Hey there👋

Job creation is outpacing destruction in 2023, but not where you'd expect. Fresh ONS data reveals that both corporate giants and scrappy micro-businesses are driving growth. The real game-changer? Strategy.

💡 Good to Know

Tech for Good Scotland: Where Innovation Meets Impact

Location: BJSS, 180 West George Street, Glasgow G2 2NR

Time: Thursday, January 30, 2025, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM GMT
Connect with digital innovators shaping social change - featuring talks on transparent communication and university-tech partnerships.

Here’s an overview of recent developments:

• Daily Spend Watch: £894.5M in awarded contracts, find out who’s winning and where.

• Opportunity Picks: Tips to ace a £125M public sector DPS bid.

• Sector News: Farmers’ profits boosted by new government reforms and sustainable food production grants.

Let’s dive into the details👇

DAILY SPEND WATCH

📊 Public Sector Spending Analysis: Contracts Finder Report January 09, 2025

Market Volume

267 contracts awarded totaling £894.5M across major sectors. Framework agreements represent 42% of total awards, indicating a preference for structured procurement channels.

Sector Dynamics

Construction dominates through infrastructure and refurbishment (80% combined), with strong green initiative integration (35% of projects). Healthcare shows a significant digital transformation focus (30% of sector value) alongside traditional equipment procurement. Professional services demonstrate increasing SME participation (45% of awards) with emphasis on management consulting and technical advisory services.

Business Distribution

Award patterns show geographic rebalancing with London/SE (£313.1M) maintaining lead but strong Northern presence (£250.5M). Notable increase in joint venture awards (28% YoY) and SME direct participation (35%). Social value commitments feature in 82% of contracts, with carbon reduction targets in 48%. Supply chain pressures noted in 28% of contracts, particularly affecting construction sector through material costs and labor constraints.

OPPORTUNITY PICKS

Enhance the Nation's Palette: Cyclical Decorations DPS

Opportunity Overview

• Authority: Procurement Assist Limited

• Scope: 60-month DPS for internal and external decoration work across the UK public sector.

• Estimated Value: £125M

💡 Winning Strategies

• Review What Works: Look back at successful DPS submissions and use them as a guide.

• Showcase Your Strengths: Highlight your experience in managing big, high-pressure decoration projects.

• Tailor to the Client: Craft a narrative that addresses iFM Bolton’s specific needs and priorities.

• Go Green: Emphasize eco-friendly materials and sustainable methods in your proposal.

• Connect Early: Build relationships with DPS administrators to ensure clarity on expectations.

NEWS

🚀 Fusion-Grade Steel Breakthrough

The UKAEA’s NEURONE project achieved a UK-first: industrial-scale production of RAFM steel using advanced Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) tech.

Why It’s Big

• 10x cost savings compared to conventional methods.

• Handles extreme heat (650°C) and neutron loads for fusion powerplants.

Broader Impact

Could benefit nuclear fission and petrochemical industries! Learn more about NEURONE’s impact!

🌾 Government’s Plan to Boost Farmers' Profits

Key Reforms

• Buying British: Public sector to prioritize UK-sourced food, tapping into a £5B market.

• Faster Planning: Quicker approvals for farm buildings and infrastructure.

• Diversified Income: Support for selling surplus solar and wind energy.

Learn more about the new ADOPT Fund, offering grants for farmer-led innovations in sustainable food production. Details on applying will be out soon.

🌍 Driving Low-Carbon Impact in North Wales

Egni Economic Impact Project delivered:

• £120K in grants for sustainability projects.

• £7M+ inward investment secured.

• 4,000+ hours of business support.

• STEM outreach engaged 3,000+ students.

What’s Next:
New £389K funding ensures Egni’s continued success in decarbonisation and innovation. Want to get involved? Contact the Egni team via their website or email to explore opportunities.

TECHNOLOGY

📄 Trellis: AI-powered document processing for enterprise-scale automation

🎯 Solidroad: AI coaching platform for faster sales team excellence

📊 Chore: AI-powered operations platform for founder admin relief

TIP OF THE DAY

🔍 Looking to enhance transparency in procurement?

1. Publish Procurement Policies Online: Make your policies accessible to all stakeholders; transparency builds trust!

2. Regularly Report Progress: Share updates on procurement activities and outcomes with the public, keep everyone informed!

3. Engage Stakeholders in Feedback Loops: Actively solicit feedback from suppliers and community members on your processes, improvement comes from collaboration!

Quick Question!

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