11 September 2026 Keeping the social mobility wheels spinning: BAM, our newest cycle challenge sponsor
Clive Hodgeman, Department for Education Framework Lead at construction company BAM UK and Ireland, along with three other colleagues, is taking part in this year’s Milan to Bologna Cycle Challenge. Having formed part of the peloton at last year’s Prague to Munich ride, Clive is back for a second round, bringing a generous helping of enthusiasm with him – and excitement for a flatter route.
For the first time, BAM has stepped up to become one of our Gold Sponsors – but it’s more than just a logo on a jersey. Taking part in the ride gives Clive a great exercise goal and provides BAM with a chance to deepen its connection with both education and social mobility, expanding further into the realm of construction and opportunity.
There is a tangible link between the quality of a school’s environment and pupil performance and behaviour. There are also opportunities in terms of wider social value – there is a very clear alignment with our commitment to social responsibility and inclusion and The Talent Foundry’s mission.
Looking forward to another fun and supportive ride this year, and to an array of delicious Italian delicacies, Clive is excited about the personal satisfaction of completing a physically demanding challenge. When coupled with the knowledge that he will be supporting a worthwhile cause, it’s a double win.
Clive has long worked on projects that add social value and experiences a level of fulfilment working in school construction that he doesn’t see elsewhere. He is convinced that creating new and improved school facilities leads to a direct positive benefit for students and their outcomes and improves the working life of the staff operating them.
Bricks and mortar are not necessarily enough to allow students and pupils to fulfil their potential. We also need to tackle wider inequalities and enable aspiration and opportunity for all.
For BAM, social value is about developing resilient local supply chains and building talent pipelines to help secure the company’s future. BAM’s sponsorship is about directly supporting young people and opening doors to opportunity – as well as raising awareness and connecting more businesses, schools and young people.
The challenge is about people coming together based on shared values and genuine mission alignment.
The thing I took most from last year was the mutual support from all those involved to ensure that everyone succeeded. I wasn’t sure I was going to make it beyond the first day, but it was so well organised and broken down into manageable chunks that I succeeded. The memory of arriving in Munich as a team would be my standout.
Working together to achieve our social mobility mission has never been more important. With over 1 million young people not in education, employment or training (Office for National Statistics), they need our support more than ever.
Teambuilding takes on a new meaning after hundreds of miles of pedalling, and Clive is feeling good about this year’s ride.
I’m not nervous about taking part this year, I’m looking forward to catching up with riders, new and old, and the support team. I’m sure the team spirit will help us all through it again.
In a well-connected construction industry, news about our challenges moves fast, and it’s fantastic to see such an array of riders and companies coming together year after year to support our social mobility vision. This year, we have cyclists doing the challenge from the Department for Education, Reds10, Mott MacDonald, Nexus Associates, Wates Group, Galliford Try and Salesforce. Thank you to our Platinum sponsors Morgan Sindall Construction and Gold Sponsors BAM and Willmott Dixon.
The riders will be taking on 260 miles over three days at the end of September. The fundraising will help young people living in under-served communities to access life-changing opportunities. Clive is proud to be part of the team coming from BAM and to be playing a significant role in opening doors for young people.
We are really pleased to be involved for a second year and to be a sponsor for the first time. The amount of money raised for The Talent Foundry at the previous event was extraordinary, and we look forward to playing our part this year.
Whether it’s the prospect of getting an award at the end of the challenge that keeps the wheels spinning or the thought of the money being raised, we’re proud of every mile the team conquers. Supporting such an important cause is rewarding, and positive energy is a great antidote to tired muscles.
Get ready to cheer on the peloton as they cycle from Milan to Bologna from 25-27 September.