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Breaking into the digital identity market?
74% of firms are UK-headquartered, but international players (especially from the US) are making waves. The market welcomes new entrants – 49% are already on the SME scale! Ready to join?

💡 Good to Know

• Discover how East Anglia's tech innovation can drive inclusive growth with Dame Kate Barker and regional leaders at The Glasshouse.

• Connect with Scotland's sustainability leaders at The Social Hub Glasgow to tackle the green skills gap in construction, featuring insights from Minister Graeme Dey MSP, and industry experts.

• Unlock your path to the growing health-tech sector at this free West Midlands workshop, featuring insights from Prof Martin Levermore MBE and successful startup founders.

🔍 Today’s Focus:

• Tech Innovation: East Anglia's growth with Dame Kate Barker.

• Green Skills Gap: Sustainability leaders tackle the issue in Glasgow.

• Health-Tech Opportunities: Free workshop in the West Midlands.

• Public Sector Spending: £555M in contracts, focusing on infrastructure and healthcare.

• Opportunity Picks: NHS Surgery Framework, £543M value.

Let’s dive into the details👇

DAILY SPEND WATCH

📊 Public Sector Spending Analysis: Contracts Finder Report January 23, 2025

Market Analysis

Total awarded: £555,854,484.01 across 239 contracts.

January 22nd contracts indicate major infrastructure and healthcare investments. Construction leads in South East region. Digital transformation evident through IT contracts. SME participation at 35%. Healthcare procurement suggests medical facility modernization focus. Notable regional concentration with 70% of value in three regions.

OPPORTUNITY PICKS

NHS Minimally Invasive Surgery Framework Opportunity Analysis

Opportunity Overview

• Contract Value: £543M total framework value

• Duration: 24 months, extendable up to 48 months

• Lots Available: 8 specialist medical equipment categories

• Closing Date: 24 February 2025, 3 PM

• Suitable For: SMEs & VCSEs

💡 Winning Strategies: Clinical Evidence & Innovation

The highest-weighted component (40%) across all lots is scenario questions. Success hinges on demonstrating tangible clinical benefits and cost savings through real-world evidence and case studies. Develop a comprehensive evidence package showing improved patient outcomes, reduced procedure times, and clear cost benefits supported by data from existing NHS contracts.

NEWS 

🤔 Who Controls Your Mobile World? 

94% of UK adults use smartphones daily. The UK app industry generates £28B annually, supporting 15,000+ businesses. However, Apple and Google dominate ecosystems, limiting competition. The CMA’s decision due in October 2025 could change competition, boosting innovation and fairness.

🚦 Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Plan: £86M to Reduce Pollution

The government has approved an £86M plan for Greater Manchester to tackle air pollution without charging drivers. The investment includes 117 low/zero-emission buses, traffic measures, and cleaner taxis. £51.1M will go towards buses, £5M for traffic management, and £8M for taxi upgrades. This plan helps meet legal NO2 limits while keeping costs down for residents.

🔍 New Review to Support Disabled and Long-Term Sick People in the Workforce

The "Keep Britain Working" review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, will explore how to support people with long-term illnesses or disabilities in work. The review aims to help businesses and government collaborate to boost employment and living standards, ahead of health and disability benefit reforms this spring. Findings and recommendations will be shared in Autumn 2025.

TECHNOLOGY

💻 GoCodeo: AI-powered VS Code extension for code generation and testing

🤖 Trae: AI-powered IDE for collaborative coding and project building  

🧩 Jolt: AI context-aware code assistant for large-scale codebases

TIP OF THE DAY

🏆 Creating Social Impact through AI in Procurement

Integrating ESG Criteria: Use AI to incorporate environmental, social, and governance factors into supplier selection processes.

Social Value Metrics: Establish clear objectives for social value creation within contracts, measuring impact effectively.

Community Engagement: Foster partnerships with local organizations through AI-driven insights that align procurement practices with community needs

Quick Question!

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