MacGregor's Bars and New Start Highland Join Forces to Get Staff Cycling, Healthier and Into Work
MacGregor's Bars is building on the incredible success of its Doddie Aid Coast-to-Coast charity cycle by launching a new partnership with New Start Highland that will improve staff wellbeing, encourage sustainable travel and create new opportunities for people entering the hospitality industry.
Earlier this year, more than 100 cyclists took part in MacGregor's Coast-to-Coast Challenge, cycling from Inverness to Oban in support of My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. The event united cyclists of all abilities and raised almost £40,000 to support research into Motor Neurone Disease.
Now the spirit of that challenge is continuing long after the finish line.
Working with New Start Highland, MacGregor's Bars has begun investing in refurbished bicycles for members of its team, giving staff an affordable and sustainable way to travel to work while encouraging healthier lifestyles.
As part of the programme, staff will receive cycle safety training and practical riding advice from several of the experienced group leaders who volunteered during the Coast-to-Coast challenge. Their knowledge and encouragement helped make the charity ride such a success and will now help inspire a new generation of cyclists.
The initiative has been designed with long-term wellbeing in mind. Staff will be able to use the bikes immediately, and those who remain with the business for 12 months will become the owners of their bicycle, giving them a lasting benefit that supports both health and sustainable travel.
The partnership also reflects the shared values of both organisations.
New Start Highland has built a reputation for reducing waste through recycling and reuse while helping people rebuild their lives through training, employment and practical support. By refurbishing bicycles that might otherwise go unused, the organisation is helping create positive environmental and social outcomes at the same time.
MacGregor's Bars is also extending the partnership beyond cycling. The business will work alongside New Start Highland's employability programmes to provide hospitality training, work experience and opportunities for people looking to develop skills and move into employment.
Jo de Sylva, Director of MacGregor's Bars, said:
"The Doddie Aid cycle proved what can be achieved when people come together behind a common goal. We raised almost £40,000 for a fantastic cause, but it also reminded us just how powerful cycling can be in improving both physical and mental wellbeing.
"Working with New Start Highland allows us to carry that momentum forward. We can help our own team become healthier, reduce the cost of getting to work, and at the same time support an organisation that is transforming lives through recycling, training and employment.
"This isn't simply about giving someone a bike. It's about investing in our staff, supporting sustainable travel, and creating opportunities for people who want to build a career in hospitality."
James Dunbar, chief executive of New Start Highland, added:
"Partnerships like this demonstrate what can happen when local businesses and charities work together with a shared purpose. By reusing bicycles, supporting active travel and creating pathways into employment, we're helping people improve their health, gain confidence and build brighter futures. We're delighted to be working with MacGregor's Bars on this initiative."