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As digital trust expands beyond financial services, emerging markets like gaming, automotive, and education are leading. The future is about more than just banking, it's about securing digital identities everywhere.

💡 Good to Know

• Learn essential business planning for third-sector funding with expert Deio Jones in Conwy.

• Connect with London's top tech innovators and investors at The Nest's exclusive rooftop gathering.

• Design the future of rural jobs with Northumberland leaders at The Cheviot Centre to connect local talent with employers.

🔍 Today’s Focus:

• Good to Know: Business planning tips with Deio Jones.

• Daily Spend Watch: £2.02B awarded, focusing on healthcare and digital transformation.

• Opportunity Picks: £150M kitchen supply contract.

• News: AI in public services, pension reforms, and new AI evaluation guidelines.

• Tech: AI-powered app generator and mobile solutions.

Let’s dive into the details👇

DAILY SPEND WATCH

📊 Public Sector Spending Analysis: Contracts Finder Report January 27, 2025

Market Analysis

Total awarded: £2.02B across 269 contracts.

Procurement activity on January 27th, 2025, shows a strong focus on healthcare modernization, with significant investment in medical equipment and facilities. Infrastructure spending remains robust, indicating a continued commitment to public works projects. Digital transformation continues to be a priority, with substantial investment in IT services and systems. The high total value suggests strong public sector confidence at the start of 2025.

OPPORTUNITY PICKS

Cirrus Consortium Kitchen Supply Framework 2025

Opportunity Overview

• Value: £150M

• Contract Type: Supply and Installation

• Key Focus: Kitchens, appliances, and related services

• Location: England, Scotland, Wales

💡 Winning Strategies: Leverage Sustainability

As the demand for greener solutions intensifies, placing a heavy emphasis on sustainable products and processes, such as energy-efficient appliances, low-carbon materials, and waste-reduction initiatives, will significantly improve your bid’s attractiveness to public sector clients.

NEWS 

💡 AI: Transforming Public Services

Councils are harnessing AI to transform public services, targeting £45B in savings under the Plan for Change. From smart sensors detecting falls to chatbots speeding up requests, innovation is key. What’s ahead: scale proven AI tools, focus on proactive care to ease pressure on services, and collaborate across councils to share successful solutions and maximize impact.

💼 Pension Reforms: Boosting Growth & Pensions

New pension reforms aim to unlock billions, fueling economic growth and boosting workers’ pension pots. Changes allow 75% of schemes in surplus (£160B) to invest in businesses or provide higher pensions. Businesses gain flexibility, driving innovation and funding public services. The next steps include consultation on surplus policies to remove legal barriers and secure member benefits.

🚀 New Guidelines to Evaluate AI in Government

The Evaluation Task Force has released guidelines for assessing AI tools' impact in the public sector, recommending Randomised Control Trials to measure both intended and unintended outcomes. This aims to ensure safe, accountable AI adoption while keeping pace with private-sector innovation. CDDO will assist in embedding these best practices across government digital processes.

TECHNOLOGY

🤖 Co.dev: AI-powered text-to-app generator using Claude and NextJS

🎥 DeepTrain: Video processing API for training AI models & agents 

🦙Llamao: Private, offline ChatGPT alternative running on mobile devices

TIP OF THE DAY

Engage Local Suppliers

Prioritize Local Sourcing: Actively seek out local businesses and social enterprises for procurement opportunities.

Build Relationships: Foster connections with local suppliers to understand their capabilities and challenges.

Support Community Development: Highlight the economic benefits of local sourcing in your procurement strategy.

Quick Question!

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