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💡 Good to Know

• Expert panel tackles UK higher education crisis: University leaders and policy specialists debate solutions at UCL.

• Join Aberdeen's business leaders to explore social impact strategies and community partnerships at Sodexo's free networking event.

• Discover how leading experts are tackling AI ethics and harm prevention at Edinburgh's premier tech meetup.

🔍 Today’s Focus:

Good to Know – Expert panel discusses UK higher education crisis at UCL
Daily Spend Watch – £18.4B awarded across 937 contracts; IT & Office Equipment lead
Opportunity Picks – £400M Mains Gas Supply Framework opportunity
News – Rental fraud rise, NHS staff rehab, UKIFS fusion energy roles
Tech & Tools – AI tools like Chikka and Currents for actionable insights

Let’s dive into the details👇

DAILY SPEND WATCH

📊 Public Sector Spending Analysis: Contracts Finder Report February 24-28, 2025

Market Analysis

The government awarded 937 contracts worth £18.4B during this period. Large contracts controlled the spending landscape. Just 5% of contracts captured 90% of the total value. Office Equipment and IT led all sectors at £12.2B (66% of spending). Framework agreements dominated across valuable sectors.

IT modernization drove the biggest investments. Energy and sustainability projects gained strength with over £565M in awards. Contracts averaged 18 months duration, pointing to a 2026 renewal cycle. National contracts represented 80% of total value. SMEs found best opportunities in contracts under £1M.

For businesses, the path forward is clear. SMEs should seek partnerships with framework holders rather than competing directly. Now is the time to prepare for the next procurement cycle. Current frameworks will end in 18-24 months.

OPPORTUNITY PICKS

Strategic £400M Mains Gas Supply Framework Opportunity

Overview: ESPO is offering a £400M, four-year (2027-2031) single-supplier framework contract for mains gas supply to approximately 6,000 public sector sites across the UK.

💡 Winning Strategies

Develop a Public Sector Energy Transition Partnership approach that positions your organization not merely as a gas supplier but as a strategic partner in the public sector's journey toward decarbonization. This would involve creating a comprehensive roadmap that acknowledges the continuing need for gas while simultaneously helping customers reduce consumption and transition to greener alternatives where feasible. By positioning yourself as both a reliable gas supplier and a partner in the inevitable energy transition, you differentiate your bid from competitors who focus solely on supply reliability and competitive pricing.

NEWS 

Think You Found a Rental Bargain? Think Again!

Rental fraud is rising, and young people are the main targets. Scammers dangle too-good-to-be-true deals, demand upfront payments, and vanish with your cash. How to Stay Safe: view properties in person, no pics, no deal, avoid paying before contracts are signed, enable 2-step verification to protect accounts. Don’t rush, pause, verify, and stay fraud-free!

Helping NHS Staff Get Back to Work!

NHS staff can’t care for patients if they’re in pain! A new free 12-week rehab program by Nuffield Health will help 4,000 frontline workers with joint issues like arthritis get back to work. With a 35% pain reduction and fewer sick days, this initiative boosts staff well-being and cuts waiting times. Starting in 10 trusts, it’s set to expand because healthy staff = better care!

UK Seeks Top Talent for Fusion Energy Future!

UKIFS is hiring senior engineers to help build the UK’s first fusion energy plant by 2040! With seven key technical roles open, this is your chance to shape a clean, limitless energy future. Positions are based in Oxfordshire or Nottinghamshire. Be part of a world-changing project and apply now!

TECHNOLOGY

🎙️ Chikka: AI voice interviewer for actionable customer insights

🔍 Currents: AI agent analyzing social conversations for market insights

📊 Guse: Spreadsheet-based AI workflow automation with easy integration

TIP OF THE DAY

Best practices for using AI in supplier collaboration: Define Clear Objectives

Identify Key Use Cases: Determine specific areas where AI can enhance supplier collaboration, such as risk management or performance monitoring.

Set Measurable Goals: Establish clear objectives for AI implementation, such as improving supplier responsiveness or reducing supply chain risks.

Gather Stakeholder Support: Ensure all stakeholders understand the benefits and are aligned with AI adoption goals.

Quick Question!

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