Hey there👋

The Digital Markets Unit is here to shake up UK digital markets with new powers to enforce rules, protect competition, and shape the future of business. Whether you're in tech, services, or beyond, this is your moment to adapt and thrive.

Want to see how this shift ties into public sector opportunities?

Here’s an overview of recent developments:

• £5.54B awarded: Healthcare & Defence dominate—are you targeting the right sectors?

• £500M+ Lewisham regeneration: Big plans in London—ready to bid for a decade of growth?

• 70% service-based deals: Services over products—how will you adapt?

• UK-Norway energy pact: Green jobs and innovation—are you part of the future?

Let’s dive into the details👇

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DAILY SPEND WATCH

📈 Public Sector Spend Analysis: 09th -13th of December ‘24

1,187 contracts were awarded, valued at £5.54B, with Healthcare and Defence sectors dominating (80% of the total value). Digital transformation is driving IT investments.

🔥Market Trends
70% of contracts were service-focused, with a shift away from product-based procurement. The South West led in spending, followed by the North. Healthcare contracts typically span 2.5 years.

💡Opportunities & Actions
Target Q1 2025 healthcare bids and sub-£100k SME opportunities. Focus on technology, sustainability, and service-based solutions. Prepare for upcoming procurement cycles and consider expansion into high-spending regions.

OPPORTUNITY PICKS

Lewisham Borough Regeneration: Unleashing Major Housing Opportunities

Opportunity Overview

• Value: £500M+

• Contract Type: 10-year partnership for brownfield regeneration and housing development.

• Duration: Up to 10 years, with multiple phases of development.

• Key Goals: Deliver 1130-1710 new homes, including commercial and public spaces, focusing on cost certainty and risk-sharing in collaboration with Lewisham Council.

💡 One Strategy That Could Set You Apart

Align with Lewisham Council's cost-sharing philosophy by highlighting your experience in managing risks and profits collaboratively. Showcase past projects where you’ve shared financial responsibilities while ensuring successful outcomes. Position yourself as a flexible, long-term partner prioritising transparency and mutual success.

NEWS

🌱 UK & Norway: Partners in Green Progress

What’s new? The UK and Norway are teaming up for a Green Industrial Partnership to boost clean energy innovation. Expect thousands of skilled jobs and advancements like carbon capture and floating wind farms.

Why it matters:

• Future-proof energy security.

• Jobs for industrial heartlands.

• Major strides in carbon storage.

✨ What’s next? Clean energy superpower by 2030!

🌐 UK & Australia: Strengthening Growth & Security

Latest Developments: The UK and Australia are deepening their economic and defence partnership through AUKUS and major initiatives. This includes joint support for Ukraine and a new submarine office in Bristol.

Why It’s Significant?

• Boosted security in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic.

• Creation of 7,000 new UK jobs via the AUKUS submarine program.

• £45M economic boost from strategic undersea cooperation.

🔜 Moving Forward: Enhanced defence, clean energy leadership, and ongoing global cooperation!

🌊 Humber Defences: A Major Milestone

What’s happening? The £29m Stallingborough sea defence project is a step closer to completion, with 90,000 tonnes of rock armour protecting 3km of coastline, benefiting 2,400 properties and vital infrastructure.

Why it’s important?

• Flood protection: Secures homes and businesses.

• Eco-friendly: Low-carbon rock armour.

• Long-lasting: 25 more years of protection.

 🔮Looking ahead
Work resumes in Spring 2025, focusing on Oldfleet and New Cut Drain.

TECHNOLOGY

📝 Paperguide: AI writing assistant for research papers and citations

🔍 Reddit Answers: AI search tool for Reddit conversations

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

TIP OF THE DAY

🤝 Interested in fostering innovation through procurement?

1. Encourage Creative Solutions: Ask suppliers for innovative proposals that address challenges creatively!

2. Host Innovation Challenges: Organize competitions for suppliers to pitch their best ideas—reward creativity!

3. Invest in R&D Partnerships: Collaborate with suppliers on research and development projects; innovation thrives on collaboration!

Quick Question!

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