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The UK's security exports may trail behind giants like the US and China, but a key shift could change the game: cyber security. With rising investments in digital defense, the UK is positioning itself as a leader in the field. Could this be a turning point in global security trade?

💡 Good to Know

• Meet top EdTech leaders from Google and Salesforce to supercharge your education startup's success.

• Connect with Lincolnshire business leaders and unlock growth resources at this free networking forum.

• Meet with London's top crypto and blockchain leaders at this exclusive networking event.

🔍 Today’s Focus:

• Good to Know – Top networking events for EdTech, blockchain, and business growth.

• Daily Spend Watch – £1.3B awarded across 261 contracts, with infrastructure and healthcare leading.

• Opportunity Picks – £85M MRC framework for minor works and decarbonization.

• News – £69B boost for councils, £16M for UK space tech, and family court reforms.

• Technology – AI tools for research, automation, and presentations.

Let’s dive into the details👇

DAILY SPEND WATCH

📊 Public Sector Spending Analysis: Contracts Finder Report February 03, 2025

Market Analysis

Total awarded: £1.3B across 261 contracts.

The latest contract awards showcase a strong emphasis on infrastructure development and healthcare sector investment. The average contract value of £5 million indicates a mix of both large-scale projects and smaller opportunities accessible to SMEs. The construction sector dominates, suggesting continued government focus on infrastructure development, while substantial healthcare procurement reflects ongoing system modernization efforts. Digital transformation remains a key priority, with significant investment in IT services and systems upgrades.

OPPORTUNITY PICKS

MRC Installation & Minor Works Framework

Opportunity Overview

• Buyer: UK Research & Innovation (Medical Research Council)

• Contract Value: £85M

• Scope: Installation, minor works, decarbonization efforts at MRC campuses

• Locations: London, Oxford, Cambridge

• Duration: 2025-2029

• SMEs Eligible: Yes

💡 Winning Strategies

The key differentiator for this bid would be proposing a "Living Laboratory Approach" where the framework delivery becomes a research opportunity. This would involve: Creating a digital twin of each facility to optimize installations and monitor carbon reduction progress, partnering with MRC researchers to gather data on building performance and sustainability improvements, establishing a continuous improvement cycle that directly contributes to MRC's research capabilities, and developing case studies that demonstrate how the framework actively supports MRC's scientific mission beyond just facility maintenance.

NEWS 

💰 £69 Billion Secured for Council Budgets

The government has confirmed £69 billion in funding for councils, a 6.8% increase in Core Spending Power for 2025-26. Key highlights: £3.7B boost for social care, £270M for children's social care, £600M Recovery Grant for struggling councils. A consultation on funding reform is open until 12 February. Have your say! Join here.

🚨 Faster, Fairer Family Courts

A £12.5M boost expands Pathfinder courts in Wales & West Yorkshire, cutting backlogs by 50% and resolving cases 11 weeks faster. Victims get better support, and the £500 mediation voucher scheme is extended to 2026, reducing court cases. A crucial development supporting families and domestic abuse victims. Read the data: Gov.uk

🚀 £16M Boost for UK Space Tech

The UK Space Agency funds two projects to advance satellite communications. £10M goes to EnSilica for next-gen chips, while £6M supports Excelerate’s flexible satellite terminal. With 18,000+ satellites launching by 2031, this investment keeps the UK competitive in the global space race.

TECHNOLOGY

 🎤 CubeOne: AI-powered presentation creator with a virtual spokesperson

🔍 Deep research: OpenAI's ChatGPT feature that autonomously browses & synthesizes web content for research 

🤖 Skyvern: AI browser automation tool for handling web tasks like form-filling and workflows

TIP OF THE DAY

Leverage Technology for Transparency

Implement E-Procurement Tools: Use digital platforms to streamline communication and improve transparency in procurement processes.

Track Supplier Performance: Utilize technology to monitor suppliers’ contributions to social value in real-time.

Share Data with Stakeholders: Make procurement data accessible to stakeholders for greater accountability.

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