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Public Spending Shifts: Energy, AI & Growth
Half of contracts fund sustainability and see what’s next.
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Looking to fund your heat network project? The UK government is prioritizing low-carbon solutions and public sector partnerships, with multiple funding schemes available, from the Green Heat Network Fund to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. Aligning with net-zero goals is the key to success.
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Daily Spend Watch – Nearly half of the awarded contract value focused on energy transition.
Opportunity Picks – Hertfordshire's apprenticeship framework and how to make your bid stand out.
News – A long-awaited infrastructure boost unlocking 33,000 jobs.
Tech & Tools – AI-powered voice translation, email filtering, and live AMA events.
Let’s dive into the details👇
DAILY SPEND WATCH
📊 Public Sector Spending Analysis: Contracts Finder Report February 26, 2025
Market Analysis
Government procurement on February 26th clearly prioritizes energy transition and sustainability, with nearly half of all awarded value dedicated to a single energy framework. Professional services and IT sectors followed, together accounting for 42% of awarded value. The data reveals strong SME-friendly procurement practices, with over 94% of contract value accessible to smaller businesses. Regional distribution shows concentration in the "Nationwide" category, underscoring country-wide implementation focus for major initiatives.
OPPORTUNITY PICKS
Overview: A £16M multi-provider framework opportunity (IT-285-9009-HCC2416097) for delivering apprenticeship training across Hertfordshire County Council and affiliated bodies, with bids due March 7, 2025 at noon, spanning an initial two-year contract starting August 16, 2025 (extendable to four years), structured across eight specialized lots and requiring APAR accreditation.
💡 Winning Strategies: Build a Hertfordshire-Specific Success Ecosystem
Develop a "Hertfordshire Success Ecosystem" by demonstrating your deep integration with local employers and educational institutions. Create a tailored approach that addresses specific county skills gaps, supports regional growth sectors, and offers clear progression pathways beyond qualification completion. Your bid will stand out by showcasing existing local partnerships that create lasting community impact rather than just delivering training. This locally-focused strategy will resonate with evaluators seeking providers who truly understand and are invested in Hertfordshire's unique needs and future.
NEWS
Stuck in traffic on the A47? Not for long! The long-delayed Thickthorn Junction upgrade is happening, cutting commute times and unlocking 33,000 new jobs. With £200M in funding, Norwich is set for an economic boost. Why did it take years? Legal delays. Now, it’s full speed ahead! More business, faster journeys, fewer bottlenecks and it sounds like a win!
The Independent Water Commission seeks views on major water sector reforms, including regulation, investment, and environmental protection. A Call for Evidence is open until 23 April, aiming to shape future policies. Chair Sir Jon Cunliffe emphasizes the need for ambitious changes to rebuild trust and ensure a resilient, well-funded water sector.
A two-year Natural England project has used AI and drones to monitor seal populations, revealing 8,500 seals and 2,300 more than ground counts. This technology improves accuracy, reduces disturbance, and can expand to other species. With 35% of the world’s grey seals in the UK, innovative monitoring ensures better conservation and habitat protection.
TECHNOLOGY
🌐 Pinch: Real-time AI voice translation for video calls
📧 Forage: AI email assistant filters newsletters into daily summaries
❓ Saywise: Live AMA events platform connecting experts with communities
TIP OF THE DAY
Encourage Innovation through Technology Integration
Joint R&D Initiatives: Collaborate on research and development projects using shared digital platforms to foster innovation in product design or service delivery.
Technology Training: Provide training sessions for suppliers on new technologies that can improve efficiency and collaboration.
Feedback Loops for Innovation: Establish a system where suppliers can suggest improvements or innovations based on their expertise and insights.
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