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From £37B Defence Deals to AI Innovations
Networking and insights with Cabinet Office experts, plus the top opportunities in today’s public sector landscape.
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What drives public sector innovators? It’s rarely just about the money. As highlighted by the GOTT Spinouts Study, 76% of PSBs have formal rewards policies, but real impact comes from empowerment and recognition.
💡 Good to Know
Join the UK's premier defence procurement event connecting suppliers with £37bn market opportunity!
Housing professionals: join CCS forum for sector insights, best practices, and supplier connections online!
Exclusive AI insider event: Cabinet Office experts reveal public sector innovations while you network with decision-makers in central London.
🔍 Today’s Focus:
Good to Know – Exclusive AI insider event: Cabinet Office experts reveal public sector innovations while you network with decision-makers
Daily Spend Watch – £271M awarded; healthcare and digital transformation lead today’s contracts.
Opportunity Picks – £16-20M Bristol school catering contract; win with sustainable sourcing and local partnerships.
News – UK’s air pollution risks review, £37M UKAEA robotics research, and SLC expands apprenticeship opportunities.
Tech & Tools – Hyper-realistic video avatars for engagement, AI code assistant Fynix, and Perigon for real-time research tracking.
Let’s dive into the details👇
DAILY SPEND WATCH
📊 Public Sector Spending Analysis: Contracts Finder Report March 06, 2025
Market Analysis
Public sector spending shows strong momentum in healthcare and digital transformation, with contract sizes trending larger than previous quarters. Northern regions are gaining procurement share, though Southeast dominance continues. Requirements increasingly emphasize sustainability credentials and social value components. Multi-year frameworks are becoming standard, while contract structures favor outcome-based specifications over prescriptive requirements. Suppliers should focus on healthcare digitalization, sustainable infrastructure, and technology modernization sectors for maximum growth potential. Partnership approaches between large and small contractors offer competitive advantages in complex tenders.
OPPORTUNITY PICKS
Overview: Bristol City Council seeks a single provider to deliver school catering services across Southwest England under a 3+1-year framework, valued between £16M and £20M.
💡 Winning Strategies: Emphasize a "Farm-to-School" Model
Sourcing ingredients locally can reduce costs, support the regional economy, and enhance meal quality. Schools and councils value sustainability, so promoting farm partnerships, seasonal menus, and minimal food miles will resonate well. This approach not only meets procurement social value criteria but also strengthens your brand as an ethical provider. Implementing an interactive "Meet the Farmer" program or school engagement initiatives could further differentiate your bid.
NEWS
A government-led review recommends stronger public engagement on air quality, improved education for medical professionals, and a new alert system to help at-risk groups manage pollution exposure. The initiative aims to integrate air quality awareness into everyday conversations and policymaking.
The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and Japan’s Fukushima Institute for Research, Education and Innovation (F-REI) have signed a memorandum of cooperation to advance robotics and autonomous systems. This partnership will drive innovation in nuclear decommissioning, facility management, and talent development, strengthening UK-Japan collaboration in science and technology.
To mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2025, the Student Loans Company (SLC) is reinforcing its commitment to skills development through apprenticeships. With a focus on upskilling and workforce transformation, SLC has launched new Data Analytics Apprenticeships and is recruiting 12 Student Finance Officer Apprentices. These programs support career growth while strengthening SLC’s ability to serve students across the UK.
TECHNOLOGY
🤖 Beyond Presence: Hyper-realistic video avatars for customer engagement
💻 Fynix: AI code assistant with repository-aware context and review
📰 Perigon: AI-powered research platform with real-time data tracking
TIP OF THE DAY
Best practices for using AI in supplier collaboration: Prioritize Ethical AI Use
Avoid Bias: Ensure AI systems are free from bias by regularly auditing algorithms and data inputs.
Promote Transparency: Maintain transparency in AI-driven decision-making processes to build trust with suppliers.
Educate Teams: Train procurement teams on responsible AI practices to ensure ethical use.
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