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The UK's cyber security exports have hit a record £7.2 billion, accounting for 65% of the total security exports in 2023! But what's behind this explosive growth? It's not just firewalls, UK leadership in digital defense is revolutionizing the sector with 18% YoY growth.

💡 Good to Know

• Learn how third-sector funding and charity finances work at this essential workshop for commissioners and grant-makers in Musselburgh.

• Join public sector data innovators sharing insights on AI, digital transformation, and government tech at this free Westminster session.

• Discover funding and skills support for construction growth with Liverpool's Mayor and industry leaders at Bowring Park's Sustainability Campus.

🔍 Today’s Focus:

• Good to Know: Workshops on third sector funding in Musselburgh.

• Opportunities: £400M fleet contract for the public sector.

• Spend Watch: £370.6M in public sector contracts, focused on healthcare and digital.

• News: £30B investment in UK offshore wind projects.

Let’s dive into the details👇

DAILY SPEND WATCH

📊 Public Sector Spending Analysis: Contracts Finder Report January 29, 2025

Market Analysis

Total awarded: £370.6M across 212 contracts.

Procurement activity on the 29th of January shows concentrated investment in healthcare modernization, with several large-scale medical equipment contracts awarded. A notable trend in IT service contracts suggests an acceleration in public sector digital initiatives. Construction sector awards indicate continued infrastructure development focus. The day's awards show strong opportunities for healthcare specialists and technology providers, with substantial SME engagement potential through subcontracting routes.

OPPORTUNITY PICKS

Total Fleet Solution Framework: £400M Multi-Supplier Contract for Public Sector Fleets

Opportunity Overview

• Value: £400M

• Duration: 4 years

• Scope: Vehicle provision and fleet management for multiple UK public sector entities

• Closing Date: 3 March 2025, 12pm

💡 Winning Strategies

The winning strategy centers on demonstrating how your technical solution provides both immediate value and future-proofing through real-time optimization and predictive maintenance while ensuring environmental compliance and seamless system integration.

Success will come from balancing operational excellence with innovation and maintaining cost-effectiveness across the diverse framework user base. The focus must remain on flexibility and scalability, backed by concrete performance metrics.

NEWS 

🇬🇧🚀 UK Supercharges EU Science Ties!

The UK is ramping up research collaboration with the EU! A new Horizon Europe campaign will boost UK participation, alongside fresh grants, networking events, and EU-funded projects. UK researchers and businesses can tap into €380B+ in R&D funding for AI, climate tech, and innovation. Keep an eye on Horizon Europe funding, attend a roadshow, and start connecting with European partners.

🌊 UK Unleashes Offshore Wind Boom!

The UK is fast-tracking 13 major offshore wind projects, unlocking £30B+ investment in clean power! New reforms will cut red tape, speed up approvals, and protect marine life with expanded Marine Protected Areas. This move boosts energy security, slashes reliance on fossil fuels, and creates thousands of green jobs. The future is wind-powered!

⛳ Huddersfield Golf Tech Hits Dubai!

MIA Sports has landed a Dubai contract with a £75K finance boost from HSBC UK & UK Export Finance! The Yorkshire-based golf tech firm supplies 5 teaching studio bays to Emirates Golf Club, home of the Dubai Desert Classic. With government-backed financing, they’re driving UK innovation onto the global stage!

TECHNOLOGY

🎭 Pitch Avatar: AI customer service avatars that speak, present & learn

💪 Metric: AI-powered fitness tracking and coaching app

🔄 Portals: Drag-and-drop AI agent workflows and knowledge management

TIP OF THE DAY

Utilize Social Value Frameworks

Adopt Established Models: Use frameworks like the Social Value Model to guide procurement decisions.

Standardize Evaluations: Implement consistent methods for assessing social impact across all procurement activities.

Train Staff on Frameworks: Ensure your team understands how to apply these frameworks effectively.

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