience”

“a strong basis for CIHT strategic planning to respond to the future trends and needs of members”

“it is clear from the workshop that CIHT is a very outward focusing organisation that recognises transport overlaps and links to many other professions and areas of society”

 

Glenn was assisted in facilitation by Lynn Basford of JMP and Andrew Hugill and Duncan Neish of CIHT’s staff. The team would like to express their gratitude to Ed Downer, Chair of the North West Young Professionals Committee for his invaluable assistance in organising the workshop, and to his employer, Jacobs, for providing the space. We’re also grateful to Hayley Palmer, Vice Chair of the North West Committee for her welcome to participants.

 

The next workshop is in Bristol (20 October) with many more in the following few weeks. Members are encouraged to register their interest via the project webpages.

 

CIHT FUTURES is supported by JMP Consultants Ltd.