Event round-up: Analysing Local Government Tech Spend and Speed Networking, October 2024
On 1st of October we hosted an event on local government technology tech spend which provided attendees with valuable insights into the latest trends in the sector, helping them identify key areas of focus.
Attendees gained a better understanding of the size of the local government tech market, highlighting key buyers, suppliers, and upcoming pre-procurement opportunities. This event was an opportunity to look at the latest local government tech spend, enabling attendees to understand what the key trends are and where they need to focus their attention.
We heard from Alison Young, Associate Director for Local Public Services at techUK whotalked about the interesting few months we have seen for the local public services sector (and wider public services), with local elections, a general election, a new government, party conferences and the budget coming, as there has been a certain amount of distraction and uncertainty. This month, the focus is on the budget as we know local government is waiting to see what their budgets are and where, cuts might need to be made, and resources focused. Coming to the end of party conference season, where the techUK team has been very busy! Initial signs are that the new government wants the tech sector to succeed and grow but aligned with labour values - equitable and sustainable with a focus on responsible innovation, especially for the public sector.
Cameron Major, Sales Director at Oxygen Insights, presented data on public contracts and spending outlining the state of local government IT and tech. Outlining key trends we have seen over the past 12 months, to understand the size of the local government tech market, who are the biggest buyers and suppliers are and current pre-procurement opportunities. His analysis gave attendees a clearer picture of the significant players in the market and emerging opportunities. He showed that after the covid acceleration, the ICT spend is now in slower growth in local government over medium-term. The data also shows that the most local gov spend is in health and social care.
We continued the conversations with a fireside chat with Tom Somers from, Director for UK&I at SkenarioLabs and Paul Moorby OBE, CEO at Chipside about the work they do with local authorities across the country and how tech and digital innovation will shape the delivery of local public services focusing on resilience and cost effectiveness.
Cinzia Miatto, Programme Manager for Justice and Emergency Services at techUK, provided a few highlights from their programme’s work which focuses on:
Procurement (important also in light of the new procurement Act) – When looking especially at the blue lights markets, the feedback received is that procurement processes are quite hard to navigate – different processes, different frameworks. What we are trying to do with the programme is to “demystifying procurement processes”, supporting those blue light suppliers and providing the information needed – especially when looking at the SME community.
Recently there have been some changes for policing and fire and rescue procurement processes. Some of the responsibilities that were held by PDS and NFCC in relation to procurement, have now moved over to Blue Light Commercial.
Blue Light Commercial, a central body established by the Home Office and Policing sectors to support with commercial services. There is a briefing planned for October 16 looking at what are the actual changes and what is the impact in the market.
Digital Skills – in the last years there has been a significant increase in focus on digital skills, across blue lights and criminal justice sectors. It has been recognised the importance of building digital capabilities, not only for those working in the sector and those with DDaT roles, but also looking at upskilling prison leavers. How can we make sure that prison leavers have the tools/skills to reintegrate in the workplace once they leave prisons? So it’s really looking at the broader definition.
AI - which represents a potential game changer for public sector, especially when looking at policing – in the last years the discussion has revolved around live facial recognition, case management, predictive policing, generative AI.
The National Police Chief’s Council lead for AI has mentioned about the importance of looking at AI to make policing more effective. What we can see in the policing sector in relation to AI there are mixed views. Some police forces that are embracing it and are happy to try and adopt new technologies, while others haven’t started yet or are in a middle ground. Obviously when looking at the sector there are limitations that involve the fact that forces operate in different ways, there are different budgets, but also different approaches at leadership level (it’s a sector that is continuously scrutinised and there is proper fear of failure and of losing public trust).
Other priorities to look at in the sector are:
Data sharing and interoperability – especially when looking at policing there is a lack of data sharing that results in rekeying of data, multiple logins; Data can reside “in-silos” leading to duplication, inconsistency. Hence why we are talking about interoperability, as it could provide access to local regional and national information across multiple agencies (not only policing, but looking at connecting the whole criminal justice system, but also support agencies, NHS, councils, social services). Looking also just at the victim’s support in cases of violence – how can we promote the “tell me once approach” making sure the victim does not have to go through the same story over and over again, which causes distress?
Cybersecurity – Another important area especially within policing and fire and rescue services.
National Policing Cyber Security strategy – which sets out the priorities and strategic directions for policing.
Fire standards – Digital and Fire Cyber Standards
Please get in touch with the Justice and Emergency Services team if you would like to get involved with their activities or their interoperability forums as they have just ended their two-year tenure with the interoperability for policing working group which has done a fantastic job.
Overall, the event left attendees better informed and equipped to navigate the dynamic local government tech market.
We concluded the event with a networking session which allowed members to showcase their innovation and capabilities and how larger companies can improve the services they deliver to local government through taking advantage of what SMEs can offer. It was a way for both sides to expand the network of companies that they work with.
We would like to thank everyone who joined us in London!
If you would like to participate in a future similar event please get in touch with Ileana at [email protected]
Ileana Lupsa
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
Cinzia joined techUK in August 2023 as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager.
The JES programme represents suppliers, championing their interests in the blue light and criminal justice markets, whether they are established entities or newcomers seeking to establish their presence.
Prior to joining techUK, Cinzia worked in the third and public sectors, managing projects related to international trade and social inclusion.
Alison Young is the Associate Director Local Public Services.
Alison has background in International Trade & Investment, with experience in the public, private and third sector, advising on international trade, new markets, inward investment and working closely with UK cities and regions around investment into innovation and partnerships and technology. Prior to joining techUK, she has her own consulting business and was Head of Global Investment with the Connected Places Catapult. This role had a focus on FDI around the built environment and mobility, working across NetZero mobility projects in the UK and globally. She worked closely with the Innovation Districts Group, to foster and network of knowledge sharing and helped set up the Freeport Innovation Network, to foster innovation in the context of freeports with a focus on investment.
She spent six years living and working in the Middle East, with the Department for Business and Trade. Based first in Oman, leading on a number of sectors, from Education to Infrastructure, then based in the UAE, setting up the Technology and Smart Cities sector, with a core focus on AI and Fintech.
She is passionate about economic growth for the UK, to create jobs and opportunities; the green agenda and the decarbonisation of transport. She has a degree in Russian Studies MA, from the University of Edinburgh and is currently learning Arabic.
Our Local Public Services Programme helps techUK members to navigate local government. We champion innovation that can create truly digital local public services helping to create thriving, productive and safer places for all. Visit the programme page here
Future Gazing: Where next for local gov tech in 2025?
Join us as we once again put the spotlight on local government tech innovations, reflect on the digital trends and make our predictions for 2025. Plus, we see if the predictions for 2024 were correct!
Get involved with techUK’s Local Public Services Committee (LPSC)
The work of the LPSC cannot be done with collaborating and hearing from the wider ecosystem of local government, government and industry. That is why it has also launched a Local Government Leaders Forum where councils will be able to present either the challenges they face or share digital ideas and strategies which industry can validate and feedback. This is also a safe space to discuss practical barriers, problems and experience in a non-commercial setting.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Alison Young is the Associate Director Local Public Services.
Alison has background in International Trade & Investment, with experience in the public, private and third sector, advising on international trade, new markets, inward investment and working closely with UK cities and regions around investment into innovation and partnerships and technology. Prior to joining techUK, she has her own consulting business and was Head of Global Investment with the Connected Places Catapult. This role had a focus on FDI around the built environment and mobility, working across NetZero mobility projects in the UK and globally. She worked closely with the Innovation Districts Group, to foster and network of knowledge sharing and helped set up the Freeport Innovation Network, to foster innovation in the context of freeports with a focus on investment.
She spent six years living and working in the Middle East, with the Department for Business and Trade. Based first in Oman, leading on a number of sectors, from Education to Infrastructure, then based in the UAE, setting up the Technology and Smart Cities sector, with a core focus on AI and Fintech.
She is passionate about economic growth for the UK, to create jobs and opportunities; the green agenda and the decarbonisation of transport. She has a degree in Russian Studies MA, from the University of Edinburgh and is currently learning Arabic.
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
Tracy supports several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Cyber Security, Defence, Health and Social Care, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
Georgina is techUK’s Associate Director for Local Public Services
Georgina works with suppliers that are active or looking to break into the market as well as with local public services to create the conditions for meaningful transformation. techUK regularly bring together local public services and supplier community to horizon scan and explore how the technologies of today and tomorrow can help solve some of the most pressing problems our communities face and improve outcomes for our people and places.
Prior to techUK, Georgina worked for a public policy events company where she managed the policy briefing division and was responsible for generating new ideas for events that would add value to the public sector. Georgina worked across a number of portfolios from education, criminal justice, and health but had a particular interest in public sector transformation and technology. Georgina also led on developing relationships across central and local government.
If you’d like to learn more about techUK, or want to get involved, get in touch.
