Starling Bank has become the first sponsor of the Greater Manchester bike hire scheme.

The cycle hire fleet will adopt a new name, 'Starling Bank Bikes', with bikes bearing the new branding set to be seen on the streets of Manchester, Trafford and Salford from February.

According to the bank, the partnership marks the biggest commercial sponsorship deal in Transport for Greater Manchester’s history.

The move forms part of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s ambition to deliver a fully-integrated, London-style transport system.

Starling, which already employs 3,200 people in London, Cardiff and Southampton, recently chose Manchester as the home for its northern expansion.

The new office in St Peter’s Square will house more than 1,000 new roles in the North.

Starling said that money generated from Starling’s sponsorship will be reinvested into the scheme, supporting ongoing operational costs, such as bike and stand maintenance and future expansion.

“We’re delighted to have Starling Bank on board as the first official sponsor of our bike hire scheme," said Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester mayor. “The bikes have become part of the city’s fabric over the last two years and support our Bee Network ambition to deliver transport options that are affordable, convenient and sustainable."

The long-term ambition is to grow the scheme beyond its current footprint of Manchester, Trafford and Salford to other boroughs in Greater Manchester.

“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," said Susanna Yallop, chief people officer, 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.”

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