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 Is Your Business Ready for the Price Power Play?

With market markups soaring to a 25-year high, the rules of competition are changing fast. Higher prices mean higher stakes—so how will you stand out in a crowded field?

Explore the report to discover data-driven strategies to sharpen your edge and secure your position.

💡 Good to Know

Join STAR Procurement experts for a comprehensive workshop on winning public contracts - covering environmental priorities, social value, and practical bidding strategies. Fully funded for Greater Manchester businesses.

Here’s an overview of recent developments:

• Data Breakdown – £270M+ awarded contracts, trends in infrastructure and digital transformation, and SME-friendly sectors.

• Big Opportunities – £1.28B Derbyshire waste management hub—40-year service contract with huge growth potential.

• Industry Updates – Cybersecurity investments, rural broadband expansion, and UK steel industry revival.

Let’s dive into the details👇

DAILY SPEND WATCH

📊 Public Sector Spending Analysis: Contracts Finder Report January 07th, 2025

Market Overview

With 267 contracts totaling £270,593,558.68, January 7th's procurement data shows a substantial focus on infrastructure and digital services. The construction sector dominates, commanding 40% (£108.1M) of total awards, primarily in building and maintenance projects.

Sector Performance

IT and digital transformation follows with £48.2M across 67 contracts, reflecting continued public sector modernization. Healthcare maintains steady procurement at £12.6M with emphasis on equipment and service delivery improvements. Notable trend: increasing integration of digital solutions across traditional sectors.

Business Landscape

SME accessibility remains strong, particularly in IT and healthcare sectors where contract values average £719K and £269K respectively. While construction shows larger contract values (£2.3M average), the diverse spread of awards across sectors and values indicates healthy market participation opportunities. Regional distribution shows London dominance but with growing investment in Northern regions.

OPPORTUNITY PICKS

Reviving Derbyshire's Waste Management Hub: £1.28 Billion Investment Opportunity

Overview

• Value: £1,280,000,000

• Location: England

• Duration: 40 years (2025–2065)

• Deadline: 6 February 2025, 12pm

• Contract Type: Service contract (Competitive Dialogue)
  
  

💡 One Strategy That Could Set You Apart

Master the Dialogue Stage! Use the competitive dialogue process to uncover council priorities, address their concerns, and refine proposals based on feedback. Focus on presenting innovative solutions that not only meet but exceed performance and sustainability benchmarks. Show commitment to partnership and adaptability, turning risks into opportunities to build long-term trust.

NEWS

🔧 Securing the Future of UK Steel

New Steel Council Launched
The Government has formed a Steel Council to rebuild the UK’s steel industry, safeguard jobs, and boost economic growth. 💼

Key Focus Areas

• £2.5B Investment to modernize steelmaking.

• Collaboration with industry leaders, unions, and experts.

• Strategy launch planned for Spring 2025.

What’s Next?
Stay updated for insights on funding, partnerships, and growth opportunities!

💻 Cyber Boost: £1.9M to Secure UK’s Future

What’s New?
Over 30 projects across England and Northern Ireland will boost cyber skills and defend against threats. Programs target schools, small businesses, and diverse groups—including women and neurodiverse talent.

Why It Matters:
Fills cyber skills gaps, supports economic growth, and creates jobs.

🚀 Ready to level up? Explore cyber careers today!

🚀 Rural Broadband Revolution: £289M Boost

What’s Happening?
Over 131,000 rural homes and businesses will get lightning-fast broadband under Project Gigabit. Four contracts worth £289 million will upgrade remote areas like Dee Valley, Anglesey, and Shropshire Hills.

Why It Matters:
🔹 Faster speeds—no more buffering!
🔹 Supports remote work, education, and healthcare.
🔹 Closes the digital divide for rural Britain.

🌐 Ready to connect? Full gigabit rollout by 2030!

TECHNOLOGY

 🎥 Lyly: AI-powered screen recorder for stunning videos

🤖 MarkeTeam.ai: AI marketing experts team for brand success

📚PackPack: AI-powered creativity organizer for seamless bookmarking

TIP OF THE DAY

🤝 Looking to enhance social value through procurement?

1. Engage Local Suppliers: Prioritize local businesses in your procurement strategy to boost community development and support the economy.

2. Set Social Impact Goals: Establish clear objectives for social value creation within your contracts—measure your impact!

3. Collaborate with NGOs: Partner with non-profits to align procurement practices with community needs and social responsibility.

Quick Question!

We’d love to know how today’s Focus resonated with you! Your feedback helps us make each issue even better. 😊