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Involving stakeholders in evaluation design isn't just a suggestion, it's the key to a successful project. From end users to policymakers, their insights shape everything from identifying relevant metrics to guiding implementation.

💡 Good to Know

• Meet with London's property and construction leaders at this premier networking breakfast.

• Connect with London's crypto innovators - exclusive industry networking for blockchain experts.

• Expert reveals how IoT sensors transform remote monitoring - free tech talk in Conwy.

🔍 Today’s Focus:

Good to Know – Meet London’s property and construction leaders at a premier networking breakfast.
Daily Spend Watch – Public Sector Spending Analysis on 10-14, February, 2025
Opportunity Picks – Gloucestershire’s £161.6M EV charging infrastructure contract, strategies for a future-proof network.
News – NHS hits a major milestone in cutting waiting lists, forestry apprenticeship reopens, Topps Tiles faces competition probe.
Tech & Tools – UI2CODE AI converts design to code, CapybaraDB simplifies app data, OmniParser V2 controls computers visually.

Let’s dive into the details👇

DAILY SPEND WATCH

📊 Public Sector Spending Analysis: Contracts Finder Report February 10-14, 2025

Overview: The five-day period saw 1,177 contracts awarded with a total value of £4.04 billion. Activity peaked on February 13th at £2 billion, with the lowest activity on February 10th at £175 million.

Market Trends: Large-scale integrated service delivery models are becoming prevalent, particularly in construction. Healthcare procurement shows increasing emphasis on modernization and digital integration. SME participation remains strong in IT services, while consortium-led bids are gaining traction across sectors.

Regional Activity: Contract distribution showed strong concentration in London and the Southeast, with significant infrastructure investments in Northern regions. Healthcare contracts maintained nationwide distribution, while IT services clustered around major urban centers.

Key Observations: Sustainability requirements are increasingly embedded in contract specifications. Digital transformation remains a priority across sectors. Market capacity in the construction sector shows signs of strain. Supply chain resilience and risk management are emerging as critical factors in procurement strategies.

OPPORTUNITY PICKS

Gloucestershire EV Charging Infrastructure Bid: Maximizing Your Competitive Edge

Overview: £161.6M for the installation, operation, maintenance, and software solutions for EV charging infrastructure across Gloucestershire, with a contract duration of 15 years + 1-year extension.

💡 Winning Strategies: Master the Transition Phase

Develop a flexible and future-proof EVCP network that integrates emerging technologies such as V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) capabilities, AI-driven maintenance, and dynamic pricing models. Demonstrate how your solution will meet current demand and adapt to evolving industry trends and regulatory shifts. A forward-thinking approach will position your bid as a long-term strategic asset for Gloucestershire County Council.

NEWS 

🏠 Tile Prices Going Up? Here’s Why It Might Happen!

Topps Tiles just bought 30 CTD stores, and the CMA isn’t thrilled. In Dorking, Edinburgh, Inverness, and Aberdeen, fewer competitors could mean higher prices and worse service for home renovators and businesses. Topps has until Feb 24 to fix this—or face a deeper probe. More details are available on the Topps Tiles / CTD Tiles case page.

🚑 NHS Hits Major Milestone in Cutting Waiting Lists

The NHS has delivered over two million extra appointments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and diagnostic tests, seven months ahead of schedule. With £40 million in extra funding, hospitals improving wait times will receive even more support.

🌲 Forestry Apprenticeship Reopens – Apply Now!

The Professional Forester Apprenticeship is back! This three-year, paid program is open to school leavers, graduates, and career changers. Since 2022, 78 apprentices have started their forestry careers. The scheme combines hands-on training with a BSc (Hons) in Professional Forestry, plus the chance to gain Chartered Forester status. Applications close on 16 March 2025. More details here.

TECHNOLOGY

🤖 UI2CODE: AI converts design screenshots into working code

💾 CapybaraDB: AI-native database simplifies data for apps

🖥️ OmniParser V2: Makes AI models control computers visually

TIP OF THE DAY

Align Goals and Objectives

Define Shared Vision: Ensure both parties understand the long-term strategy and how they contribute to it.

Set Clear Expectations: Establish key priorities like quality, sustainability, or innovation upfront.

Develop Mutual Incentives: Implement incentives that encourage collaboration beyond mere transactional relationships.

Quick Question!

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