In Q1 2026, the SBIC Innovation Director, Bernard Page delivered a standout example of what embedded, relationship‑driven support can achieve for the community. Through persistent outreach, strategic alignment, and targeted partnership development, he unlocked £5,365 in new funding, strengthened a vital regional charity, and laid the foundations for a long‑term collaboration benefiting families across Greater Manchester.
This story demonstrates exactly how SBIC’s innovation‑led support model generates real-world impact: the right introduction, at the right time, with the right narrative — turning possibility into transformation.
The Challenge
Transport for Sick Children (TFSC) provides free, volunteer transport for sick children attending hospital appointments, truly a lifeline service for families with no access to reliable transport.
But going into 2026, TFSC faced critical hurdles:
- Severe volunteer shortages affecting service capacity
- Limited funding to run proper recruitment advertising
- Not enough internal bandwidth to build corporate relationships or secure sponsorship
- A risk that essential journeys for children would be cut back
TFSC needed external support, targeted guidance, and someone to champion their mission.
The Intervention
Direct intervention from SBIC’s Innovation Director changed the trajectory:
1. Strategic partner identification:
This mapped TFSC’s needs to organisations with aligned community values, identifying Stagecoach as the strongest strategic match.
2. Persistent, high‑quality outreach:
Where TFSC struggled for time and capacity, Bernard was able to:
- Initiate the outreach
- Maintain steady touchpoints
- Elevate the conversation onto Stagecoach’s social value agenda
- Ensure the charity’s mission landed with the right decision makers
3. Brokering and shaping the deal:
Coordinated discussions led by our Innovation Director shaped the partnership value exchange, and secured the full funding commitment for our charity.
The Result: A High‑Impact Partnership
✔ £5,365 secured for immediate recruitment advertising
Enabling TFSC to place larger, multi‑publication publicity campaigns they could never have run before.
✔ Commitment for future volunteer recruitment events
Including support during Volunteer Week — a major milestone for the charity.
✔ Creation of a new CSR menu & sponsor rate card
Setting TFSC up for future fundraising success — a long-term structural capability uplift.
✔ Strengthened community profile for both SBIC and the Innovation Director role
Demonstrating leadership beyond the centre walls and reinforcing SBIC as a hub for meaningful regional impact.
Voices From the Partnership
TFSC:
“Your perseverance made this possible. We now have the funding to run bigger ads and host a volunteer recruitment event we’ve wanted for years. This support will make a real difference to sick children and their families.”
— Marie‑Anne Eckersall, TFSC
Stagecoach:
“It has been a pleasure to support TFSC in their vital work across Manchester. We look forward to continuing the relationship and supporting future campaigns.”
— Marie Steele, Social Value Manager, Stagecoach Manchester
Why This Story Matters:
1. Strategic Partnership Building at Its Best
Turning a cold outreach opportunity into a funded partnership within weeks.
2. High‑Trust Advisory Work Delivering Tangible Outcomes
This wasn’t a signpost — it was hands‑on, persistent, and relationship‑driven.
3. Social Impact That Extends Beyond SBIC
Children get to medical appointments. Families are supported. A charity’s future strengthened.
4. A Blueprint for Future Innovation Director Value
This is replicable, scalable, and demonstrably high‑impact.
They’re always looking for new volunteer drivers too so if you can help, please visit their website for more information.