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Regional Security Boost: More Providers, More Choice
New data shows UK-wide access to software security—how to choose the right partner.
In partnership with
Hey there👋
DSIT’s latest market analysis brings good news for regional public sector bodies. Software security support is no longer just a London/SE game. Every UK region now boasts firms offering security services, making it easier for local authorities and agencies to strengthen their digital defences. But how do you choose the right provider?
💡 Good to Know
Connect with 3000+ defence procurement decision makers across an expanded two-day innovation forum.
Northern Ireland tech SMEs connect directly with public buyers to unlock lucrative government contracts.
Exclusive NHS report reveals 40 years of private sector failure impacting healthcare and workers.
🔍 Today’s Focus:
Good to Know: Defence procurement forum, NHS report on private sector impact, NI tech SMEs unlocking contracts.
Daily Spend Watch: £10.73B in contracts awarded with construction and infrastructure leading.
Opportunity Picks: £5M MOD contract with smart supply chain strategies to win.
News: AI-driven naval defence, food safety tech, and Cambridge’s £7.9B water security plan.
Tech Spotlight: AI tools for design, job search, and sales analytics.
Let’s dive into the details👇
DAILY SPEND WATCH
📊 Public Sector Spending Analysis: Contracts Finder Report March 10-14, 2025
Market Analysis
UK public sector awarded 1,086 contracts worth £10.73 billion across five days. Construction and infrastructure dominated (35.8% of total value), followed by professional services (23.4%) and healthcare (18.8%).
Key trends include increasing SME participation (42-67% of contracts), strong sustainability focus in construction, and continued digital transformation investment. Notable awards included Kent County Council's £400M road renewal contract, Sheffield City Council's £688M in projects, and National Grid's £250M contract.
Geographic distribution showed concentration in Southeast England, London, and Northwest regions. Contract sizes varied dramatically, with 3.4% of contracts accounting for over 90% of total value.
For public sector professionals, opportunities exist in forming strategic partnerships, emphasizing sustainability credentials, focusing on regional growth areas, and developing specialized service offerings in healthcare technology and green infrastructure.
OPPORTUNITY PICKS
Overview: This is a £5 million contract opportunity from the Ministry of Defence for an Equipment & Services Support Provider (ESSP) to handle low-value procurement requirements across multiple Defence Munitions sites. The contract duration is 48 months (4 years) with potential for 3 optional years, starting November 2025.
💡 Winning Strategies
Implement a "Consolidated Supply Chain Intelligence System" that leverages big data analytics to optimize procurement across all Defence Munitions sites. This proprietary system would track market prices, supplier performance, and procurement patterns in real-time, allowing for strategic sourcing decisions that consistently deliver best value. By demonstrating how this system has generated documented cost savings and efficiency improvements for similar clients, you'll position yourself as an innovative strategic partner rather than a mere procurement service. The evaluation team will recognize that you're offering a transformative approach to their ad-hoc procurement needs, one that delivers continuous improvement and measurable ROI beyond the basic service fee model.
NEWS
Why risk lives when AI can do it better? The Royal Navy’s new autonomous vessel, Ariadne, detects and destroys mines without putting sailors in danger. This £184M investment isn’t just a tech leap, it’s boosting 200+ UK jobs! With AI-driven sonar, mine warfare got faster, smarter, and safer. The future of naval defence? It’s already here.
Ever blamed last night’s dodgy takeaway? AI might soon confirm it! UKHSA is testing AI to scan restaurant reviews for clues to foodborne illnesses. This tech could detect outbreaks faster, but real-time data and slang pose challenges. If AI gets it right, your next stomach bug might help prevent the next outbreak. Smart, huh?
Cambridge’s water woes may soon be over! The UK government is unlocking £7.9B for water infrastructure, including the Fens Reservoir, to prevent shortages and support growth. With the East of England facing a 600M litre daily shortfall by 2050, urgent action is key. More pipelines, reservoirs, and AI tech are on the way. Sustainable water, sustainable future!
TECHNOLOGY
🎨 Illustration.app: AI vector illustration generator creating custom brand-matched graphics from text prompts.
🔎 OpenJobs AI: AI job search assistant that finds positions and optimizes resumes based on requirements.
📊 Naoma: AI-powered sales analytics platform that evaluates calls and provides coaching insights.
TIP OF THE DAY
Networking Effectively: Attend Industry Events with a Goal
Networking strategically: Don't just collect cards! Set specific goals for industry events - who to meet, what to learn. Prioritize quality connections over quantity. Example: Aim to meet three senior digital transformation leads. Prepare targeted questions about their challenges and tailor your conversation. Focused networking = valuable relationships.
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