Hey there👋

Success in the UK public sector isn’t just about adapting—it’s about seizing opportunities. With transparency and innovation taking center stage, now is the time to push boundaries, deliver value, and reshape your strategy for growth.

Ready to lead the way?

💡 Good to Know | January 2025

Helpful events and resources for Liverpool businesses

This Week's Pick: Free Public Tender Workshop
Win more government contracts with insights from Stuart Reed, a tendering expert boasting a 76% success rate, at this free Liverpool workshop on January 28. Learn insider strategies and crucial updates about the new Procurement Act in just one hour.

🔍 More details
📍 Location: Cotton Exchange, Old Hall Street

Here’s an overview of recent developments:

• £5.08B in awarded contracts—what does this mean for your sector?

• Construction and healthcare dominate public spending—are you aligned with these trends?

• Regional diversity on the rise: London leads, but other areas are stepping up.

• SMEs making strides—is your business ready to compete?

Let’s dive into the details👇

🎧 No time to read? I get it—life’s busy. That’s why I’ve added an audio version of the newsletter just for you. Click play, and let me keep you updated while you tackle your day!

DAILY SPEND WATCH

📊 Public Sector Spending Analysis: Contracts Finder Report December 16th, 2024

December 16th's contract awards show a robust public sector spending pattern, with an unusually high total value of £5.08B.

Sector Highlights

Construction and healthcare sectors dominate, reflecting ongoing infrastructure and health service investments.

Trends to Watch

Notable trends include increased SME participation and strong regional diversity, with London leading but significant distribution across other regions.

🌟 Market Opportunities

Market conditions suggest opportunities for supply chain integration and specialized service providers.

OPPORTUNITY PICKS

NEUPC University Buildings Refurbishment Framework: Multi-Regional £200M Opportunity

Opportunity Overview

• Framework value: £200M across multiple regions (North East, Yorkshire & Humber, Midlands)

• Duration: 4 years + possible 2-year extension

• Submission deadline: January 30, 2025, 12:00

💡 One Strategy That Could Set You Apart

The standout differentiator for this bid would be developing a comprehensive Academic Operations Integration Plan that demonstrates a deep understanding of university-specific challenges. This should include detailed approaches for:

• Managing work around exam periods

• Noise control during lecture hours

• Security protocols for student areas

• Flexible scheduling aligned with academic terms

• Integration with university facilities management systems

NEWS

🤝 UK & Japan: Semiconductor Power Duo!

Did you know the UK and Japan teamed up for a game-changing semiconductor partnership?

Key Highlights:

• Launched in 2023 during Japan’s G7 presidency.

• Backed by £1B UK investment & joint funding calls worth nearly £4M.

• Focus on R&D, industry talks, and expert missions.

Why it matters: Semiconductors drive tech innovation. This partnership boosts collaboration and global tech leadership.

👉 Your move: What opportunities do you see in this alliance?

🏗️ A Win-Win for Housing & Nature 

Breaking barriers to build homes & restore nature! The UK’s new Nature Restoration Fund will fast-track housing projects while funding impactful environmental improvements. Developers can now pay into a fund for eco-actions—quicker, simpler, and more effective!

💡 Your next steps:

• Plan Ahead: Developers can streamline their projects by contributing to the fund, avoiding costly site-specific assessments.

• Leverage Opportunities: Builders should align early with the new framework to capitalize on accelerated approvals.

• Engage with Stakeholders: Collaborate with Natural England to stay updated on strategic eco-projects and maximize compliance efficiency.

📦 Royal Mail’s Future Secured—What It Means for Your Business

Did you hear the big news? The Royal Mail deal guarantees its HQ stays in the UK, secures jobs, and boosts services. What does this mean for you? Let’s break it down:

• Reliable Deliveries: Improved postal services = fewer disruptions for your supply chain.

• Nationwide Expansion: Use the one-price-goes-anywhere model to reach new customers.

• Go Green: Align with Royal Mail’s net-zero strategy for a sustainable edge.

💡 Your Move? Explore how these changes can strengthen your logistics and grow your business!

TECHNOLOGY

⌨️ Steer: Native AI writing assistant for professional emails

📝 DraftAlpha: AI content creator for marketing and branding

🎬 Animate AI: All-in-one AI video generator for animations

TIP OF THE DAY

⚖️ Want to ensure fairness in public contracts?

1. Implement Clear Evaluation Criteria: Define what success looks like upfront; transparency builds trust!

2. Regular Training on Bias Awareness: Educate your team about unconscious bias in procurement decisions—awareness is key!

3. Solicit Feedback from Bidders: After evaluations, ask bidders for feedback on the process—it fosters improvement!

Quick Question!

We’d love to know how today’s Focus resonated with you! Your feedback helps us make each issue even better. 😊