Government Business 26.2

ENVIRONMENT

PUBLIC SECTOR SHOW

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26.2

Business Information for Local and Central Government FUEL POVERTY

TACKLING THE SCOURGE OF FUEL POVERTY What must the government do to lift households out of fuel poverty?

CITIES OUTLOOK

UNLOCKING CITIES PROSPERITY

Understanding the connection between towns and their nearest cities

PLUS: CONFERENCES & EVENTS | FRAMEWORKS | LANDSCAPING | SAFETY & HEALTH

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ENVIRONMENT

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www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | ISSUE 26.2

Business Information for Local and Central Government FUEL POVERTY

TACKLING THE SCOURGE OF FUEL POVERTY What must the government do to lift households out of fuel poverty?

CITIES OUTLOOK

UNLOCKING CITIES PROSPERITY

Understanding the connection between towns and their nearest cities

PLUS: CONFERENCES & EVENTS | FRAMEWORKS | LANDSCAPING | SAFETY & HEALTH

Local election season approaching Polls open at 7am on Thursday 2 May for local elections in 248 councils across the country. Prime Minister Theresa May has been warned that the Conservatives are likely to lose control of some seats following continued anger over Brexit.

There are approximately 8,400 council seats to be contested, as well as votes for directly-elected mayors at six authorities; Bedford, Copeland, Leicester, Mansfield, Middlesbrough and North of Tyne. While much focus will be on Tory councils in Leave-voting heartlands, it will be interesting to see what the Labour Party achieves, especially following the recent success in the Newport West by-election at the start of the month.

Interestingly, the opposition party has announced that it is considering adopting automatic voter registration as a new policy, if it were victorious in any possible upcoming general election, examining where automatic voter registration has successfully increased overall registration levels globally.

Follow and interact with us on Twitter: @GovBusiness

With an estimated seven million people in the UK not on the electoral register, Labour hopes that the change in voting policy would increase turnout at elections. Having previously announced its intention to lower the voting age to 16, gaining fairly widespread support in the process, it will be interesting to see whether this latest electoral intention has the legs to enforce change to a system in much need of repair.

Michael Lyons, editor

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226 High Rd, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 Fax: 020 8532 0066 Web: www.psi-media.co.uk EDITOR Michael Lyons PRODUCTION MANAGER Dan Kanolik PRODUCTION DESIGN Sophia Mew PRODUCTION CONTROL Lucy Maynard WEB PRODUCTION Victoria Casey ADVERTISEMENT SALES Steve Day, Aston Drain, Bernie Miller, David Morgan, Rebecca Sweeney, Vanessa Wheatley ADVERTISEMENT SALES SUPERVISOR Neil Haydon PUBLISHER Karen Hopps REPRODUCTION & PRINT Argent Media

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Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Contents

Contents Government Business 26.2 07 News

14

Cap to stop large public sector exit payments; automatic voter registration mooted by Labour; and provision for school special needs cut by over £1 billion

14 Cities outlook

A somewhat surprising consequence of the recent Brexit debates has been the return to talking about issues much closer to home. Andrew Carter, of Centre for Cities, says that the government must address a lack of funding for local authorities and unlock the prosperity of urban areas

17 Market research

29

With finances continuing to decline despite the ‘end of austerity’ pledge, we revisit some advice from the Market Research Society on how different methods of market research continue to offer a cost effective way to gather evidence

23 Public Sector Show

33

In recent times, local authorities have faced frequently changing circumstances and evolving demands on their services, and 2019 looks set to be no different.

This year’s Public Sector Solutions Expo will help departments and front line staff discover new ways of working

29 Fuel poverty

It is incumbent on any government to maximise the number of households lifted out of fuel poverty whilst ensuring tax payers’ money is spent efficiently.

Mike Foster, of the Energy and Ultilities Alliance, looks at what the government needs to do to limit the number of families in damp, cold homes

33 Environment

The public has given the government a mandate to take the necessary action to tackle our throwaway culture. Litter campaigner Maddy Haughton-Boakes says the government’s landmark Resources and Waste Strategy needs continued ambition to ensure success

36

36 Landscaping

49

Despite Brexit uncertainties, local places closer to home continue to matter. Fay Holland writes about the benefits of investing in our community spaces, including parks, play areas and village halls

Government Business magazine

39 Safety & Health Expo

Taking place on 18- 20 June, Facilities Show and Safety & Health Expo, the UK’s most important events for their respective sectors, return with exciting new features including Smart Buildings Expo and the Workplace Wellbeing Show.

Government Business previews the must attend shows for those involved in health and safety and facilities management

44 Firex

As the international fire industry comes to terms with the serious tall buildings fires that have occured in recent times, the sixth International Tall Building Fire Safety Conference will be held during this year’s FIREX International, taking place on 18 June at London’s ExCeL

47 All Energy Show

The inaugural Dcarbonise event is Scotland’s dedicated energy customerfocused event for low carbon, built environment and transport solutions.

Forming part of the All Energy Event, delegates will also get to hear a keynote address from Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister

49 Conferences & events

Traditionally, Manchester is a city associated with the industrial revolution, music and sport. However, Marketing Manchester is working to spread the message that, while these are certainly important to the shared identity of the city, they don’t tell the whole story

55 Procurex

Against a backdrop of an annual UK procurement spend of over £240 billion, Procurex National is designed to enhance collaboration in finding savings through ‘smarter’ procurement

63 Frameworks

The Data and Application Solutions framework agreement is now open for business and ready to help public sector organisations buy a broad range of software solutions. Government Business looks at the agreement in detail, as well as DOS3 and the Facilities Management Marketplace framework

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

5

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News

PUBLIC SECTOR PAY

Cap to stop large public sector exit payments A consultation has been launched outlining how the government will introduce a £95,000 cap to stop huge exit payments when public sector workers leave their jobs.

More than 1,600 highly-paid workers received payments of more than £100,000 in 2016-17 when they left public sector roles, costing a total of £198 million. Research shows that English local government six-figure

payments alone accounted for £98 million.

With a consultation launched, the UK Civil Service, local government, police forces, schools and the NHS are included in a first round of implementation which will cover the vast majority of public sector workers.

Liz Truss, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: “It is clearly wrong when people leave public sector roles with massive

BIRMINGHAM

COUNCIL TAX

Panel stresses Birmingham’s ‘serious’ financial position

Council tax debt recovery improvements pledged

After four years, the Birmingham Independent Improvement Panel has produced its final report, highlighting the council’s ‘immensely serious’ financial position.

The government-commissioned independent panel has been scrutinising the council since 2014, and in its final report to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government it highlighted the need for more support to be given to the council, which Birmingham City Council leader Ian Ward said he was open to discussing.

The report did recognise vast improvements in the council’s children’s services, as well as ‘many significant opportunities’ in the future, notably the Commonwealth Games 2022 and the proposed HS2 rail link to London, but said that industrial disputes with bin workers had hampered overall progress. The cost of two long-running waste collection disputes has been estimated to have reached a cost of £14 million ‘with no discernable improvement in the service to justify the expenditure’.

Perhaps of more immediate concern, it reports that Birmingham’s ‘financial position remains immensely serious and the risks to its financial resilience are considerable’.

The panel has now stood down because members felt it had done all it could within their terms of reference.

READ MORE bit.ly/2HYjSlo

Vulnerable people who fall behind with council tax payments will have greater protection from aggressive debt enforcement under new plans to improve the way councils collect arrears.

Following concerns from charities, debt advice bodies and local councils, Local Government Minister Rishi Sunak said that the government is moving forward with work to create a fairer, more efficient and compassionate debt recovery system.

Councils currently issue nearly 24 million council tax bills to help fund key local services, from adult social care and children’s services, to refuse collections and leisure facilities. Uncollected tax

payoffs. It incenses the public when they see their hard-earned money used badly like this. That’s why we are capping exit payments to stop unacceptably large pay-outs for senior managers.”

READ MORE bit.ly/2GbW9w2

means less money for services and higher bills for residents who do pay on time.

Possible reforms to the system could include: ensuring affordability assessments are central to council tax collection processes so individual circumstances are taken into account and people are given appropriate time to pay off arrears; improving the links between councils and the debt advice sector; and developing and supporting fairer debt intervention methods.

READ MORE bit.ly/2IdmXy6

FINANCE

Robust scrutiny of financial management needed in Scotland Systems to prevent public money being lost to mistakes and fraud in Scotland’s councils may be becoming strained, says Scotland’s Accounts Commission.

The public spending watchdog for local government in Scotland says the need for robust scrutiny of financial management at councils is more important now than ever before. A new report, Safeguarding public money: are you getting it right?, helps councillors to ensure that sound risk management and financial controls are working to protect public money.

The commission reports several examples of systems and processes working well at Scotland’s councils, but auditors are flagging concerns that they may be under strain. Recurring weaknesses are becoming apparent, particularly in information processing, reviews, and separating council employees’ duties in order to prevent fraud.

The consequences could be serious, says the commission. These include the loss of significant amounts of public money, impacts on public services and reputational damage to councils. Councils in Scotland spent a combined £12.4 billion in 2017/18.

READ MORE bit.ly/2uYFZ2H Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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News

VOTER REGISTRATION

Automatic voter registration mooted by Labour The Labour Party is considering adopting automatic voter registration as a new policy, examining where automatic voter registration has successfully increased overall registration levels globally.

Cat Smith, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Voter Engagement, has been examining established examples in Canada, Belgium

and a number of other countries where they have successfully introduced a similar system.

There are an estimated seven million people in the UK who are not on the electoral register. Under an automatic voter registration system, 93.8 per cent of all eligible voters are included on the register in Canada.

Labour hopes that the change in voting policy would increase turnout at elections.

The party has previously announced its intention to lower the voting age to 16.

READ MORE bit.ly/2IgfO00

FUEL POVERTY

LOCAL ELECTIONS

Funding for households at risk of fuel poverty

Campaign launched to tackle electoral fraud

Further funding is being made available to Scottish households at risk of fuel poverty so they can make homes warmer and more energy efficient.

The Warmer Homes Scotland initiative has awarded a minimum of £38 million to managing agent Warmworks to continue to deliver the government’s fuel poverty scheme over the next two years.

People at risk of fuel poverty are eligible through the scheme to have improvements made to their property such as new heating systems and insulation.

Since the launch of Warmworks in 2015, thousands of people across Scotland have been helped, with households saving an average of over £300 per year on their energy bills.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “I welcome the contract extension with Warmworks to continue our work to eradicate fuel poverty. This funding will have a huge impact for people seeking to make essential improvements to the energy efficiency of their home.

“We have taken a world leading approach to tackling fuel poverty with the introduction of the Fuel Poverty Bill and setting an ambitious target that, by 2040, no more than five per cent of Scottish households are in fuel poverty. I’m delighted to see for myself the excellent work being done in homes across Scotland, making them warmer and more affordable to heat.”

READ MORE bit.ly/2KINtlf

LONDON

Modular buildings for homeless families in London £11 million is being invested into temporary modular homes to help homeless families in the capital. There are currently more than 54,000 homeless households living in ‘temporary accommodation’ in London, which is often expensive and can force families to move from their local area.

London boroughs have joined forces with the Mayor of London to manufacture ‘modular’ homes - which are constructed off-site and then placed temporarily on land that is unused as it awaits permanent development.

The funding will deliver up to 200 affordable homes to rent on sites across London.

The initiative is run by the Pan-London Accommodation Collaborative Enterprise (PLACE), a not-for-profit company hosted by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets on behalf of those councils involved. PLACE is also supported by the umbrella body London Councils and has been developed by the London Housing Directors’ Group.

PLACE’s manufactured homes will have the quality of permanent housing, will meet the Mayor’s draft London Plan space standards, and can be moved from one site to another as required. PLACE will focus on delivering two and three-bedroom homes, which will have good insulation and energy performance.

READ MORE bit.ly/2GcQ6pK

A new campaign has been launched by the Electoral Commission to encourage people to protect their vote ahead of May’s local elections.

Launched in partnership with the Cabinet Office and Crimestoppers, the independent crime reporting charity, the ‘Your vote is yours alone’ campaign aims to help voters understand the different types of electoral fraud offences that can take place in a polling station, or when completing a postal vote, and to empower people to protect their vote.

With elections taking place in 249 local authorities across England on 2 May 2019, local authorities have been provided with resources which they can use in their local areas.

Bob Posner, chief executive of the Electoral Commission, said: “Whether you are voting in person at a polling station on 2 May or completing your postal vote at home, your vote is yours alone. No one should feel pressured to vote a certain way. Anyone who attempts to do this can be committing a serious crime, which may result in a prison sentence. We know that voters can sometimes be unsure what electoral fraud is. Our campaign empowers voters to protect their vote. We encourage anyone with concerns to talk them through with Crimestoppers.

This can be done anonymously.”

READ MORE bit.ly/2Vo7vCy

Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

9

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News

SPECIAL NEEDS

Provision for school special needs cut by over £1bn The National Education Union has warned that special needs provision in England has lost out on £1.2 billion because of shortfalls in funding increases from central government since 2015.

The union has found that SEND funding granted to local authorities from central government since 2015 has failed to keep up with rapidly increasing demand for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision. It is reported that the number of children and young people

granted an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) has risen from 240,000 to 320,000 in that time - a rise of 33 per cent.

Funding for the high needs block (the budget reserved to fund such additional provision) has only increased by six per cent over the same period, from £5.6 billion to £6 billion in today’s prices.

One reason for the rapid increase in demand lies in the extension of EHCP provision to young people with additional

needs aged 19-25 – a policy which was unplanned and insufficiently funded.

This translates into massive funding shortfalls for 93 per cent of local authorities across England, resulting in losses of invaluable support staff, increased waiting times for SEN assessment and cuts to specialist provision.

READ MORE bit.ly/2KW1E6L

SCHOOLS

EDUCATION

Over 12,000 school classrooms needed by 2022

Thousands of children taught in illegal schools

New research has revealed that an additional 12,835 school classrooms will be needed in England by 2021/2022 in order to meet rising demand.

Scape Group, who published The School Places Challenge 2019 report, says that more than 385,000 additional pupils will enter the primary and secondary school system by 2021, while the school-aged population in England is expected to increase by 5.5 per cent over the same period.

While local authorities across the UK are ‘acutely aware’ of the challenge that they face, their ability to deliver more with less is close to breaking point after years off austerity and rising costs.

With 640 new schools needed across the UK over the next couple of years to meet current projections, the research paper argues that government, local authorities and developers need to make a concerted

effort to work collaboratively. It says that if a step change does not take place quickly, the effect on education standards and the wider economy will be felt for generations to come.

READ MORE bit.ly/2IolPqU

MENTAL HEALTH

Postcode lottery for children’s mental health services

Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner for England, has revealed that more than a third of local areas in England have reduced real terms spending on low level children’s mental health services.

In a new report looking at the amount spent on low-level mental health support for children in England, the Children’s Commissioner found that local areas, which included both local authorities and

NHS spending, allocated a total of £226 million for low-level mental health services in 2018/19, just over £14 per child.

The report shows there were wide variations between areas in how much funding is available: the top 25 per cent of local areas spent at least £1.1 million or more, while the bottom 25 per cent spent £180,000 or less - marking an untimely ‘postcode lottery’. Given the focus on improving access to children’s mental health, reductions in spending are concerning.

The NHS Long Term plan, published in January, revealed that less than a third of children with a mental health problem are accessing treatment and support. This figure has improved since only a quarter of children were seen in 2015/16, and more money is being spent on children’s mental health services than in the past, with new targets set.

READ MORE bit.ly/2U5p20B

Ofsted has published new figures which reveal the scale of the problem of unregistered schools in England, uncovering more than 500 suspected illegal schools.

As many as 6,000 children are being educated in the unregistered settings, Ofsted has found in its inspections to date. These children are potentially at risk because there is no formal external oversight of safeguarding, health and safety or the quality of education provided.

An unregistered school is defined as a setting that is operating as an independent school, without registration. It is a criminal offence to operate an unregistered independent school in England.

The inspectorate shows that 23 per cent of the settings investigated are in London, with the rest spread fairly evenly across the country.

Alternative provision is the most common type of setting, accounting for 28 per cent. Ofsted has also revealed that 26 per cent of the settings are general education providers, and 21 per cent are places of religious instruction.

In total, 71 settings have been issued with a warning notice by inspectors. The data shows that 15 of those settings have since closed, while 39 have changed the way they operate in order to comply with the law, and nine have registered as independent schools.

The watchdog also warned that councils were subsidising these unregistered alternatives to school, paying up to £27,000 a year for places.

READ MORE bit.ly/2VEVJUp Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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News

COASTAL COMMUNITIES

Seaside towns in desperate need of reinvention

A new report has warned that any seaside towns and coastal communities are in desperate need of improvements to transport, housing and broadband.

The future of seaside towns, the report published by the House of Lords Select Committee on Regenerating Seaside Towns, says that the challenges of peripherality in coastal areas can be overcome by improving digital connectivity and claims

that the government should engage with local authorities, LEPs and businesses in remote coastal communities to understand how better digital connectivity, such as high-speed broadband, can be delivered.

The report also looks at housing, recommending a package of measures to help tackle perverse financial incentives to offer poor accommodation and support more regeneration of existing housing,

as well as suggesting the government prioritise improvements to the coastal transport network when it takes decisions on planning and investment.

The committee further states that many seaside towns feel left behind by national strategies aimed at increasing economic growth and productivity.

Local Industrial Strategies present a key opportunity for renewed focus on addressing the skills gaps, low-wage economies and aspiration challenges faced by many coastal communities. As LEPs develop these strategies, the committee recommends that they are given a specific requirement to consider the needs of deprived seaside towns and communities.

READ MORE bit.ly/2YKMhAI

LANDLORDS

HIGH STREETS

End to unfair evictions revealed by government

300 local authorities bid for high streets fundings

Communities Secretary James Brokenshire has announced that private landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants from their homes at short notice and without good reason.

Marking the biggest change to the private rental sector for a generation, the government has outlined plans to consult on new

legislation to abolish Section 21 evictions – so called ‘no-fault’ evictions. The government says that this will bring an end to private landlords uprooting tenants from their homes with as little as eight weeks’ notice after the fixed-term contract has come to an end.

It is believed that there are more than four million people now living in privately rented accommodation in the UK. However, the housing market has not kept pace with the changes in society and leaves many tenants feeling insecure.

READ MORE bit.ly/2KHSyKG

REGENERATION

Empty shops to turn to vibrant community hubs Towns across the country will benefit from a new scheme which will see landlords turn their empty shops into vibrant community hubs open to the public.

Communities Secretary James Brokenshire has announced that the Open Doors project, run in partnership with the Meanwhile Foundation, will help community groups transform their town centres by renovating unused retail units and making them fit for purpose.

As such, the government will work to match public and private landlords with community groups offering vital services from well-being classes to business support sessions and mentoring for social enterprises. It is hoped that the partnership will help tackle social problems linked to declining high streets such as crime, unemployment and loneliness.

The confirmed locations that will be part of the scheme are Stoke-on-Trent, Bradford, Rochford, Kettering and Slough.

READ MORE bit.ly/2WWuapK

More than 300 local authorities across the country have bid for a share of the £675 million Future High Streets Fund to transform their local high streets.

High Streets Minister Jake Berry has welcomed the positive response to the Future High Streets Fund as evidence of the appetite across the country to reimagine and reinvent our town centres and high streets. Up to £55 million of the fund has also been allocated to support the regeneration of heritage high streets.

Launched in December 2018, the £675 million Future High Streets Fund will help local leaders implement bold new visions to transform their town centres and make them fit for the future with co-funding to consolidate properties on the high street, improve transport and access into town centres and convert retail units into new homes.

New research has found that a record net 2,481 stores disappeared from Great Britain’s top 500 high streets last year, as openings slump to lowest levels on record.

READ MORE bit.ly/2uVi2cK Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Cities outlook Written by Andrew Carter, chief executive, Centre for Cities

14

The recipe for unlocking cities’ prosperity The first issue that government should address to unlock the prosperity of urban areas, both large and small, is a lack of funding for local authorities, says Andrew Carter, chief executive of Centre for Cities A somewhat surprising consequence of the recent Brexit debates has been the return to talking about issues much closer to home, most notably the so-called ‘left behind places.’ The Prime Minister’s promise of £1.6 billion for Britain’s most disadvantaged smaller urban areas is certainly a welcome one, irrespective of the politics and motivations behind it. However the extent of its success will depend on how it is spent.

Measures to increase the economic prosperity of disadvantaged urban areas need to take account of why they are struggling in the first place and address the reasons behind it. Rather than repeating approaches of the past by using the funding to prop up struggling businesses, or build shiny new buildings that lie vacant, or to poach jobs from other places, or to offer subsidies for the next big economic opportunity, policy makers should focus on the basics and implement solutions rooted in the evidence. There is no easy ‘transformative’ solution but there are steps that can be taken that will make a difference.

The first issue that government should address to unlock the prosperity of urban areas, both large and small, is a lack of funding for local authorities. In the past decade the total budget for local government has fallen by over 60 per cent - more than any other department.

When it came to delivering these spending reductions, local authorities covering large urban areas, predominantly cities, bore more than their fair share of the brunt. Our Cities Outlook 2019 report provided an analysis of the scale of these cuts and found that despite being home to 54 per cent of the population, they shouldered 74 per cent of all reductions in local government spending.

This is equivalent to a reduction of £386 per city dweller since 2009/10, compared to £172 per person living elsewhere.

Digging deeper into these findings, the an old city-verses-town mentality. Cities do unfortunate reality is that poorer cities well because towns do badly. This ignores in Northern England and the Midlands the underlying reality that many of Britain’s have been most negatively affected by cities, particularly those in the Northern half spending reductions. Liverpool saw public of the country, are underperforming when spending fall by the equivalent of £816 compared to their Southern counterparts. per resident since 2009/10. Barnsley’s This arbitrary distinction between the two funding fell by 40 per cent, Wakefield’s by also ignores the reality that many cities 30 per cent, and Stoke’s by 24 per cent. and towns do not exist in isolation from While this was not the intention, it played each other – economically or politically. The out this way because cities in the North and establishment of metro mayors in recent years Midlands tend to have weaker economies means that many of the towns likely to be in than those in the South so have been unable receipt of this money sit within the broader to make up the loss of central government city-regions of Greater Manchester, Merseyside, funding through other means, such as from and the West Midlands metropolitan area.

Business Rates or council tax receipts.

While this fall in their spending has made Towns and cities councils efficient and more effective, they have This brings us to a second issue. To increase clearly reached a stage where the cuts are now the prosperity of left behind towns requires having a negative impact upon cities’ economic an understanding of the connection between prosperity. The need to their communities’ those towns and their nearest cities. social care demands has meant deep cuts to Cities are dependent on high-skilled spending on activities designed to support workers from nearby towns for their the prosperity of their places. Spending in economic success. In 2011, 18 per cent of this area has fallen by 41 per cent in the past towns’ populations commuted into cities. decade. If we want increase the prosperity of This amounts to almost 800,000 jobs cities and see them playing a greater role in – half of them highly skilled and highly contributing to national economic success then paid. While these people may earn their we need to avoid cutting services money in a city, they spend it in the town that underpin their long term where they live – bringing a welcome prosperity to meet short boost to the town’s economy. term financial decisions.

Furthermore, far from Unfortu n a Given the Prime suffering because of their t e l y much Minister’s promised proximity to cities – what is current of the £1.6 billion has been sometimes referred to as the dubbed the ‘Towns ‘sucking out syndrome’ – debate public a Fund’ you may Centre for Cities’ research r o u l n e d ft behin be thinking why suggests that towns actually perpetu d places am I talking about receive a boost in terms of a cities rather than commercial and industrial city-ver tes an old ses-tow towns. Unfortunately investment as a result of being n mental much of the current close to cities that have a larger ity public debate around left share of high-skilled industries behind places perpetuates based in them. In other words

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Greater devolution This leads to the third important change that needs to happen if we are to improve the prosperity of Britain’s

To further the devolution agenda the roll out of elected metro-mayors to Britain’s largest city regions without one should be a priority cities, towns and the nation: greater devolution of money and powers.

Cities and towns should be given the fiscal tools they need to effectively manage their finances. Many of the negative consequences of the reductions in council spending over the last decade could have been at least partially mitigated if cities had more control over how they raised and spent local taxes and charges. Currently public charges raised in one area can only be spent in that area – parking charges on transport, planning charges on planning.

This makes little sense when councils are struggling to manage competing demands.

In the next spending review the government should give councils the discretion to choose how they spend money raised from public fees and charges. This common sense approach would give local government much more financial freedom, and would cost the Treasury practically nothing.

The government should also lift the ban on councils setting multi-year budgets. The current 12 month timeframe encourages short-term thinking in city halls and makes it difficult to set the long-term strategies needed to drive economic prosperity, such as public service reform, and transport and housing projects.

In addition to giving city leaders more control over how they raise and spend money, the government should also make it easier for them to access the

Cities outlook

the strong performance of a city improves the performance of these towns nearby.

How should the recognition that the links between towns and cities can help unlock prosperity in the left behind places that the Prime Minister has pledged to support be used to inform policy? Firstly, it enables us to take a step back and place the economic challenges of particular cities or towns within their broader context. Often, when we do this we find that the most effective solutions are addressed at the city-region level.

Take the example of transport. If left behind towns are struggling because of the infrequent and unreliable transport services connecting it to nearby cities then the solution should be to invest in improving the transport system.

However, while Whitehall is too remote to plan this effectively, individual local authorities often lack the capacity and scale to manage these projects on their own which also tend to span several local authorities – think about the metro system in Greater Manchester.

The most effective way to manage infrastructure investment that connects cities and towns is at the city region level.

Coordination at this scale would and improve connections between towns and cities in Britain’s left behind places. It would also begin to address the political problem revealed by the Brexit process – the very centralised nature of the country’s political system where central government controls, or at the very least significantly influences, most of the decisions that affect the everyday lives of people across the country. A system that people in many parts of the county feel doesn’t work for them.

various pots of money designated for encouraging economic prosperity. The mayors of Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, South Yorkshire and Tees Valley are already lobbying the government for control over how the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is spent. This needs to happen.

To further the devolution agenda the roll out of elected metro-mayors to Britain’s largest city regions without one should also be a priority. After some uncertainty about the future of city devolution, the government finally provided some clarity on its view by rejecting the One Yorkshire Devolution Plan in favour of city-region deals that reflect the economic geography of the area. Now it has done this the government should ensure it works with Yorkshire’s city-regions to make this happen.

I began this article by stating that there is no easy route to improving the prosperity of Britain’s so-called left behind places.

While this is true, there are steps that the government could take to support their economic performance. More fiscal freedoms, coupled with increased democratic accountability and a coherent understanding of the economic geographies of these places are the right place to start.

The case has been made, now we need to wait to see how the government responds. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.centreforcities.org

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Market research

The power of consultation for public sector services With local government finances continuing to decline despite the Conservative government’s ‘end of austerity’ pledge, and with services becoming ever more streamlined, we revisit some advice from the Market Research Society on how different methods of market research continue to offer a cost effective way to gather evidence and gauge opinion In this very new and challenging landscape, market and social research has an even more important role to play for civil servants and professionals working at all levels in government. Accountability, evidencebased decision making, public views, cost efficiency, ROI and making the right policy decisions – as well as the right political ones – are all key issues that sit at the forefront of decision-makers’ minds.

As a tool in policy development and service delivery, market research can offer very tangible benefits. In a time of cuts to local authority budgets, it is essential that spending decisions meet the priorities of local people; research is one way of ensuring that spend can be properly targeted in a context where people’s views are fully understood.

Matt Dobbin, former research director at Discovery, a market research agency, says that research which allows councils

to take decisions on the basis of robust “Research is not just about the different evidence has two key forms. types of research methodologies, it is a skill.

He says: “Although there are many You have to ensure that the solution you different types of research, it can be give to a research brief from your client will segmented by the sort of information it get the results they need. It shouldn’t just be gives you. If you need numbers – for feedback and opinion, but something example, an understanding of the meaningful which is applicable percentage of people who think to the task in hand.” a particular thing or have Ultima te used a particular service Objective market ly, – that’s quantitative and ethical re s e a rc research. Conversely, if For the benefits to be raw statistics aren’t so fully realised, research valuab h is a l important but you need must therefore be e t o o for tim l to have a particular rigorous, objective intellig ely and understanding – not and ethical. For the e only what people do but government, especially and ev nt policy why, not just what people with local elections eryday want but why, you need fast approaching, such deliver y qualitative research, which is research provides valuable my particular area of expertise. insight into the motivations E Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Being a coach is a rewarding profession, but even the best coaches encounter moments of uncertainty

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flowing and glorious, and others where they were falling and ashamed. This book provides an insightful look at what being a coach is really like and will be a compassionate and pragmatic companion for coaches of all kinds.

Craig Revel Horwood, director, choreographer and Strictly Come Dancing judge, who wrote the foreword to the book, said: “Karen and Sam have done a FAB-U-LOUS job in bringing the reader closer to an understanding of what ‘really’ goes on in the mind of coaches.”

John Amaechi, organisational psychologist, Chartered Scientist, New York Times best-selling author, and CEO of APS, also commented: “I’ve been coached and in turn coached others, first in sport and now far beyond. I know my journey in coaching would have been enhanced by this book, where key elements of coaching practice are illustrated with heart-warming stories, all within a cogent coaching framework, from which we can all take something - no matter our coaching background or experience.”

Steve Radcliffe; leadership expert, and author of the UK’s top leadership book Leadership Plain and Simple, said: “Karen and Sam are up to something, inspiring

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you to dream, learn and be more of who you are as a coach and leader.’

Finally, Wendy Johnson; founder and CEO of the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC), said: “What a rare treat... to walk alongside two pioneer coaches as they navigate the challenges, set-backs and triumphs emblematic of the journey from beginner to master coach. Their journey is even more admirable when we consider that they began their careers before most of the major professional coaching bodies were in their infancies. Through humility, humour and grace, their stories illuminate how coaching holds the promise of tremendous value, is not for the faint of heart, cannot be done by just anyone, and requires highly specialised knowledge, skills and abilities on the part of the coach.”

“This book shows us how courage, critical reflection, appropriate education and training and a fierce commitment to an ongoing learning journey are imperatives for any coach wishing to offer credible personal or business coaching services today.”

FURTHER INFORMATION www.coachingstories.org

Number crunching The census creates an authoritative data source for decision making. For example, insight into the age and socio-economic make-up of the population can be used to underpin health and social policy, supporting decision making on where new hospitals and care homes should be located. Information collected on travel and car ownership contribute to policy on roads and public transport, and help local authorities in understanding and legislating for pressures on traffic systems. However, across the public sector it is clear that quantitative data alone cannot provide sufficient insight, and that research into public motivation, opinion and behaviour is essential to supplementing and accurately interpreting information.

When planning delivery of complex new policy, time spent exploring motivations can save costs and improve efficiency. Whilst the temptation is perhaps stronger for government bodies to use research as retrospective justification for decisions already made, it is becoming clear that decision makers must use research in the policy-making stage.

With reliable guidance now relatively easy to obtain, case studies demonstrate that insight at this stage can provide significant long-term value. When the Department for Constitutional Affairs (now the Ministry of Justice) was developing options to improve outcomes for those experiencing domestic violence, they examined whether further criminalisation was the most effective solution.

More criminal sanctions might seem logical, but the DCA’s qualitative studies showed that as a course of action it was not necessarily effective in achieving optimal outcomes. The research found that victims were far from keen to criminalise their partners or to stigmatise their children by criminalising a parent.

The insight revealed that what victims actually wanted was a quick and straightforward escape route, and felt that resources should be concentrated on rapid re-housing and speedy access to necessary benefits.

Market research

 of the electorate, and is especially vital at moments when policy and its justification are under scrutiny. With Brexit remaining heavy on mind, and as important decisions continue to be made inside and out of Westminster, research helps departments to understand where resources are needed most, and ensures that they are spent efficiently. Issues of accountability, public opinion on policy decisions, justification of fund allocation and return on investment can be better managed when policy is firmly rooted in research.

The Market Research Society says that respondents really need to understand the full context of the topic being researched, otherwise the best insight won’t be found.

That can be frustrating not just for the researcher and their client, but for the interviewees as well. For public bodies that need to understand what their customers, partners or stakeholders really think, research needs to engage. You need to have a two-way dialogue, rather than just fire a series of questions at people.

For the government, especially with local elections fast approaching, such research provides valuable insight into the motivations of the electorate, and is especially vital at moments when policy and its justification are under scrutiny As well as understanding the motivations and opinions which dictate public reaction to any given policy, insight is also invaluable in understanding the nature of the relationship between ordinary people and the government itself. Effective policymakers need to develop a cogent understanding of the nature of the public’s trust. Whilst easily lost, trust is rarely proactively managed, perhaps in part due to how difficult it is to define. Considering the example of Care.data, postponed in February 2014 as a result of the public’s reaction to the proposals to share personal data, the NHS’ original assumption that citizens would trust them enough that they would automatically move to the new system did not recognise that trust would not extend to commercial third parties.

Statistics can only be used to their full potential when placed in context, analysed, and considered in light of the unpredictable. Integration is central to modelling relationships, creating broader views of behaviour and deepening understanding in ways which would not be possible from single data sources.

Insight provides the human element which can so often be missing from decisions made based purely on facts and figures.

Policy and operations need to look at lead indicators like trust, not just rely on output data which is, by its very nature, out of date. Ultimately, market research is a valuable tool for timely and intelligent policy and everyday delivery. L FURTHER INFORMATION

Research that matters The challenge for decision makers is to identify what kind of research will be most helpful and where to source the most effective research from. There are many kinds of research which have been used to inform public sector policy and decision making, including: • Attitudinal – to assess perceptions and opinions relating to customer satisfaction and preference in the provision of services and products.

• Policy development, implementation and evaluation – to evaluate each stage of complex policy development.

• Public consultation – to acclimatise government thinking with public opinion and to provide supporting evidence for policy decisions.

• Communications – to enable twoway dialogue with key stakeholders and guide on the most effective channels for communication.

• Public relations – to understand the behaviour and attitudes of target audiences, to ensure successful media positioning and branding.

www.mrs.org.uk

Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Public Sector Show

Working together to deliver smarter public services Whether you work in local government, central government or the wider public sector, the 2019 Public Sector Solutions Expo will not only support your service delivery processes, but help your department and front-line staff discover new ways of working Public Sector Solutions Expo (PSS) connects market-leading solution providers with senior procurers, decision-makers and influencers from across local and central government and the wider public sector.

The annual event supports the public sector by addressing the key challenges facing the sector, including; sustainable public procurement; achieving efficiency and social value; innovating procurement and the impact of pre-engagement; best practice in cost saving and collaborative approaches to public services; unlocking the potential of digital, technology and data for future government; attracting, retaining and developing workforce; and urban transformation and delivering the smarter estate.

Local government In recent times, local authorities have faced frequently changing circumstances and evolving demands on their services, and 2019 looks set to be no different. This is why PSS 2019, wants to empower the people behind public service transformation to deliver smarter, more efficient public services despite a challenging environment of budget constraints, political uncertainty and an ever-growing population.

As the UK’s leading, two-day public sector event, PSS 2019 will be the meeting place for local authority senior management, service delivery experts and local government procurement and commissioning teams to come together to share best practice, learn the latest policy developments and discover the innovative solutions driving efficiencies in the public sector from 2019 and beyond.

Among the local government speakers at this year’s show, Gavin Jones, chief executive of Essex County Council, will be leading a panel session on building organisational resilience in your workforce and local community.

Alongside Solace’s Game McDonald and Susan Parsonage, chief executive of Wokingham Council, the panel will examine how councils can ensure the skills of the local authority workforce are aligned with any frontier planning and the importance of putting measures in place to provide personal and individual support to staff and leadership.

Another panel discussion not to be missed is

Nicola Graham and Simon Daykin looking at the ethics of technology, and managing risks against opportunity. Graham, current president of Socitm, Local and Daykin, chief technology a u t horit officer at Leidos, will have fa ies emphasise the benefits ced frequen of striking a balance t ly c between the benefits hanging circums of new technology, t a n c es and e volving and the ethical risks d e m ands on they pose in complex their se r v and disjointed work ic e s , and 2019 lo environments. This o k s session will cover be no d set to ifferent the use of AI, RPA, Machine Learning, Chat Bots, Cloud and more.

Tackling procurement, a panel of four experts will collaborate to address the advantages of engaging early with the supplier market and maximising procurement profiles. With contributions from Trevor Ingham, head of procurement at Liverpool City Council, the Cabinet Office’s Martin Traynor, and Sonali Parekh, head of policy at the Federation of Small Businesses, the session will describe alerting suppliers to the procurement activity of purchasing authorities much earlier, and engaging with the markets themselves at an earlier stage.

Central government During continuing times of political uncertainty, PSS 2019 presents an ideal opportunity for you to engage with fellow central government decision-makers and learn about the latest policy and best practice relating to your role. It’s a chance to pre-engage with leading public sector suppliers to improve procurement effectiveness, and network with your peers to discuss the challenges that lie ahead.

PSS 2019 is for central government leaders, local government senior management and procurement and commissioning teams from across the public sector to come together to share best practice, discover the innovative solutions transforming public services, and collaborate to deliver better outcomes.

Establishing a link between leadership and sustainable productivity is key to E Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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4 4 4 4

As many as 64 per cent of public servants expect the quality of public services to get worse over the next few years, more than three times as many as those who expect things to improve Digital technology Digital and technology has created the opportunity to solve any number of public sector challenges, with the potential to reduce costs, deliver truly citizen-centred services and bring government into the 21st century. For much of the sector however, limited funding, security fears, legacy issues, and a lack of digitally-skilled staff can make digital transformation seem difficult and daunting.

But whatever your digital and technology challenges may be, the Public Sector Solutions Expo has a wide range of content and solutions to help you on your digital transformation journey; from showcasing the latest best practice and innovative approaches being adopted across the sector, to providing the very latest technology and digital solutions designed to help you drive efficiency and deliver digital-first public services.

Supported by, and with contributions from, GDS, Socitm and techUK, you can

Public Sector Show

 workforce success in central government.

In her conference session, Kristina Murrin, chief executive of the National Centre for Public Sector Leadership, will provide insights from the Public Services Leadership Taskforce 2018 report and explore the evidence suggesting that the success of public services depends, at least in part, on effective and collaborative leaders who can form strong partnerships across organisational boundaries.

Elsewhere, Samantha Ulyatt, commercial director of buildings at the Crown Commercial Service, will join Richard McWilliams in supplying an overview of the £430 million expected to be procured through her department’s Property Frameworks, as well as how the government’s procurement arm will be increasing the focus on estates procurement through SMEs and focusing on regional expertise.

Returning to digital advances, a technology panel, headed by Simon Leeming, will look at bridging the public sector digital skills gap to support long term digital transformation.

The head of Digital Skills Partnership at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will explain the need to improve digital capability across the whole skills spectrum – from the essential skills that help reduce digital exclusion, to the skills workers need in an increasingly digital economy, and through to the advanced skills required for specialist role, as well as joining up local and central government skills provision.

learn how to implement digital solutions for efficient public services, such as AI and Robotics, and discover the tools required to move away from legacy systems and build greater cyber resilience.

Last year’s State of the Public Sector report found that two-thirds of public servants say digital technology and automation will lead to better (68 per cent) and more efficient (65 per cent) public services in the future, however a similar amount (64 per cent) expect its growing use to lead to job losses.

The poll of more than 700 professionals working in central and local government also reported that 38 per cent of public sector workers consider staff shortages and skills to be among the biggest challenges for the sector, with more than half (54 per cent) expecting the challenge of building a workforce with the right skills to get harder.

Public finance A decade into austerity and the public sector continues to make huge strides in E

Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Public Sector Show

 reforming itself to deliver value for money whilst minimising the effect of budget cuts to frontline service delivery.

Yet inevitably, huge variances remain in the capacity of public sector organisations to manage their finances, expertly engage suppliers and effectively allocate resources utilising relevant corporate solutions.

PSS 2019 will support public sector organisations by providing expert advice, best-practice and policy guidance on the most effective uses of the public pound.

This includes how to engage effectively with suppliers and manage contracts to deliver value for money, better managing the limited sources of public revenue and how to tap into alternative revenue streams whilst mitigating risk.

Also carried out last year by the Public Sector Show, 2018 research found that 64 per cent of public servants expect the quality of public services to get worse over the next few years, more than three times as many as those who expect things to improve. Finance and resources were the biggest challenge identified by public sector workers, with 71 per cent of over 700 respondents identifying this as a pressing concern, compared to 59 per cent who cited Brexit and 38 per cent citing staff shortages. It will be interesting to see if and how those figures have changed heading into April this year, with the Brexit deadline delayed and finances not showing signs of any real improvement.

Digital and technology has created the opportunity to solve any number of public sector challenges, with the potential to reduce costs, deliver truly citizen-centred services and bring government into the 21st century Public sector estates Public sector estates across the country are consolidating and modernising in an effort to optimise space, reduce costs and improve services. At the heart of this effort are commitments to co-locating facilities and services, deploying new and innovative technologies, hitting environmental sustainability targets, satisfying demand for smarter ways of working, and decentralising the government estate.

PSS 2019 provides the perfect opportunity for delegates to discover how local and central government are working with innovative suppliers to future-proof the public sector estate, reduce the size of their property footprints, manage rising energy demands, and create more regional career pathways. As part of this, Janet Young, chief property officer for the Cabinet Office, will outline the key themes from the Government Estate Strategy 2018 and bring delegates

up-to-date with the progress of the One Public Estate programme, and the local public sector bodies that are now successfully managing their land/property more efficiently.

Another standout session covering government estates will see Gerry Brough, director of Place at Bolton Council, join CIPFA’s David Bentley and Anton Draoer, from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, in looking at local authority property investment and regeneration – from a risk versus reward perspective. This panel session will include how to use commercial property investment as an income stream to bolster local government finances, the risks of ‘borrowing in advance of demand’ and where councils should invest, and assessing the impact. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.pssxpo.co.uk

Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Fuel poverty

Tackling the scourge of fuel poverty: What the government needs to do Mike Foster, chief executive of the Energy and Utilities Alliance, looks at what the government must do to lift households out of fuel poverty and cold, damp homes It is often said, but nonetheless worth approach ignores the fact that many fuel repeating: fuel poverty is a pervasive and poor households are then left struggling persistent issue which leaves millions of on with costly and inefficient sources British households without the basic right of heat that inevitably lead to higher to live in a warm home. It is incumbent on bills, such as direct electric heating. any government to maximise the number of Taking a pragmatic approach that delivers households lifted out of fuel poverty whilst the greatest bill savings per pound invested ensuring taxpayers’ money is used efficiently should be the yardstick by which we measure and where it can have the greatest impact. any scheme. A report produced by EUA in It’s fair to say that in recent years 2016 found that by simply refocusing the government’s fuel poverty current government fuel schemes have lacked the focus poverty schemes to deliver Taking and scale needed to get to first-time gas central a pragm grips with the problem. heating systems in approa atic Since it was reformed communities close to delivers ch that in 2016 the Energy the gas grid, nearly Company Obligation 140,000 households bill savi the greatest (ECO), currently the could benefit from n g s per pou investe government’s primary bill savings of at n d d vehicle for delivering least £992 a year, yardsticshould be the k by wh home improvements a transformative we mea i to fuel poor households amount for those sure an ch has disproportionately stuck in the vicious y scheme focused on upgrading the cycle of fuel poverty. By energy efficiency of homes, giving fuel poor households particularly with insulation. This a gas central heating system,

you are enabling them to use heating source used by more than four fifths of UK homes, and one which the government department responsible for energy acknowledges as ‘the cheapest way to produce heat’. It goes without saying that those arguing that the gas grid should not play a role in heating new homes beyond the middle of the coming decade ought to be setting out how writing off the cheapest fuel for consumers tallies with tackling fuel poverty.

Allowing the problem to get worse A key issue often highlighted by industry bodies, charities and local authorities alike is the lack of joint working between government departments and agencies. Breaking down the silo mentality in Whitehall could facilitate greater data sharing; the government holds a wealth of data that could help to pinpoint those in, and at risk of, fuel poverty yet this is seldom used, instead leaving those tasked with this job to reinvent the wheel. Instead, we at the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA) believe that a joint unit within the government should be set up in order to link BEIS official E Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Fuel poverty

 up with their counterparts in the Department for Health and Social Care and the Department for Work and Pensions; bring in a wider range of stakeholders from the heating industry, housing associations as well as charities working with disabled people, the elderly and those struggling with their mental health and you have the beginnings of a body with the diversity and experience needed to tackle such a complex issue.

By failing to identify fuel poor households sooner, a noticeable shortcoming of the policy current approach, we are allowing the problem to get worse. Enabling a wider range of organisations to assess eligibility for assistance, and potentially refer them on too, would also have a positive impact.

For example, if a GP diagnoses a patient with a chronic respiratory condition and they have identified that they live in a cold home which could clearly exacerbate their condition, why can’t they refer them on to fuel poverty alleviation schemes?

First and foremost, this could benefit the patient by easing their condition and the other issues linked to fuel poverty but it could also benefit the NHS by reducing the number of GP and hospital appointments required by the patient. These concrete, realistic policy proposals formed two of five key recommendations of a further report on fuel poverty released by EUA in 2018.

Another issue considered by the report was the role of landlords in upgrading the heating systems and efficiency of their properties.

Many fuel poor households live in the private rented sector where the housing stock is amongst the most inefficient in Europe. For many years there have been discussions on how best to raise the efficiency of these properties, particularly the 280,000 with an EPC rating at the very bottom of the scale (F or G). Last year, regulations came into force that require landlords to upgrade the efficiency of their properties to EPC E when they are let, or by April 2020 at the latest. Where landlords cannot source third party funding, a cap of £2,500 on the total amount they would be expected to pay to achieve this standard was proposed.

Alongside many other organisations from across the energy industry and the third sector, EUA fought for the proposed cap to be substantially raised. Given the urgency of the problem and the amount earned by landlords every year, we felt that £5,000 would have been an appropriate level as this would have enabled new central heating systems, the benefits of which we have already outlined, to come into the scope of the policy. The Department did respond to the heavy criticism and settled on a compromise figure of £3,500. We believe that will go some way to raising the levels of energy efficiency in the private rented sector, which in all too many cases is abysmally low. However, given the level of ambition necessitated by our long-term emissions reduction targets, we are kidding ourselves if we think this policy will go anywhere near far enough. This policy will only scratch the surface of what needs to be achieved in the private rented sector; the government

Considerations of how the cost of decarbonisation might fall on fuel poor households is absent from the debate when it ought to be at the top of the list should be starting the conversation around how to build on it sooner rather than later.

An aspect of the debate around fuel poverty which is often overlooked is the need to give fuel poor households more control over their energy usage. We can do this with two measures: one technological and one political. The technology is smart meters: a simple device with potentially huge benefits. Fuel poor households are often amongst the least engaged, and therefore the most vulnerable, when it comes to energy consumption. By eliminating the rip-off of estimated bills and presenting information on real-time usage of energy in pounds and pence, a format consumers can actually relate to, you are empowering them with a far greater level of understanding of, and control over, their energy usage.

And what is the political measure?

That one is simple too: involve fuel poor households in discussions around the future of heating in the UK. This might sound obvious but it hardly ever happens.

Consumers are scarcely involved, or even seriously considered, in the current debate over how to decarbonise heat, a bare necessity for any household. Considerations of how the cost of decarbonisation might fall on fuel poor households is absent from the debate when it ought to be at the top of the list. We need to better understand how the long-term transition to low carbon sources of heat will affect fuel poverty, particularly with regards to any

unintended consequences of the government policies which will drive that transition.

It is no secret that EUA believes the evidence shows that a long-term solution to the unacceptable levels of fuel poverty we see in the UK is to replace old, inefficient heating systems. This would tackle the core issue of reducing reduce people’s consumption of energy, and therefore their bills. The government also needs to realise that fuel poor households are not a static group that can be simply targeted in one go; BEIS figures show hundreds of households of households are moving in and out of being classed as fuel poor, creating a very complex picture. However, the message from us in the heating industry is clear: we are ready and able to assist the government in tackling the blight of fuel poverty.

However, we need them to be far more targeted in their approach, to recognise the measures, like new central heating systems, that will immediately lift households out of fuel poverty and give them a better quality of life, to involve a far wider range of agencies and stakeholders in efforts to tackle fuel poverty, to make sure landlords do their part and to empower fuel poor households to take control of their own energy usage and have their say on how their home will be heated in the future. Do this and we believe we will make the serious progress we need to see. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.eua.org.uk

Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Advertisment Feature

Bringing social value into public procurement Social value refers to the wider financial and non-financial impacts of projects and programmes including the well-being of individuals and communities, social capital and the environment are accessible to wider groups including BAMEs and those with disabilities.

Social Value has also helped develop a sharper sustainability focus to the good and services companies procure, making public their commitment to sustainable procurement, such as their approach to sustainable and renewable food resources.

Safe supply chains also help reduce the risks associated with cyber security by understanding who you are communicating with, and how. Modern Slavery safeguards should also be addressed when developing successful supply chains. Simply because someone is not directly employed by an organisation, should not preclude the purchaser having a responsibility of knowing how their supplies have been produced. In terms of FM this would include not just food and consumables but items like uniforms and other clothing that has often been produced in less than adequate working conditions.

Establishing Social Value in public sector contracts is the right thing to do. This is good news for ISS, as their business model has embodied these strategies through its policies, practises and commitments to the local communities for decades and the benefits are clearly there to see, and its why ISS are fully supportive and engaged with the changes.

The Public Services (Social Value) Act came into force on 31 January 2013. It requires people who commission public services to consider how they can also secure wider social, economic and environmental benefits. Since then the Civil Society Strategy committed the government to use its buying power to drive social change.

David Lidington, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster underlined this when he said: “We want to see public services delivered with values at their heart, where the wider social benefits matter and are recognised.”

So what kind of things will be considered when looking at facility services in both soft and hard FM? We look at the key issues: Environmental sustainability The evolving challenges brought about by climate change mean that we all need to future-proof our businesses and take steps to reduce our own carbon footprint. Due to changes in the structure of its business ISS achieved their 2022 carbon reduction target well ahead of time and have already set new challenging targets. As the expectation on managing and reducing food waste among

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their customers becomes ever stronger, ISS has also pioneered a new approach to donating food surplus to local charities.

The company is among 87 early adopters who are supporting the UK’s new Food Waste Reduction Roadmap. In 2018, ISS began a partnership with Plan ZHeroes to connect their catering sites with selected charities and set up a process for regular collections of surplus food. A successful trial across five of their client sites, resulted in 420 Kg of legally safe food being donated.

Laura Hopper, CEO of PlanZHeroes commented: “ISS took great care in establishing the processes and procedures to ensure that food surplus could be identified and safely redistributed.”

Most companies are now engaged in Green Office Campaigns, where pledges aimed at tackling issues such as single use plastics and global warming all make material impacts.

These may include the banning of single use disposable coffee cups, eliminating singlesided printing and enhancing waste stream segregation. The use of computer assisted communications, such as Skype, also help to reduce unnecessary travel, thus reducing the business’ carbon footprint still further.

Diverse and safe supply chains Developing diverse supply chains means that small and medium sized businesses also get a share of the spend. When looking at this in greater detail the larger providers should also ensure that their supply chains

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Skills and employment Of course, the best way of providing enhanced social value is to create meaningful and sustainable employment. Companies like ISS have invested heavily in their learning and development schemes, encouraging careers through Apprenticeships@ISS and graduate placements wherever possible and also providing the full range of workplace related training.

Martin Wayman, corporate responsibility manager at ISS UK, concludes: “We recognise that to provide the best service to our customers we need to employ diverse teams by recruiting from a broad talent pool, often focusing on groups who might typically struggle to access employment opportunities. We have now trained several employees to share their valuable experience and coaching with Service Leavers through our JointForces@ISS programme.

“Once in the business we empower our employees to celebrate their rich diversity which creates an inclusive culture where people thrive at work. We marked various notable dates such as International Women’s Day and Pride this year. We were proud to have been recognised by the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion with two awards: ‘An inclusive workplace’ and ‘Overall private sector employer’.” L FURTHER INFORMATION ISS.Government@uk.issworld.com

Environment

Reducing the amount of waste we create The government’s landmark Resources and Waste Strategy needs continued ambition to ensure success, says Maddy Haughton-Boakes, litter campaigner at the Campaign to Protect Rural England Not a week seems to go by without a England (CPRE), to packaging industry headline relating to litter, plastic pollution representatives, waste management or the mismanagement of the UK’s waste companies and local councils – understand and recycling systems. And rightly so. that radical reforms are needed if we’re to Organisations have been highlighting deal with our growing waste problem. the impact that our throwaway culture CPRE has been campaigning for systems is having on the environment for years change in this area for many years, advocating and, thanks in large part to Blue Planet for the government to take a strategic II and China’s ban on waste imports, the approach to the issue and implement issue is finally receiving the attention it legislation that will enable a lasting reduction requires for solutions to be implemented. in litter and reduce waste overall. We were This means government has a strong successful with our calls for the 5p public mandate to deal with our carrier bag charge and we’re waste problem and a golden on the cusp of an even The opportunity to become a bigger success with a public world leader in tackling deposit return system. has give the global scourge of Although local councils n t h e governm plastic pollution. The have worked tirelessly in mandat ent a recent Waste and an attempt to improve Resources Strategy recycling rates, adapting the nec e to take essary a and subsequent household recycling to tackle ction consultations on a systems and spending deposit return system, millions on street throwa our consistent household cleaning to deal with the way culture recycling systems, extended ever growing mountain of producer responsibility packaging, under the current and a tax on virgin plastic system they are fighting a losing packaging are, overall, a strong battle. Our current waste system is failing starting point. But we need continued to reduce the amount of rubbish we produce, ambition and forward planning to ensure provides no incentives for reusing products we reduce the amount of waste we create. and is even falling short of acceptable It is clear that the government, led in levels of recycling with much of our heavily this area by Department for Environment, contaminated, poor quality recycling being Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), recognises shipped off for other countries to deal with. that our waste and recycling system is Ultimately, the problem has been that broken. All stakeholders working in this producers and manufacturers of packaging area – from environmental organisations – who are responsible for, and profit from, such as the Campaign to Protect Rural creating the waste – are not held accountable for ensuring that their products are collected and recycled at the end of their life. We need action to be taken higher up the value chain if we’re to curtail the great tide of waste. Thankfully that’s what the Resources and Waste Strategy is starting to do.

Progress so far The consultation on a deposit return system shows that Defra has understood the benefits of ensuring that producers pay the full costs of recovery and recycling, and that a deposit system is the best way of achieving high recycling rates, high quality material streams for beverages and is a hugely effective way of reducing litter. Introducing a deposit system – where bottles can be turned back into bottles, and cans back into cans – creates a closedloop recycling stream, and is a step in the right direction towards creating a circular economy.

CPRE is urging the government to establish a truly world leading system, building on their ‘all-in’ model by including all sizes and materials of drinks containers in combination with modulated producer fees that would ensure the difficulty of recycling products such as cartons or pouches is reflected in the price the producers pay.

Drinks containers are currently designed in an array of colours and awkward shapes, with unique and detachable openings that makes them difficult to recycle, driving down the quality of the material stream.

The financial incentive on producers, created through modulated producer fees, drives good packaging design that ensures the products placed on the market are easily recyclable with no detachable parts that can easily fall off and are accidentally littered.

The proposed time frame for the introduction of England’s deposit system means that it will not come into place until 2023. This unambitious target begs the question of what we’ll be doing for the next three years and why the significant delay? It is likely that Scotland will press on with implementing their deposit return system well ahead of 2023, E

Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Environment

 in which case we would hope that this will speed up the process in England to avoid the unnecessary complication of irregularity across the borders.

The consultation on reforming the UK packaging producer responsibility exemplifies the time and thought that Defra must have put into this area and a palpable desire to create a lasting change. Defra is proposing to reduce the amount of unnecessary and difficult to recycle packaging and increase the amount that is recycled by shifting the costs of the system onto the producers, in much the way that a deposit system does.

Both the consultation on producer responsibility and a deposit return are designed to work alongside reforms to what is collected through household and business recycling. It is paramount for household recycling to work that people understand what can be recycled; ensuring consistency enables clarity of public messaging in this area and a lack of confusion.

Aside from Defra’s consultations, HM Treasury is also running its own consultation on a plastic packaging tax that is designed to drive forward market demand for recycled materials, and so supporting the other reforms through market mechanisms. The intentions here are to be lauded but this consultation is perhaps the one lacking in the least ambition.

The proposal looks to introduce a tax on plastic packaging that contains less than 30 per cent recycled content. This target is extremely conservative and there are no signs that it would seek to increase the tax,

Although local councils have worked tirelessly in an attempt to improve recycling rates, under the current system they are fighting a losing battle incrementally, in order to continue driving forward the recycled plastics market.

The slight failings in ambition in time frames and targets aside, the Resources and Waste Strategy and four consultations are a welcome milestone in the struggle to reduce our use of packaging and creation of waste.

They will go a long way in strengthening our recycling and waste management systems and begin to incentivise producers to reduce the amount of packaging they pile into our lives.

Ensuring success It is imperative that we see this as a starting point for reduction efforts and begin considering how we can create systems for reuse. Without continued ambition and forward thinking it is inevitable that the UK’s efforts will stall again without having achieved a truly circular economy or drastically reducing the amount of packaging we use. This is what’s needed to reduce our environmental impacts, whether that’s from litter and plastic pollution, or from greenhouse gas emissions associated with inefficient waste management systems and the creation of packaging from virgin materials.

Recycling alone isn’t the answer which is why, along with other environmental organisations, CPRE will continue calling for a series of taxes, bans and charges on single-use items that are necessary to ensure a wholesale reduction in the amount of waste we’re producing. We need the government to set the standards and for industry follow suit, making it easier for people to do the right thing.

We also need to start considering how we can implement scalable systems of reuse.

Building on a recycling-based deposit return system is one tried-and-tested option but we also need to apply this thinking to other items, such as takeaway food boxes.

The public has given the government a mandate to take the necessary action to tackle our throwaway culture, it must continue with its ambitious thinking and apply the necessary financial incentives and innovative solutions to reduce packaging and single-use items in the first place. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.cpre.org.uk

Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Landscaping

Making the case for quality spaces

Written by Fay Holland, Groundwork

Despite Brexit uncertainties, local places closer to home continue to matter. Fay Holland, from national community charity Groundwork, looks at the benefits of investing in our community spaces

In one way or another, place has been at the top of the political agenda for the past few years. The Brexit campaign and subsequent negotiations have turned what it means to belong in Britain, and Europe, into a fiercely contested subject.

But for most people, whatever their views about the UK’s place in the world, local places closer to home continue to matter.

Even though the internet can connect us to the other side of the world in seconds, the majority of people still have a strong attachment to where they live and many live their whole lives in a single area.

Since Groundwork was established almost 40 years ago, the links between people and place and communities and their environment have been at the heart of our work. Our aim then was to experiment with ways to help communities cope with a rapidly changing world and join together to improve their lives and neighbourhoods.

Today, this goal is more relevant than ever.

The challenge facing communities Communities can’t thrive without assets that are properly invested in and maintained. Good quality green spaces, accessible places to meet and committed volunteers are all critical to the well-being of our neighbourhoods: helping to bring communities together, providing an opportunity to meet neighbours, exchange ideas and join forces for a common cause. Not every community has these resources on tap.

Public sector spending cuts have hit disadvantaged areas especially hard and there’s an urgent need for new investment.

The most deprived fifth of local authority areas have seen the biggest reductions in spending

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Last year, Groun support dwork commu ed 24,000 n improve ity groups to parks an and maintain d gre up and en space dow the UK n

on neighbourhoods services (culture, community, environment, youth and transport) – 22 per cent compared to five per cent in the least deprived fifth. This means that if we want to preserve the facilities that we value – from parks and play areas to village halls and sports pitches – communities will need to take more of a lead.

The urgent question is how. Volunteer time is sometimes harder to come by in deprived areas: a recent survey by NCVO found that people from higher socio-economic groups and educated to a higher level were more likely to volunteer compared to those from lower socio-economic groups or without qualifications. This could be due to working long hours or juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet or other factors such as feeling excluded from local decision-making.

This presents a challenge for existing community groups working in a context of depleted neighbourhood services, who need to ensure that they include and reflect the perspectives of everyone living in the area. It presents the greatest challenge in areas where the majority of the population are facing multiple disadvantage, and where more encouragement, advice, skills and funds are needed to help community action to take root and flourish in and around parks and green spaces.

Local support for local action Groundwork’s experience is that face-to-face support from experienced community workers

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can take a group of residents from concern and criticism to constructive and committed long-term engagement. With the right expertise, this process can also help people tackle ill health, get skills and jobs and adopt more sustainable lifestyles.

Last year, Groundwork supported 24,000 community groups to improve and maintain parks and green space up and down the UK, bringing them to life in different ways. In Belfast, young offenders visit a community garden managed by Groundwork at Hydebank Wood College to receive

Bridging the generation gap The quality of our environment is as important an issue for young people as it is for adults. Often unfairly stereotyped as being lazy and uninterested in anything beyond their mobile phone screens, February’s youth climate strike demonstrated the next generation’s passion and concern for global environmental issues and their desire to have their voices heard.

Local issues matter to them too: a 2015 Groundwork survey found 69 per cent of 16-24 year olds would be willing to volunteer in their local community. Community groups’ appetite to include them in local issues is also strong, with 96 per cent of Friends of Parks Groups saying they want to do so but 81 per cent saying they were not sure how.

Bridging this gap is a crucial step if we’re to secure the long-term future of our local community assets – as well as providing the time and energy that community groups so desperately need, being involved in their communities can help young people to combat loneliness and build up (offline) social networks that support them on their next steps into adulthood.

It can be done. In July 2018, a network of Groundwork ‘Young Green Ambassadors’ connected with community groups up and down the UK to collaborate on local events as part of their ‘Inclusive Spaces’ campaign. Breaking down barriers between the generations took effort on both sides but demonstrated just how much can be achieved when all ages and sections of the community come together around a place they value.

The government has been clear that it wants to see more people actively involved in their local environment and community. As such, the 25 Year Environment Plan declared 2019 the Year of Green Action The government response The government has been clear that it wants to see more people actively involved in their local environment and community; the 25 Year Environment Plan declared 2019 the Year of Green Action, hoping ‘to see more people from all backgrounds involved in projects to improve the natural world’, while the Civil Society Strategy aims ‘to build a society where people have sense of control over their future and that of their community’.

So what is needed to spread the benefits of good quality, accessible green spaces available to every community? Falling levels of local authority spending since 2010 have meant that too many of our community spaces have fallen out of use and into disrepair. The government’s recent announcement of £13 million additional funding for parks, accompanied by the promise of more to come, is a step in the right direction. However, money by itself is not enough – what is needed is a new vision for green space at the heart of thriving stronger social infrastructure, something described by others as a ‘civic operating system’.

We would like to see government and civil society ensure that funding is targeted to overcome these challenges so that every community has access to this vital social infrastructure. The upcoming consultation on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which will replace EU funding for communities, together with this year’s comprehensive spending review, provide an opportunity to take a strategic, long term approach to funding social infrastructure and community action.

Landscaping

horticultural training and work alongside local people, helping them to reintegrate back into the community. In Merseyside, our Grow Speke community garden provides a vibrant venue for horticultural therapy and environmental education, complete with wildflower meadows, orchards and community growing spaces, on former wasteland which had been plagued by fly-tipping. In the Derwent Valley, the Groundwork-led Land of Oak & Iron partnership utilises a beautiful steep-sided valley filled with woodland and wildlife for a series of projects and opportunities for people to learn new skills.

How can we build the case for investment?

With this in mind, we believe action is required on three fronts to build the case for greater investment in our local communities and the assets on which they depend: Reductions in public spending have impacted most on those services and facilities that make our neighbourhoods better, more civilised places to live.

As they fashion future plans and budgets, our politicians need to recognise and address this fact.

In the current year more than £120 billion of public money will be spent on health and £80 billion invested in public infrastructure. We need to win the argument that investing a small amount of this budget in supporting communities will help us manage the escalating costs of our health, social care and welfare systems. A stronger community infrastructure delivered as part of the ‘social value’ attached to core public services will mean people are better able to support each other and make more sustainable lifestyle choices that ultimately keep us – and our planet - well.

We need to provide support where it’s needed most. In many parts of the country, there is a long track record of community action and a strong network of local volunteer groups. But in areas with a more transient population or where people are juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet, community action is harder to take root and to keep going. We need to provide encouragement, advice, skills and funds here where they’re most needed.

At Groundwork, we’re carrying out research to community groups to understand what types of support they need to continue and expand their work. We hope this will help make the case for this investment and for strong communities to be at the heart of policy making across all levels of government.

Up and down the country there are examples of how much can be achieved when communities have the tools to take action in their parks and green spaces. Investing in and harnessing the passion of local people for the places they play, grow, eat and meet is vital to creating strong communities that work for people and nature. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.groundwork.org.uk

Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Safety & Health Expo

Changing your perception of safety – and working safe and well Taking place at ExCel London on 18-20 June, Facilities Show and Safety & Health Expo, the UK’s most important events for their respective sectors, return with exciting new features including Smart Buildings Expo and the Workplace Wellbeing Show. Government Business previews the must attend shows for those involved in health and safety and facilities management The working environment - from offices to hospitals and public spaces to outdoor sites - present a number of challenges. Physical health and well-being, effective building management, cleaning, space planning, safety: all these things require sophisticated responses to ensure working and living environments are well-managed and people kept safe.

There’s only one place in the world that provides access to the solutions, spanning both health and safety and facilities management.

That place is ExCeL London on 18-20 June 2019, which plays host to two colocated events, Safety & Health Expo and Facilities Show. These events provide the products, solutions, ideas and inspiration to keep people and place safe, healthy, functioning, and properly managed.

Safety & Health Expo Safety & Health Expo is the UK’s biggest event for the health and safety sector, giving thousands of international industry professionals access not only to thousands of innovative products and solutions, but to a

world-leading programme of CPD-accredited seminars and education. It helps visitors adapt to the constantly changing health and safety landscape by providing education, training and one-to-one advice on the latest legislation, technologies, trends and developments.

Safety & Health Expo hosts experts, industry leaders and inspirational speakers that help drive the global health and safety conversation.

The event has a reputation as a major global centre for health, safety and well-being, and is supported by leading industry bodies including the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Nebosh and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

CPD- accredited seminars Education and guidance is a priority for the event. In 2019, its extensive seminar programme feature speakers from companies such as Next, HSE, Siemens, Bosch and Geodis, who share their insights and experiences of managing safety and well-being in a modern workplace. These

take place in a range of seminar theatres, from the Keynote Theatre and the Leadership Forum to the Safety Technology Zone, which focuses on new, high-tech products.

There are also seminars and panels on women in health and safety, protecting an ageing workforce, investigating accidents, and a variety of real-life case studies drawing lessons from personal experience.

Hear from inspirational speakers Safety & Health Expo also seeks to inspire its visitors to think about health and well-being issues in new ways. That’s why the Keynote Theatre will play host to three inspirational speakers: BBC journalist and presenter Steph McGovern, Winter Olympic underdog Eddie the Eagle and England rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson. Each applies the perspective of their long and varied careers to the career journey, courage and risk, as well as mental health. This theatre is shared by Facilities Show.

Safety & Health Expo has an incredible showcase of thousands of products and solutions from more than 300 exhibitors. E

There’s onl one play ce in the provide world that s solution access to the s both he, spanning safety a alth and nd manag facilities ement

Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Safety & Health Expo

 These include companies such as IKAR, Draeger, MSA, SYNLAB, Eurofins, Reflex and Locstatt, representing the world’s most cutting-edge products across PPE, site safety, hazardous materials, hygiene, lone worker safety and more.

And with so many exhibitors available, Safety & Health Expo has introduced a way of securing meetings with the ones most relevant to each visitor. This 1-2-1 Meeting Service allows professionals to tailor their own agenda ahead of the show in order to lock-down the right meetings. A range of networking spaces – from casual bars and relaxed parks to formal meeting rooms – makes Safety & Health Expo a haven for building relationships and generating new business.

New - Workplace Wellbeing Show Within the profession, the focus is increasingly turning to new challenges such as mental health and wellbeing. As a result, health and safety professionals are demanding a much more sophisticated response that goes beyond the traditional paradigm. That’s why Safety & Health Expo has introduced a dedicated feature to centralise the latest thinking on workplace well-being, the Workplace Wellbeing Show. This area will host seminars, presentations and product demonstrations that help keep people safe, productive and healthy.

It’s designed not just to promote physical and mental health in the workplace, but also to give professionals the right tools and knowledge to engage with workplace wellbeing challenges. It’s a subject touched upon by Jonny Wilkinson in his inspirational speech: he notes particularly the challenge of acknowledging his mental health in a working environment dominated by masculine ideas of weakness. Among the sessions

New technologies such as green energy management and smart buildings have created a wealth of opportunities for facilities managers, and Facilities Show helps visitors engage with them hosted in the Workplace Wellbeing Show is an exclusive seminar led by the mental health charity Mind. Workplace wellbeing has gained greater prominence in recent years, making the solutions and seminars available here more critical than ever.

New - PPE Attack Zone Another key location introduced in 2019 is the PPE Attack Zone, something that has long been demanded by health and safety professionals. Here, PPE products are subject to rigorous, real-time, interactive tests that demonstrate how PPE is accredited and provide evidence of the efficacy of these different products. And with changes to PPE legislation having come into effect in 2018, it plays a vital role in helping visitors source high-quality equipment that surpasses new industry standards.

These features all contribute to a common purpose. Safety & Health Expo encourages professionals across all sectors to adopt a health and safety strategy that embraces new, innovative methods to care for both the physical and mental health of the workforce and the public.

Facilities Show This goal is furthered by Facilities Show.

Effective management of an office or other

workplace can contribute to health, safety and well-being in a variety of ways. Taking place across the same three day period – and accessed for free by visitors to Safety & Health Expo – Facilities Show is one of the most comprehensive conferences and trade shows for facilities management and field service management professionals.

By introducing thousands of visitors to the latest products, solutions, and ideas, and hosting industry leaders and more than 250 suppliers, the event plays a similar role to Safety & Health Expo in shaping the future of the facilities management profession.

It helps facilities managers source costeffective solutions across workplace technology, cleaning, health and well-being, waste management and space planning, it also seeks to facilitate career development, networking, and education.

New technologies such as green energy management and smart buildings have created a wealth of opportunities for facilities managers, and Facilities Show helps visitors engage with them by providing them with access to world-class learning and education through a full programme of thought leadership, seminars, keynote speeches and panel discussions. In this way, visitors can stay at the forefront of a sector constantly adapting to new technology. E Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Safety & Health Expo

 And as with Safety & Health Expo, Facilities Show doesn’t balk from this commitment to education. Hosted in a selection of dedicated theatres and feature areas such as the Facilities Management Theatre, its extensive agenda of CPD-accredited panels and casestudies covers topics as varied as flexible working, integrated workplace technology, sustainability, diversity and more, as well as time-critical subjects such as the impact of Brexit on the facilities management profession.

The event provides visitors with the opportunity to examine the key developments and innovative ideas shaping the facilities management profession.

New - a hub for smart buildings at Facilities Show 2019 Visitors can enhance their knowledge of smart buildings at Smart Buildings Expo, a new feature designed in collaboration with Master Systems Integrators, Vanti, providing a laser-focus on the technologies transforming the home and workplace. They can walk round a full-scale replica of a smart office containing innovative heating and lighting systems, and a variety of products designed to improve wellbeing and automate building management. It also covers new methods for improving sustainability; this is complemented by a seminar on sustainability and waste management in the Facilities Management Theatre.

Cutting edge, high-tech solutions are also on offer from leading technology suppliers on the show floor, giving visitors the opportunity to network with and source products from big names like Smartspace Software, FSI, Commusoft, Planon and other companies driving innovation within the smart technology sector.

Furthermore, with hundreds of vendors displaying their products, visitors can source and test everything from furniture and lighting to pest control and waste management. The breadth of products on display allows visitors to gain a thorough understanding of the facilities and field service management market, from exhibitors as varied as Vaclensa and FSI to Express Vending and Carbon Trust.

With so many products on show, and such a comprehensive programme of seminars and talks on offer, visitors to both events can find the intersection between health and safety and facilities management. In this way, they can enhance their strategies for both with new, shared insights, as well as the inspirational messages of Steph McGovern, Eddie the Eagle and Jonny Wilkinson.

Both Safety & Health Expo and Facilities Show are free to attend for visitors. Your ticket gives entry across both shows, as well as to colocated shows IFSEC International and FIREX International, covering security and fire safety.

Source innovative fire alarms, security doors, sprinkler systems and surveillance cameras to improve health and safety, management of property, and to keep people safe.

IFSEC International IFSEC International returns to ExCeL London, 18-20 June 2019. Europe’s largest integrated security event tackles national security issues from counter terror measures and cybersecurity to security techniques for tackling extremism.

Security professionals can access worldleading education, discover fascinating insights from industry leaders and keynote speakers, and source the most innovative security products and solutions on the market across perimeter protection, video surveillance, access control, cyber security and more, including: video surveillance; converged security; IT and cyber security;

perimeter protection and physical security; intruder detection; and access control.

The seminar and conference programme takes places across three days at IFSEC International and is rich with informative sessions covering best practice, ongoing trends and future developments in physical and perimeter security. The event’s packed agenda of seminars, speeches and presentations comes in at over 35 hours of content, in dedicated venues including the Keynote Arena, the Future of Security Theatre, brought to you by Tavcom, and the Converged Security Centre in partnership with Vidsys.

These seminars will bring you the latest on safe cities, anti-terror and the protection of critical national infrastructure, and include a variety of real-world case studies that will demonstrate the efficacy of new solutions, technology and physical security strategies.

You’ll also have the chance to put your questions directly to policy makers and anti-terror experts – last year, those who attended the discussions in the Keynote Arena heard from Michael Chertoff, former Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security, and Dr Pippa Malmgren, former White House adviser.

This year, world-renowned speakers will continue to discuss and debate some of the most critical issues facing the security industry, from cybersecurity and ethical and legal challenges to extremism. In 2019, video analytics, AI, machine-based learning, a year of GDPR, Brexit and smart cities are all on the agenda, overseen by returning Keynote Arena chair Frank Gardner OBE. Frank Gardner himself is a key figure in counter-terror knowledge, having worked as a journalist and broadcaster in the Middle East, covering global terrorism. His expertise in this area will contextualise the sessions in the wider global counter terror discussion.

These speakers and presenters highlight the uniquely strong calibre of thought leadership that IFSEC International offers.

The seminar programme gives visitors a unique access to the ideas, products and innovations at the heart of the industry, helping you shape your security strategy to tackle the threats of tomorrow. L FURTHER INFORMATION

BBC journalist and presenter Steph McGovern will be sharing her insights

www.safety-health-expo.co.uk www.facilitiesshow.com

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FIREX International

Furthering the conversation around fire and life safety FIREX International takes place from 18–20 June 2019 at ExCeL London and is free to attend.

With 18,000 fire prevention and protection professionals attending, it is the only dedicated fire safety event in Europe FIREX International is the only event that connects the global fire and security markets, giving you access to the very latest technology from suppliers around the world. So, whether you work solely in the fire industry or across both fire and security, FIREX International provides you with the solutions and knowledge to help keep your property and people safe.

Grow your business by networking with thousands of fire and security professionals.

With over 130 exhibitors it is the perfect opportunity to source world-leading fire safety products, from sprinkler systems to intelligent buildings, including both passive and active solutions. From the ASFP Passive Protection Zone, LPCB Red Book Pavilion and the Sprinkler and Water Suppression Zone, it’s all under one roof.

What’s On? FIREX International hosts unique zones dedicated to meeting your business needs.

Test over 1,100 fire safety products and solutions from industry defining manufacturers to small innovative start-ups. Confirmed exhibitors include Apollo, The A1S Group, InproEurope, Advanced, Hochiki and C-Tec. The BRE Group will also host the LPCB RedBook Pavilion, a high-profile destination where visitors can speak with manufacturers of quality certified products. Whilst the Sprinkler and Water Suppression Zone hosts leading vendors of sprinkler technology, including Duyar Valves, Reacton, FirePro

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and Xylem Water. Meet and network with industry experts by pre-booking meetings with suppliers and get all your questions answered by the ‘Show Me How’ technicians.

of tests to assess the performance of video fire detectors; and the Fire Industry after Brexit: Approvals and Compliance.

Global networking opportunities A variety of bars, parks and networking areas Grow and develop your business provide visitors with plenty of opportunities FIREX International provides a timely to interrogate products, make new contacts opportunity to grow your business, by and generate new business. Whilst the establishing and strengthening your supply complimentary 1-2-1 Meetings Service allows chain by meeting existing and new partners, you to tailor your own agenda of meetings as well as networking with key people and with the suppliers most relevant to you. forge productive relationships. Organised by You also have the opportunity to connect UBM, the show also allows delegates to stay with hundreds more professionals across up-to-date with the latest trends, products and security, safety and facilities management legislation and get hands-on-experience of at FIREX’s co-located trade-shows: IFSEC, innovative fire safety products and solutions.

Safety & Health Expo and the Facilities Show.

Over three days you will have access to more than 25 hours of free conference Tall Building Fire Safety sessions in the Expertise and Guidance Conference Theatre and FPA Infozone. Alongside this, As the international fire industry comes to you can also book to attend the co-located terms with the serious tall building fires that Tall Buildings Conference. The programme is have occurred in recent times, there is a led by world-renowned experts and industry need to consider how we can improve and leaders who will reflect on some of the enhance the current processes most critical topics shaping the sector, and equipment used for tall including: Double Fatality Fire and building fire safety and the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide FIREX firefighting. The sixth Alarm Regulations 2015; Interna International Tall Defining the competency in Building Fire Safety the Fire Industry with FIA provide tional s you w Conference will take Qualifications; a review of t he solu ith place on 18–20 government response to t knowle ions and June 2019 at ExCeL Hackitt/ADB review and d London alongside impact on passive fire keep yo ge to help ur pro FIREX International. protection; the development

and pe perty ople safe

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

FIREX International

Sheffield City Council is the latest council to join forces with local authorities to urge the government to act and pay for new sprinklers to increase the safety of residents in tower blocks

In the two years since the Grenfell Tower fire, the All-Party Parliamentary Fire Safety and Rescue Group, National Fire Chiefs Council, the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Fire Brigades Union, the Association of British Insurers, the Fire Protection Association, London Fire Brigade and the Fire Sector Federation have all called for the retrofitting of sprinklers. However, the government has so far made no funding available for the retrofitting of sprinklers. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.firex.co.uk

The conference will seek to answer the following questions posed by the industry worldwide: what does a ‘fit for purpose’ testing regime for tall building facades look like?; In connection with above, what does combustibility and non-combustible mean?; Is tall timber a good idea?; What is the latest thinking in computer modelling of tall building fires?; How should drones be best used for fire risk management in tall buildings?; What is best practice in tall building construction fire safety management?; How should firerelated aspects of insurance cover of tall buildings be calculated?; How should drones be best used for firefighting in tall buildings?; What do world-class tall building firefighting procedures look like?

What are the latest innovations in tall building fire safety?

Government funded sprinklers Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, local governments and independent bodies have been pulling together to encourage the government to pay for new sprinklers to increase the safety of residents in tower blocks.

Sheffield City Council is the latest council to join forces with local authorities to urge the government to act. Jim Steinke, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and community safety at the authority, joined other senior representatives in delivering a letter calling for funding, signed by Sheffield and 15 local authorities, to 10 Downing Street.

He said: “Following the horror of the Grenfell Tower disaster, we acted quickly to move forward plans to install sprinkler systems in all council-owned tower blocks. I firmly believe this was the right thing to do, and we made this commitment using our own funds, not sure whether we would secure government funding.

“The government might not value tenant safety, but we do - we are making over £400 million in improvements to council homes over the next five years, including significant fire safety measures. We are committed to ensuring that all council owned tower blocks in Sheffield are fitted with sprinklers, but we feel it is only right that the government pays for this.”

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All Energy

Sturgeon to deliver keynote address at All-Energy Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will be delivering a keynote address at All-Energy, the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference where one-to-one advice will be readily on offer, particularly to private sector landlords who face the challenge of ensuring that their property reaches EPC rating E (at least) by 1 April 2020.

All three pillars have full conference programmes, and, in the case of energy efficiency and low carbon heat, these include readily accessed seminar theatres on the exhibition show floor with a rolling programme of presentations. Other relevant conference sessions include those looking at low carbon transport under the Smart Urban Mobility Solutions ‘banner’; sustainable and smart cities; decarbonisation of industry; the ‘net-zero challenge’; and carbon capture and storage.

The All-Energy conference embraces all forms of renewable energy generation (bioenergy, hydropower, marine renewables; on- and offshore wind; and solar) as well as associated topics such as energy systems, energy storage, the grid; hydrogen; and finance and funding. UK Research and Innovation and Innovate UK have an extensive programme of conference sessions, many reflecting the aims of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, and an Investors Breakfast running during the two-day event. A POWERful Women networking lunch will be another feature of Day 2. L FURTHER INFORMATION The 19th All-Energy, and the co-located Dcarbonise, are being held at the Glasgow Event Campus (SEC) on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 May, bringing together some 7,000 participants from home and overseas; up to 250 exhibiting companies; and a packed multi-stream conference and seminar programme with more than 450 speakers. All elements of All-Energy and Dcarbonise – the exhibition, the conference and the Giant Networking Evening – are free to attend for all with relevant professional/business interests.

The inaugural Dcarbonise is Scotland’s dedicated energy customerfocused event for low-carbon built environment and transport solutions.

Discussing Sturgeon’s presence at the show, Jonathan Heastie, All-Energy’s event director, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Scotland’s First Minister back to the show on opening morning. This will be her third visit to All-Energy and is greatly appreciated by all. We know the Lomond Auditorium will be packed to the proverbial gunwales to listen to her.

“All-Energy is an event that buzzes with enthusiasm from exhibitors eager to do business and visitors just as eager to learn and to engage with exhibitors and conference speakers. We have a superb exhibitor list with a broad range of highly relevant exhibits, some very large and dramatic exhibits, and a superb conference line-up.

The inaugural Dcarbonise, sponsored by the Scottish Government, the Energy Saving Trust and Zero Waste Scotland, brings an extra dimension to the event. The First Minister’s presence will add to both the topicality and significance of the programme.”

Other speakers in the opening day plenary session will include Lord Provost Eva Bolander, Lord Provost of the City of Glasgow; Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower (who will also chair the session); Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council; Chris Stark, CEO, Committee on Climate Change; and Professor Karen Turner, director of the Centre for Energy Policy, University of Strathclyde.

Low carbon heat After both days’ plenary session, the conferences for the two colocated events gets under way. Energy efficiency, low carbon heat and low carbon transport are the three pillars of Dcarbonise. The triumvirate of the Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust and Zero Waste Scotland has a large central pavilion in the exhibition

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THE IDEAL SETTING FOR MEETINGS & GROUP ACCOMMODATIONS Elegant, sleek, and modern, Sandman Signature London Gatwick Hotel is four-star hospitality at its best. Our hotel features six main newly refurbished conference rooms available for hosting meetings or conferences of up to 200 delegates and flexible meeting space for comfortable break-out areas.

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Conferences & events

An international city: Manchester meets world Manchester’s growth into a leading international city is continuing at pace, attracting increasing numbers of visitors, investors and conference organisers. 2019 stands to be a significant milestone in this growth as the city bolsters its efforts to attract some global players Traditionally, Manchester is a city associated with the industrial revolution, music and sport. However, Marketing Manchester, the agency responsible for promoting Manchester on an international scale, is working to spread the message that while these are certainly important to the shared identity of the city, they don’t tell the whole story.

Indeed, as the city develops and its reputation grows, Manchester is increasingly becoming known for sensational dining, provocative culture and as a comprehensive meetings and events destination, famous for a warm welcome.

Conferences Coming up in 2019 the city will be looking forward to some large-scale conferences, particularly in the life sciences and healthcare sector.

In May the British Contact Lens Association will bring more than 1,000 delegates to Manchester from around the UK and overseas. Then in June the city will welcome the 58th Annual Conference of the Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group, where experts will come together to discuss the latest developments in oncology and radiotherapy, and celebrate the centenary of

Central convention venue in October.

Ernest Rutherford confirming the discovery Manchester has had many successful of the proton – another Manchester first. years of hosting major political party In October Manchester will host the IEEE conferences in the city, and looks forward Nuclear Science Symposium & Medical to repeating the success this year.

Imaging Conference 2019. Held in Sydney last These conferences and many more are year, the international event gathers experts delivered with the support of Manchester in radiation detection instrumentation for Convention Bureau, the meetings and events use in nuclear science, medical imaging and arm of Marketing Manchester. The team space. Then looking to 2020, the city will be specialises in event and client support and gearing up for the European Resuscitation provides a range of complimentary Council Congress, an important services for organisers looking year where professionals in to host an event in the city. emergency medicine 2019 will deliberate will f Hotels recent updates signific orm a In recent years there to resuscitation has been a significant guidelines. change ant stepin the c increase in new hotels Turning away cultura ity’s opening across the from science, l and in journey, Greater Manchester Manchester will region and this trend also welcome the Manch Marketing shows no sign of slowing 2019 Conservative est to promer’s work down. The number of rooms Party Conference ote it available in Manchester back to Manchester city centre is set to increase by up to 40 per cent by 2020.

In November and December 2018 two new hotels opened their doors in Manchester city centre. Transformed by acclaimed New York architects/designers Grzywinski + Pons the 159-bedroom converted warehouse Whitworth Locke has a stunning atrium space and workspace E

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Advertisment Feature

Is your data at risk by switching cloud supplier?

Blackthorn GRC, as a supplier of cloud solutions for investigation case management and security incident response, lists some of the areas to consider when shifting potentially sensitive data G-Cloud 10, and its forebearers, is the realisation of the government’s ‘Cloud First Policy’ introduced in 2013. Francis Maud, the then ‘Minister for the Cabinet Office’, recognised that cloud-based infrastructure and services had the potential to deliver to government quicker, cheaper access to computing resources, whilst opening up the marketplace, increasing choice, accessibility and the opportunities for innovation. Instead of being suffocated by a complex web of supply agreements with large system integrators, public sector organisations would have the freedom to choose suppliers offering best value for money and to switch to alternative suppliers every couple of years in the ongoing search for best value, free of the constraints normally associated with internal IT operations.

Whilst the vehicles for cloud procurement, such as G-Cloud, continue to evolve making it increasingly easy to engage cloud service providers, certain challenges remain such as the complexities of migrating data from internal to cloud platforms, or between platforms where there is a change in service provider. Is the transition to cloud services totally empowering or an act that puts at risk the customer’s control, understanding and safeguarding of its own data? The data is, after all, your most important and valuable asset. Blackthorn GRC has experience of supporting customers with data migration and through-life data management. We have listed some of the areas to consider when shifting potentially sensitive data.

Understand your data It sounds obvious, but to successfully migrate data it is important to both understand and manage its composition. Start by asking the following questions: Is the ‘footprint’ appropriate? Is the data-set contiguous?

Is some or all of the data sensitive from a privacy point of view? And, is cleansing necessary to remove any duplication or erroneous content? The aim here is to identify whether all necessary data fields have been identified and/or the presence of redundant data, possibly the legacy of an old service architecture. We also want to identify gaps in coverage (w.r.t. time), possibly caused by large datasets that have been partially archived or the use of different database technologies. If the data has a protective marking its sensitivity will be apparent, if not, its safe-keeping might be implied by the type of data, its use and/or circulation.

Define the data that requires migrating and

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where possible use tools to establish a solid understanding of the totality of the data and the presence of any gaps in coverage.

Of course, if migrating from an incumbent to new service provider, the onus is on the incumbent to provide an integral data-set.

When migrating from one database architecture to another the database schemas might not share identical fields, and therefore some translation and/or mappings might be necessary to facilitate the exchange. In extreme cases, the migration might be from ‘many’ to ‘one’ database, further complicating matters. Additionally, the migration might not be direct but via an intermediary, such as an export file complying with a CSV format.

It is important to agree the ‘mechanics’ of the exchange early on, and to establish accountabilities so that the data supplier and data acquirer are clear about their spheres of responsibility. Both supplier and acquirer will have a role to play, if only to define their respective database structures, database field names and database field usage. If an intermediary export file is employed, then a file specification will be required so that both supplier and acquirer are able to determine their accountabilities in relation to data transformation and mappings when constructing the file (supplier) and consuming the file contents (acquirer).

GDPR & Validation The introduction of GDPR on 25 May 2018 has forced organisations to reconsider what information they store, how and where it’s stored, and critically how long it is retained. Where personally identifiable data is concerned, it is no longer acceptable to simply hold on to information indefinitely on the grounds that storage is far cheaper than the time and labour cost of an audit and selective culling.

GDPR impacts both data migration and through-life data management activities.

There is little value in migrating data that falls foul of GDPR such as personal data that is no longer current or necessary. Start by clearly identifying assets or asset classes and for each, note the data retention policy. This will act as a specification for data cleansing at, or before, migration but also inform through-life data management activities to ensure on an ongoing basis that only current and necessary information is retained.

Data-sets, especially those using different systems and over an extended period of time, can contain deeply rooted ambiguities and inconsistencies. Having been previously

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dormant, these irregularities can surface especially where the data is transposed to a new system with different, often more rigorous data validation rules. Data quality rules should be established early on that define the permissible values for individual fields and any inter-field dependencies. Using the rules, tools can be quickly developed and used to parse the data for the presence of irregularities. It makes far more sense from an efficiency perspective to trap and remedy such irregularities at source rather than to discover issues post migration when the focus is very much one of getting the service up and running in the shortest time possible.

Data Snapshot Unless setting up a new service, there is likely to be a need to ensure ‘continuity of service’ and to minimise any downtime when switching between service providers.

Typically, a snapshot of the ‘live’ data is taken which defines the opening position of the new service. The snapshot will need careful choreographing to ensure it is taken when the data is stable and not in a state of flux.

Obviously, user accounts can be disabled to eliminate the changes during or after the snapshot, however system instigated changes, often running asynchronously, are not so easy to adjudge or reconcile.

When migrating data across to the new service provider, careful consideration needs to be given to the timing of updates by communicating systems, especially where that data might be in transit and cannot be temporarily delayed until the new service is up and running. Of course, the chances of the snapshotted data being successfully migrated are low unless the overall snapshot and migration process has been rigorously trialled and tested in advance of the big day.

The G-Cloud Framework Agreement recognises that data migration is nontrivial and places the onus on the supplier to facilitate migration at the end of term, however arising. As indicated above, there are many facets to data migration, and therefore it is an activity that requires good communication and cooperation between all parties in order to be successful. Blackthorn GRC’s approach is to prepare a comprehensive strategy and implementation plan whenever on-boarding Case Management clients. L FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 02081237989 sales@blackthorn.com

Sport It’s no secret that Manchester is an iconic city when it comes to sport. Home to two of the world’s most valuable sports brands – Manchester United and Manchester City, the region continues to be a hotspot for sports fans in 2019.

Cricket mania will sweep the region as the city welcomes ICC Cricket World Cup between 30 May and 14 July, hosting six fixtures at Emirates Old Trafford, including a semi-final and the most-watched fixture in the cricket calendar when India take on Pakistan.

The newly renovated stadium will also play host to the popular Ashes series when the fourth test match brings England and Australia head-to-head to see who will take home the coveted urn. Fans of football are also treated this year, with the reopening of the newly enhanced National Football Museum, which charts historic moments from the beautiful game with a revamped World Cup area, and the story of women’s football now woven into four floors of exhibitions, memorabilia and trophy lifting photo opps.

Culture 2019 will form a significant step-change in the city’s cultural journey, and in Marketing Manchester’s work to promote it. It marks the start of a three-year cultural transformation for Greater Manchester, with a host of major projects on the way, eventually culminating in the opening of major new arts centre The Factory.

Significant projects in the pipeline include the expansions of three major Manchester museums – Science and Industry Museum, Manchester Museum and Manchester

Conferences & events

 featuring Manchester coffee experts Foundation; whilst Hotel Indigo Manchester – Victoria Station has brought 187-bedrooms to the northern gateway to the city, retaining features from an original Victorian building paired with contemporary extension.

The first major opening for 2019 will be London Warehouse. The former Place Aparthotel on Ducie Street is undergoing an extensive refurbishment to bring out the character of the Grade II listed Victorian railway warehouse, creating 166 design-led serviced apartments operated by the Native group.

Also on Ducie Street will be the £25 million luxury Dakota Deluxe Hotel due to open in May 2019, offering 137-bedrooms as part of the Piccadilly Basin regeneration.

Elsewhere in the city, Manchester United football icons Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs are developing the Stock Exchange Hotel, a 41-bedroom boutique within the building of a former historic stock exchange.

Jewish Museum in 2020 – and the phased opening of RHS Garden Bridgewater, Europe’s largest garden project.

One of the top reasons to visit Manchester in 2019 will be Manchester International Festival, a highlight in Manchester’s cultural calendar (MIF19), which returns 4–21 July to venues and found spaces across the region.

The Festival will feature never before seen work by artists including Yoko Ono, Idris Elba, Skepta, and Janelle Monáe. A full line-up announcement was made in March 2019.

As well as producing the biennial event, MIF will run and commission ambitious work in the lead up to The Factory, the North of England’s upcoming flagship cultural venue. The 13,300-square metre arts and theatre space is anticipated to attract 850,000 people a year from 2021.

The major new landmark, designed by Rem Koolhaas’ Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), will allow artists to create work of huge ambition and see it hosting everything from major exhibitions and epic concerts to intimate performances and immersive experiences, including dance, theatre, music, opera, and visual arts.

Turning back to 2019, iconic music venue Band on The Wall has an ambitious expansion planned, which will bring the adjoining Victorian Smithfield Market building back into use to significantly increase its capacity.

The new space will be used to expand gig sizes and create a new place to teach young people about the music industry.

Youth-led Contact Theatre is also undergoing a transformation. The team will continue its tour of venues across Greater Manchester, including its popular Queer Contact season, ahead of the theatre reopening in late 2019.

Another entertainment development to look out for will be boutique cinema chain

2019 will herald the next wave of Greater Manchester’s cultural renaissance. With increased pressure on cities to diversify their offering, these are incredibly exciting times for the region

Everyman Cinema bringing their living-room style cinemas to Manchester for the first time in Autumn 2019. They’ll be housed in the upcoming ABC buildings, part of the new St. John’s quarter, one of several emerging neighbourhoods in the city.

Following success in 2018, Britain’s longestrunning soap brings back Coronation Street The Tour to take guests around the famous cobbles on selected weekends throughout the year, discovering behind-the-scenes of one of the UK’s largest television lots, now vastly expanded at its new MediaCityUK location. In a similar capacity RHS Garden Bridgewater will offer a series of sneak peek events throughout the year where the public can see the project coming to life before opening.

Other arts and culture attractions to look out for in 2019 include – the upcoming Harry Potter-inspired Wizardry School at a former Franciscan Monastery (February); the West End hit show The Book of Mormon making its Manchester debut at the Palace Theatre (June); the annual Manchester Pride Festival which will take on a new exciting format (August); the annual Food & Drink Festival returning to Albert Square (September); and the Manchester Literature Festival and Manchester Science Festival, both taking place in October.

Sheona Southern, managing director at Marketing Manchester said: “2019 will herald the next wave of Greater Manchester’s cultural renaissance. In 2015 we saw two major cultural developments come to life in the reopening of the award-winning Whitworth and the arrival of HOME; and four years later we are about to enter a period where we will see some £200 million of investment in culture start to bear fruit for the region.

“With increased pressure on cities to diversify their offering, these are incredibly exciting times for Greater Manchester. You can expect to see Marketing Manchester throwing its full support behind these projects and the cultural sector to ensure that our visitors – domestic and international alike – understand that we are emerging as one of the most pioneering cultural destinations in the world.” L FURTHER INFORMATION www.marketingmanchester.com

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Finding time to attend a trade show when your diary is already looking full may seem like an impossible challenge, but thanks to The Meeting Show’s streamlined attendance options this year it’s one that can easily be overcome The premier event for the UK inbound and outbound meetings and events industry takes place at London Olympia on 26-27 June, and among its many highlights is the hosted buyer programme. Open to planners from government and corporate organisations, charities, AMCs, PCOs, associations, incentive houses, venue finding companies and event management agencies, the programme is designed to inform and inspire attendees while also facilitating meetings with suppliers relevant to them.

The flexible nature of the programme, which gives pre-qualified event planners and buyers access to 600 suppliers, targeted education sessions and networking opportunities over three days, means they can access as little or as much as they want.

Among the exhibitors at this year’s show will be UK hotels and venues, including London’s QEII Centre, Manchester’s Hotel Football, the Elite Hotels Group and the ICC Birmingham; UK destinations and tourist boards such as Marketing Liverpool, Conference Eastbourne and Visit Hull & East Yorkshire; and international destinations including Dubai, Norway and New York City.

Unlike some trade shows, The Meetings Show doesn’t carry out appointment matches for its hosted buyers, so it’s entirely down to the buyer who they meet and when.

The only requirement is that hosted buyers attend six 15-minute appointments a day.

The Meetings Show’s programme also allows hosted buyers to attend for one, two, or three days (including exclusive access to the Pre-Show Conference on Tuesday 25 June) with the option of overnight accommodation if needed, so it can fit into their schedule.

While meetings with relevant suppliers form the backbone of The Meeting Show’s hosted buyer programme, it also offers buyers access to much more.

The Pre-Show Conference on 25 June includes insightful education sessions from prominent industry figures and an invite to the Hosted Buyer Welcome Reception that evening, enabling attendees to learn more about the industry, pick up tips and network within a select group.

At the show itself, hosted buyers can join the show’s 4,500 attendees at any number of the education sessions, which will be delivered in a variety of creative formats this year, putting inspiration and innovation at the forefront.

The theme for this year’s education programme is ‘the event planning journey’.

The programme lets visitors explore the entire journey of planning an event – from The Vision, The Plan, The Nuts and Bolts, and Getting People There to The Follow-Up. Alongside the education programme, the event’s networking programme includes a host of official show, partner and exhibitor events so you can meet new people and rediscover old acquaintances.

The Meetings Show recognises how tough it can be to take time out of the office when the work load is already great but meeting relevant contacts face-to-face and attending education sessions at trade shows are proven to help improve business and further careers.

To help you plan attendance effectively, here are our top tips for getting the most out of The Meetings Show when attending as a hosted buyer for one day.

Lean in for learning Industry knowledge is vital to event planners’ development, whether it’s the core focus of your job or something you only do once a year. That means it’s always worth taking time out to find out about the changes affecting the industry and gain insight from experts to help you stay on top of industry developments

The Meetings Show

Shake up your meetings for the year ahead

and apply others’ insight to your own work, so you can improve your own performance.

Research carried out at the start of the year found that learning about the meetings and events industry is one of the most important personal development focuses for event planners over the coming year.

The survey of almost 200 planners found that 18 per cent would be prioritising learning about the industry, while the same percentage would be focusing on development specific to their own organisations.

Learning new skills also emerged as an important area for development, with 16 per cent of respondents citing this as their priority.

With The Meetings Show 2019 focusing on the event planning journey in its education programme, buyers will be able to easily identify the sessions relevant to them and improve their knowledge in specific areas to help them stay on top of their game without having to commit too much time to attendance.

Know the value of networking According to research, 85 per cent of business directors believe that meeting customers in person leads to a longer-term relationship than if simply communicating over email or the telephone. No matter what sector you work in, face-to-face contact is vital to developing business relationships, but often we fail to equate the importance in our own role as an event planner.

The Meetings Show facilitates networking among industry members through a host of official show, partner and exhibitor events, allowing you to meet relevant contacts – new and old – in a way that works for you.

The Meetings Show’s hosted buyer programme is also designed to help you meet with the right suppliers at times agreeable to both parties. Hosted buyers can choose who they want to meet and when each day, with preapproved buyers only having to commit to six 15-minute appointments per day, making time out of the office worthwhile and allowing them time to access the show’s many other highlights.

Stay on top of tech Technology is an integral part of our lives and is playing an increasingly important role in the meeting and events industry. To help keep event planners and buyers updated on the latest technology available to them and give insight on how it can be used to improve all aspects of event planning and organising, The Meetings Show hosts some of the best tech suppliers as well as including the subject within its education programme.

At last year’s show, the education programme included 14 sessions dedicated to technology, including technology tools to boost networking, effective use of technology in digital meetings for healthcare and personalising the delegate journey.

Event planners can also find out about the latest technology products and services available by visiting some of the Show’s dedicated technology suppliers. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.themeetingsshow.com

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No brainer.

We have solutions for even the most complex procurement puzzles.

We’re Procur at Nation ex al 2019 Visit u s on 30 Apr stand P44 il – Birmin NEC gh a m

Procurement Hub can provide your public sector organisation with OJEU compliant products, services and solutions all aligned to help improve performance, achieve efficiencies and provide savings for the UK’s public sector, including our new Enforcement Agency Services Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS).

What’s great about this DPS is that it’s completely FREE to public sector organisations. So what’s the catch? The answer… there isn’t one. There are no fees or membership charges for public sector organisations to become a member of Procurement Hub.

procurementhub.co.uk or contact us on 01772 897326 The decision… it’s a no-brainer!

Procurex National

Driving greater efficiencies in the public procurement marketplace Officially supported by key buying and influential government support organisations, Procurex National 2019 is designed to enhance collaboration in support of finding savings across UK’s £240 billion public procurement marketplace

Last year Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington announced new measures to deliver better public services and use procurement contracts as a ‘force for good’.

Speaking to the Business Services Association, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster revealed that government procurements would be required to take social and economic benefits into account in certain priority areas by Summer 2019, including supporting small businesses, providing employment opportunities for disadvantaged people and reducing harm to the environment.

Lidington also announced that government suppliers are drawing up their plans in the unlikely event of business failure where another may need to step in. Capita, Serco and Sopra Steria have volunteered to lead

An on theme going in public s today’s e market place is ctor the to realis e impro need value fo ved r m o n through ey ‘smarte r’ procure ment

the way in this new best practice. They will complete their ‘living wills’ within weeks with other key suppliers set to follow.

A ‘living will’ is the plan for how public services provided by a supplier can be secured and continued in the event of a potential company’s failure, to allow government time to transfer the services safely to a new supplier, or take them in-house.

Public Sector Sourcing Expo Against a backdrop of an annual UK procurement spend of over £240 billion, Procurex National, part of the inaugural

UK Public Sector Sourcing Expo, will bring together over 1,500 key decision makers who contribute to the ongoing delivery and strategic development of public sector procurement as well as over 100 market-leading suppliers from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – making it one of the major highlights within the annual procurement calendar, supporting innovation, education, collaboration and celebration.

Held over one single day on 30 April, Procurex National is set to welcome over 1,500 key decision makers, representing the UK’s public procurement and supply chain E

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SR_Supply_Chain_Consultants-half-pg-outlined.indd 1

16/04/2019 12:05

Transport procurement: don’t get left behind Safety, compliance, efficiency, the environment – it’s easy to get left behind when procuring road transport.

Work Related Road Risk (WRRR) is everybody’s responsibility - even if you don’t have your own fleet. The delivery of goods and services generates road transport and any collisions involving your suppliers can affect your business and, ultimately, your reputation.

FORS, the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, is a nationwide, best practice accreditation scheme committed to driving up standards of road transport in our towns, cities and across the UK. Join the growing band of organisations that manage WRRR and air quality by including FORS in your procurement policies and supply chain contracts.

Don’t get left behind on transport procurement.

Safety, Efficiency, Environment

56

www.fors-online.org.uk 08448 09 09 44

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

The event will host more than 20 CPD Certified Training Sessions, enhancing the knowledge and understanding of all personnel engaged in the public procurement process  community. New for 2019, three live stages will host a range of interactive and educational sessions by policy makers and thought leaders. This is in addition to the successful Crown Commercial Service Showcase, the Procurement Skills Academy and the Networking and Collaboration Zones.

An ongoing theme in today’s public sector marketplace is the need to realise improved value for money through ‘smarter’ procurement. The event is designed specifically to help both buyer and supplier communities to meet the efficiency challenges of today and tomorrow, in addition to enhancing overall skills and capabilities.

Officially supported by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), the event will host more than 20 CPD Certified Training Sessions, enhancing the knowledge and understanding of all personnel engaged in the public procurement process about current and planned developments, initiatives and legislative changes taking place within this evolving marketplace.

Expert opinions The three Live Stages will draw together thought leaders to present their views on the current and future landscape of public sector procurement within the UK. Hear from leading experts who will discuss the latest policies which impact on the roles of purchasing and commissioning staff within the public sector.

As such, representatives of the Crown Commercial Service will deliver a strategic overview of the framework opportunities available in addition to a series of high-level topics. As the UK’s largest procurement organisation, the Crown Commercial Service brings together policy, advice and direct buying; providing commercial services to the public sector and saving money for the taxpayer. Held as an integral part of Procurex National, the Crown Commercial Service Showcase provides a unique opportunity for official framework suppliers to engage directly with a host of organisations who actively promote and purchase from the official CCS frameworks. Therefore this is your opportunity to promote your participation within the frameworks in order to develop both new and existing business opportunities throughout 2019.

The CCS Showcase 2019 will also offer a range of interactive features such as educational workshops and procurement support and advice, in addition to general feedback and market engagement opportunities, through features such as: the CCS Framework Product Showcase; the CCS Procurement Pavilion; and the CCS Live Stage.

For existing official Crown Commercial Service Framework suppliers, the CCS Framework Product Showcase at Procurex National is an outstanding business development opportunity, allowing you to showcase your company’s innovative products and services directly to buyers,

Procurex National

including those public sector organisations which are actively buying from ongoing CCS Frameworks, collectively valued at over £12.8 billion per annum.

By using established CCS Framework Agreements, customers can buy commonly used goods and services quickly and cost-effectively whilst complying with EU and UK procurement regulations.

Located centrally, the CCS Procurement Pavilion will provide a focal point where both buyers and suppliers can engage directly with CCS representatives who will be on hand to provide a range of advice and support services directly aligned with today’s marketplace objectives.

The CCS Procurement Pavilion will host a unique Advice Bar, allowing visitors to find out more about the range of great value commercial deals available from CCS. These are designed to support buyers to achieve significant savings and free up time to focus more resources on their organisation’s key priorities.

Procurement Skills Academy New for 2019, the Procurement Skills Academy is a series of themed procurement-related zones covering some key issues and current high-profile topics, all of which are CPD certified. Delivered by Procurement Advice and Support Service (PASS), the Procurement Skills Academy zones offer specialised training on a range of key topics, with themed sessions for both buyers and suppliers.

Attending the Procurement Skills Academy at Procurex National will allow you to further your career development opportunities by upskilling in key areas of public sector procurement. With over 30 sessions to choose from on the day, these interactive zones will offer a one stop shop for anyone looking to improve their knowledge of procurement. Sessions are free to attend, and all sessions are CPD certified and count towards the CIPS Chartered Status.

Sessions including Evaluation Techniques, Contract Management and Specification Writing will be delivered, covering key issues across a variety of procurement topics, including Alternative Evaluation Models, Due Diligence and Planning for Change. The Bid Support Zone delivers a variety of Bid Support related topics including Understanding Added Value and Tips to Improve your Bid. For 2019, the show organisers are also delighted to provide the brand-new Excellence in Public Procurement Live Stage at Procurex National. On the Excellence in Public Procurement Live Stage you will be able to hear directly from some of the shortlisted finalists for the UK National GO Awards 2019/20, ahead of the award ceremony later in the evening.

You will have the opportunity to put your questions to these leading procurement organisations as they’ll be interviewed live on stage by David Smith, Head Judge of the UK National GO Awards 2019/20. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.procurexnational.co.uk

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Housing 2019

Europe’s largest and most inclusive housing festival Housing 2019, the Chartered Institute of Housing’s annual conference, will examine and debate the biggest challenges facing the housing sector

Communities Secretary James Brokenshire has announced that private landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants from their homes at short notice and without good reason. Marking the biggest change to the private rental sector for a generation, the government has outlined plans to consult on new legislation to abolish Section 21 evictions – so called ‘no-fault’ evictions. The government says that this will bring an end to private landlords uprooting tenants from their homes with as little as eight weeks’ notice after the fixed-term contract has come to an end.

It is believed that there are more than four million people now living in privately rented accommodation in the UK. However, the housing market has not kept pace with the changes in society and leaves many tenants feeling insecure.

Alongside long-running issues with the private housing sector, perhaps the biggest housing-related problem facing the government is that of homelessness. There are currently more than 54,000 homeless households living in ‘temporary accommodation’ in London alone.

To help combat the issue in the capital, London boroughs have joined forces with the Mayor of London to manufacture ‘modular’ homes - which are constructed off-site and then placed temporarily on land that is unused as it awaits permanent development.

Modular build £11 million is being invested into temporary modular homes to help homeless families in London via the Pan-London Accommodation Collaborative Enterprise (PLACE) initiative, a not-for-profit company hosted by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets on behalf of those councils involved. PLACE’s manufactured homes will have the quality of permanent housing, will meet the Mayor’s draft London Plan space standards, and can be moved from one site to another as required. PLACE will focus on delivering two and three-bedroom homes, which will have good insulation and energy performance.

In addition to this, a new housing panel is being set up to shape the capital’s housing policy. It will give voluntary and community sector organisations a formal way to engage regularly with the Mayor, Greater London Authority, and other decision-makers on housing issues affecting Londoners. The panel, which is being set up by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and Trust for London, will be made up of groups representing a wide range of perspectives, including social housing tenants, homeless households, leaseholders, students, and private renters. The panel will set its own agenda, which could include estate regeneration, the private rented sector, or students’ experience of housing in the capital.

Housing 2019 Featuring keynote addresses and panels from government officials and leaders in the housing sector, the key themes at this year’s iteration of Housing 2019 include: post-Brexit Britain; better design for better places; what technology is enabling housing providers and local authorities to change how they operate; homelessness; housing the ageing population; and communities, placemaking and housing the next generation.

Returning briefly too homelessness, Mears Group’s Ciaran O’Shea and Peter Baldwin will dicusss innovation in meeting homeless need in their session, as part of Housing 2019’s Best practice Stream. This is a similar topic that will be picked up by Mark Baigent and Mary Gibbons, in their discussion titled ‘Gauging the solutions to homelessness’.

The 2018 show was expanded to include an Offsite village, two new seminar theatres and a new dedicated Tech@Housing zone. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.cihhousing.com

Leading provider of utility connections consultancy Utilities Connections Management Ltd (UCML) is a trusted partner with 15 years’ experience of arranging utilities connections on behalf of clients, including local authorities, housing developers and construction companies, saving time and money with less disruption on site.

UCML provides clients with specialist, alternative solutions for utilities connections, unravelling the complexities of the water, gas, electricity and telecoms industries.

UCML specialises in consultancy and project management services to secure and procure all four utilities, offering bespoke and complete solutions.

Each of the utility sectors employs different practices whilst operating within broadly similar regulatory and legislative frameworks and recent changes to open up these sectors to competition have complicated the processes further. All too often, this presents confusion and results in complications that delay projects and increase costs.

Utilising insight, expertise and the latest regulatory knowledge, UCML identifies any issues that may have an impact on a project commercially, technically or financially. Engaging with design teams at project inception is the ideal scenario; however, UCML is often instructed by clients needing additional support at all stages of a project.

UCML’s range of independent consultancy services include; electric vehicle charging, feasibility studies, regulatory expertise, project management, meter removals, disconnections, diversionary works, connections and generation connections.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01978 661800 www.ucml.co.uk

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PRINT • DIGITAL • FACE TO FACE

FEATURING: • Alternative Fuels • Electric/Plug-in Vehicles • Hydrogen Vehicles • Commercial Vehicles • Freight & Logistics • Fleet Management • Finance • Driver Training • Road Safety • Tyres • Telematics • Rental & Leasing • Industry Analysis • Road Tests

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CV Show

Reassessing road transport in the CV sector Ahead of the CV Show at the end of this month, Government Business looks at how the show will address the changing needs and requirements of those operating commercial vehicles

The Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC Birmingham is the UK’s largest automotive showcase. It’s the ultimate marketplace for all sectors of the road transport and logistics industry; where operators can meet and network with an unrivalled mix of product, equipment, technical and service providers under one roof.

For fleet operators, the biggest attraction of this all-encompassing event is being able to meet suppliers, see what they have to offer and find the solutions that will help them run a fleet more effectively. For exhibitors, the show is a golden chance to reveal product changes as well as new products directly to the people doing the buying.

Given its size, scale, range and impact, demand for exhibition space at this premier show is growing each year. The organisers have allocated 90 per cent of space for 2019 and it looks like being a sell-out. They anticipate more than 450 exhibitors and 21,000 visitors – an increase over 2018 despite political uncertainty.

The CV Show isn’t just a must-visit because it’s the UK’s only onestop shop for all sectors of the industry. It’s also a microcosm of what’s happening in the ever-changing world of road transport, including the latest new technologies. This year, for example, visitors will notice an increased number of exhibitors showing electric vehicles and other fuel variants; a rise driven by environmental, societal and legislative changes.

Many big-name manufacturers are exhibiting this year. For some, like Vauxhall, the wheel has come full circle and it is returning after a short absence. For others, it’s many years in a row, including Ford, DAF Trucks, Fiat Professional, MAN Truck & Bus, Mitsubishi, Peugeot Citroen, Ssang Yong, Toyota, Volkswagen, Isuzu, and LDV. There’ll also be a strong presence from trailer brands like SDC, Cartwright Group, Lawrence David, and Don-Bur at this year’s show.

The 2019 CV Show is also where supply companies unveil their latest innovations. In recent years, vertical industries have attended as visitors, reflecting robust growth in the van market which attracts businesses that don’t move goods but provide a service like electrical and plumbing contracting, building and catering.

Like last year, the CV Show will have two dedicated zones to help visitors navigate their way easily to sector suppliers.

WORKSHOP includes exhibitors in the automotive aftermarket and CV maintenance sector. They range from original equipment components and replacement parts to the very latest in maintenance management systems, garage and bodyshop equipment COOL is where visitors will find everything to do with temperaturecontrolled transport and equipment for cool chain operators in sectors such as food and pharmaceuticals. There’ll be a huge range of refrigerated vehicles and bodywork for operators to view, along with fridge units, monitoring equipment and other systems.

It’s not just in the physical space that the CV Show is a big hit. A strong social media presence is a must for anyone in the industry. Last year, the show became the second most discussed topic on Twitter in the UK and Ireland on day one. Its success on Twitter and across other channels like Facebook, YouTube and Instagram extends the marketing reach of exhibitors – and underlines the dynamism of the automotive sector.

Van driver absences Back pain has caused more than two-thirds (70 per cent) of van drivers to take time off work, costing the UK economy around £21 billion per year, according to research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

The study also revealed that poor seat adjustment could be to blame for the problem, with the resulting downtime costing businesses an average of £500 per day per van.

Prab Chandhok, chiropractor and member of the British Chiropractic Association, said: “Many people now point to driving as a trigger for their back or neck pain, so it’s really important that your van is set up properly for your needs, to help ease the strain that driving – especially for long periods of time – can have on your back and neck. The key thing to remember is that there is no single seat that is perfect for everyone, so it’s practical to test the seat out fully before you buy a new vehicle. The more adjustable it is the better.” L

The 2019 Commercial Vehicle Show will run from 30 April to 2 May 2019 in Halls 3A, 4 and 5at the NEC Birmingham. It’s open from 08:30 to 17.00 daily.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.cvshow.com

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VINCI Facilities is part of VINCI, a world leader in concessions and construction www.vincifacilities.com T: 0300 600 3433 l E: info@vincifacilities.com

VINCI FACILITIES, A TRUSTED EXPERT IN THE MANAGEMENT, OPERATION AND ADAPTION OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT VINCI Facilities offers a comprehensive range of Facilities Management and Building Solution services across a wide range of public and private sector organisations.

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Facilities Management l Energy Management l M&E Maintenance l Building Maintenance l Housing Regeneration l Capital Programmes l Interior Fit-out and Refurbishment l Building Services l Lifecycle l Interior Design & Workplace Solutions

Frameworks

Facilities management services across the UK The Facilities Management Marketplace framework supplies companies with access to facilities management services across the UK. Government Business looks at the agreement in detail

The Facilities Management Marketplace agreement gives you access to facilities management services across the UK. Suppliers’ geographical coverage is classified by NUTS 2 regions (40 regions of the UK as defined by the Nomenclature of Territorial Statistics) to provide regional competition and national coverage. There may also be limited opportunities for suppliers to provide international coverage for buyers procuring UK services.

Services covered include: contract management; maintenance services; horticultural services; catering services; cleaning services; workplace facilities management services; reception services; security services; waste services; computeraided facilities management (CAFM); and the management of billable works.

To ensure buyers have access to the right suppliers, the agreement has one lot which is split into three sub-categorised lots. Each sub-lot is determined by total contract value: Lot 1a covers services up to £7 million, Lot 1b covers services between £7 million–£50 million, and Lot 1c for all contracts over £50 million. With an expiry date of 9 July 2020, Lot 1a has 26 suppliers, Lot 1b has 31 suppliers and Lot 1c has 20 suppliers.

Like all Crown Commercial Service framework agreements, the deal enables small and medium sized enterprises to bid for public sector contracts, supporting the government’s aspiration for £1 in every £3 to be spent with SMEs by 2022. With a contract length that can be awarded for up to seven years, with an option to extend by up to three years, the agreement encompasses lower value customer

requirements with a regional lot structure enabling companies to procure services locally, enhancing social value.

The deal is expe save pu cted to up to 1 blic bodies 0 on the per cent procurin cost of g managefacilities m services ent

Public Sector Contract The Facilities Management Marketplace agreement was the first agreement signed under the new, simplified Public Sector Contract. Giving the public sector access to a wide range of suppliers for their facilities management requirements, the government said last Autumn that the deal is expected to save public bodies up to 10 per cent on the cost of procuring facilities management services and will cover expenditure of up to £12 billion over the next four years.

John Kenny, CCS deputy director for Workplace, said: “The launch of the FM Marketplace allows the public sector to buy a wide range of facilities management services from the very best suppliers the market has to offer, all at competitive and sustainable prices.”

Public sector development projects A new funding framework has been developed to allow construction firms, both small and large, the chance to bid for work on government projects over the next seven years. The Construction Works and Associated Services commercial agreement will assist central government and the wider public sector with projects focused on the construction, refurbishment, repair, demolition or decommission of public buildings across the UK.

The framework has been designed by Crown Commercial Service to provide customers and suppliers with the assurances required for long-term projects, and make sure the government gets best value for money. The framework has been designed with flexibility in mind to service a range of construction and civil engineering requirements across both central government and the wider public sector.

It is estimated that over the seven year life of the framework, the cost of the works carried out across the country could be up to £30 billion or less – with the projects led by departments and the money taken from existing departmental budgets.

John Welch, CCS’s deputy director for Construction, said: “This agreement will support construction and drive industry growth. Its lotting structure has been designed to maximise opportunities for all sizes of company and that includes SMEs, which play a key role in UK construction.

For example, standardised payment terms and other fair payment objectives are embedded within the framework scope.

This agreement also facilitates the use of digitisation in construction and promotes the use of innovative solutions via modern methods of construction.” L FURTHER INFORMATION www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/ agreements/RM3830

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NO SMALL DEGREE OF SAVINGS UCLan saved

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The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is set to save approximately £25,500 on their annual water bill as a result of switching to Castle Water for their water and wastewater services

One of the largest universities in the UK, UCLan has a staff and student community of almost 38,000 people. UCLan took advantage of the recently deregulated water market to switch water retailer, allowing it to cut its water bills, reduce water consumption and improve overall water efficiency.

In November 2017, Castle Water achieved recommended supplier status with the Crown Commercial Service, enabling participating public sector customers in England to access the framework for the provision of water and wastewater services. The framework allows public sector customers in England to switch to a single retail provider for their billing and account management services and secure their retail costs for 2-3 years.

Laura Carter from UCLan commented, “I have been very impressed with the Castle Water team so far. The customer service has been excellent, and the transfer was very smooth.”

Having switched to Castle Water, UCLan has benefited from more than just competitive water rates. Castle Water also provides an experienced Relationship Manager, highly‑rated 24/7 customer support and access to a wide range of value-add services to help UCLan get the most from their water services. Most significantly, the year-on-year savings will allow UCLan to channel more of their budget into educational services.

In a similar move, Bradfield College is

set to save approximately £6,400 on their annual water bill following the switch to Castle Water for its water and wastewater services. The college, with a pupil body of over 800 students, now enjoys a competitive rate reduction that will allow them to commit resources elsewhere and continue to deliver academic excellence.

Castle Water CEO, John Reynolds OBE, remarked, “We’re delighted to be able to work in partnership with a broad range of public sector organisations to reduce water costs, support efficiency and help our customers meet sustainability and environmental targets. Our professional partner network means we can deliver a range of water management solutions to meet the needs of our customers such as leak detection, water loss management services and automatic meter reading.”

AMR cuts £40,000 from annual water bill Castle Water partnered with one of the largest non-metropolitan police forces in England on an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) project.

The police force became interested in AMR as part of its environmental commitment to sustainability, and the reduction of water consumption across its property portfolio.

To demonstrate the efficiency of AMR, Castle Water’s industry leading AMR partner conducted an initial trial at ten of the police

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No small degree of savings force’s largest water consumption sites.

AMR equipment was attached to each of the existing water meters and began collecting water consumption data at regular intervals.

This data was then automatically transferred to a central database which provided a detailed view of their overall water usage.

The AMR data can be viewed and analysed in user-friendly graphs through a secure online portal, 24-hours a day. This empowers organisations with a better understanding of their water consumption so they can better manage the water they use and find ways to make efficiencies. The portal can also notify key personnel of unusual consumption activity, often caused by leaks, so quick action can be taken to reduce costs, limit disruption and minimise damage.

The AMR trial proved a success for the police force and identified opportunities for improved water efficiency, including uncovering some unexpected continuous consumption which could be immediately curbed. Further analysis also revealed several sites with historic billing issues and incorrect standing charges that could also be rectified.

Due to the success of the initial trial, the police force installed AMR across their entire estate, and a total of 62 water meters were fitted with AMR at sites across the South of England.

In total, savings of almost £40,000 were achieved, accounting for 10 per cent of the police force’s annual water spend. A return on the total investment was achieved in just one year and the police force has already exceeded its own financial and environmental targets for reducing water consumption.

The police force is now in complete control of its water usage, with access to Castle Water’s fully resourced AMR support team. This support team helps customers to recognise the full potential of AMR, including up-to-date meter reads, accurate billing, leak detection, regular performance reports and benchmarking, and will liaise with Castle Water’s external, market leading installation partners on the customers behalf.

Find out how much you could save at castlewater.co.uk/quick – quote or call 01250 715 005.

To find out more about how Castle Water can support your cost reduction, efficiency and sustainability targets email additionalservices@castlewater.co.uk. L FURTHER INFORMATION 01250 715 005 additionalservices@castlewater.co.uk castlewater.co.uk/quick-quote

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Case Studies

Delivering tailored software Exceptional Digital Services: Delivered! solutions to unique and complex The UK Government’s Digital Strategy is an ambitious agenda to transform the way th government challenges citizens and businesses transact with Government and the Civil Service, making digita

web based services the default. SCISYS has been helping the UK public sector delive digital services for over 30 years. One of our core strengths is the delivery of transacti systems that support the day-to-day running of public-facing services, as shown in the case studies.

We are SCISYS. No day is the same.

Talk to us today 01249 466 466 to discuss your needs and the benefits SCISYS can deliver to your organisation.

Email us at digital@scisys.co.uk Š SCISYS UK Ltd 2013 | E: data@scisys.co.uk | T: +44 (0)1249 466466 | www.scisys.co.uk SCISYS SCISYS UK Ltd, Methuen Park, CHIPPENHAM SN14 0GB, UNITED KINGDOM

Franeworks

Covering a broad range of software solutions The Data and Application Solutions (DAS) framework is now open for business and ready to help public sector organisations to buy a broad range of software solutions The Data and Application Solutions (DAS) 80 suppliers have been awarded a place on framework, released by the Crown Commercial the framework, 46 per cent of which are Service, has been designed to allow you to SMEs. Although there are 14 lots, DAS has buy, implement, test and deliver software been segmented into five groups to make it as well as the necessary hardware and easier to find what you are looking for. The professional services, under one procurement. five areas cover: enterprise applications, local At the beginning of March 2019, the government; health and social care, police government department announced that the and emergency services and education. framework was open for business.

DAS is available to all central This framework is deemed government departments, by many as a mix of both their arm’s length the G-Cloud and Digital bodies, devolved DAS is availab Outcomes and Specialists administrations, the framework agreements wider public sector central le to all g o and has an estimated and third sector v e r n departm ment value of £1.2 billion organisations. arm’s le ents, their for software and Maximum call devolve ngth bodie £432 million for off length is five d admi s, services. DAS was the years with an n t he wid planned replacement optional extension er publ istrations, ic s procurement vehicle of up to two years and thi rd sectoector for two frameworks: at the customers’ organis r Corporate Software discretion. ations Solutions (RM1042) and Under the banner Local Authority Software of enterprise applications, Applications (RM1059). the DAS framework will cover:

Resource Planning and Management Solutions; Workflow and Case Management Solutions: Data Collection, Storage and Management; and Data Intelligence and Analytics. Working for local government are the Lots for Business Applications, Environmental and Planning and Citizen Services. Under the health and social care banner are: Enterprise Applications for Health; Health Information Management; and Community Health and Social Care. For police and emergency there are Bluelight Operations and Bluelight Data and Information Management. Finally under the education group are Lots for Learning Applications and Platforms and Academic Scheduling and Management Solutions.

Cloud and on-premise software As well as offering cloud and on-premise software or a combination of both, DAS also allows customers the choice of further competition or direct award depending on the nature of the requirement. For example, a customer could run a further competition for HR and Finance modules as well as a compatible ERP application. E Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Government funding A number of innovative schemes from across the UK have won government funding to look at new ways of using location-based data to help people in their everyday lives. Among the new systems are those focusing on the safest roads for cyclists to use in busy cities, creating a database of all the UK’s trees and the launch an indoor mapping system to help people find their way around public buildings.

Also receiving funding are projects to highlight mobile phone signal blackspots, help tackle travel problems experienced by disabled people, and boost public understanding of the planning system.

Minister for Implementation Oliver Dowden said: “We are investing in location-based data technology to improve public services and the way people experience them. I’m delighted to see such innovative ideas come forward, which will help people in their everyday lives and keep the UK at the forefront of this exciting new technology.”

Technology Expense Management The launch of DAS follows the latest Technology Expense Management (TEM)

Frameworks

 In addition to software licenses the customer can also include the installation and implementation to integrate into their environment as well as ongoing support and maintenance of the software.

Ben Paynter, category director, said: “Data and Application Solutions builds on the legacy of the Local Authority Software Applications and Corporate Software Solutions agreements, whilst also allowing the Crown Commercial Service to serve new customers in health, blue light and education.

“The agreement has been designed following extensive engagement with both customers and suppliers. This is the first framework by CCS that gives customers the choice to buy cloud and on-premise software or a combination of both under one agreement. It also allows customers to buy software alongside necessary hardware and professional services, in one procurement.

By listening to the needs of customers and combining a mix of suppliers that will drive competition, DAS offers a value for money route to market for software led solutions.”

The DAS framework is deemed as a mix of both the G-Cloud and Digital Outcomes and Specialists framework agreements and has an estimated value of £1.2 billion for software and £432 million for services agreement (RM3802) being given the green light at the end of January. Through the agreement’s seven services, customers can reduce communications infrastructure costs and achieve savings through improved management of telecom and related technology estates. The TEM agreement helps to drive control, enhance estate visibility, uncover savings and deliver real business value.

All UK public sector organisations can make significant savings through the TEM agreement which gives visibility to estates to help drive efficiencies, reduce costs or avoid them. It can also be of enormous help with re-procurement as it will identify exactly what assets an organisation has along with assessing its needs. The previous TEM agreement which ended on 31 March 2018 helped customers save on average 20 per cent of overall telecom spend in the first year.

Pay suppliers on time or risk losing contracts More than 10,000 businesses have been

warned by the government that they must pay their suppliers on time or face being prevented from winning further government contracts. Officials from the Cabinet Office have written to the businesses - which include all the government’s current strategic suppliers - to remind them of the new rules on prompt payment, which come into force this Autumn.

Under the new rules, suppliers who bid for government contracts above £5 million per annum, who cannot show they are paying 95 per cent of invoices within 60 days, risk being prevented from securing government contracts.

The new measures follow further moves to level the playing field for small businesses, including an ambition to pay 90 per cent of the government’s undisputed invoices from SMEs within five days, and requiring strategic suppliers to advertise supply-chain opportunities worth more than £5 million on the government’s Contracts Finder website.

Oliver Dowden said: “Prompt payment is critical for all companies helping to deliver public services, particularly small businesses which are the backbone of our economy.

That’s why, from September, if government contractors are late with supplier payments, they could be prevented from winning public contracts until they clean up their act.”

Suppliers that are not being paid on time are also able to raise complaints and concerns directly to the government through the Public Procurement Review Service, formerly called Mystery Shopper, which since 2011 has helped speed up payment of over £6.7 million stemming from government contracts. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/ agreements/RM3821

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Frameworks

Enabling the digital transformation of public sector services The Crown Commercial Service’s Digital Outcomes and Specialists 3 (DOS3) framework agreement opened for business at the end of last year, with 94 per cent of suppliers SMEs Digital Outcomes and Specialists 3 has been supply government, while also giving current designed to support the public sector suppliers the opportunity to update in its digital transformation their service offer and pricing. of public sector services.

Niall Quinn, Director The It helps buyers find Technology Strategic success suppliers that can Category at CCS, said of DOS2 w research, design, of the agreement’s a s built on creating build, test and launch last October: a C ommun of Pract deliver software “DOS3 enables it ic applications and hundreds of new best pra e to help sha y r e c digital services. suppliers to be able t ic e to cle define p Approximately to provide services a r ly r o b £500 million to the public sector will con lems. DOS3 was spent on the and further underpins tinu build on e to first two iterations the government’s work of the framework, to level the playing field this with over £198 million for small and mediumgoing to SMEs. DOS3 will sized businesses. The success support new companies to of DOS2 was built on creating

a Community of Practice to help share best practice to clearly define problems and we will continue to build on this with DOS3.”

The government’s Transformation Strategy sets out how the government will harness digital technologies, skills and tools to transform public services and put the citizen first.

At the time of launching the strategy, Minister for the Cabinet Office Ben Gummer, said: “I want to see a revolution in the way we deliver public services – so that people up and down our country feel that government is at their service at every single stage in the journey.

“That is why we are publishing our Government Transformation Strategy, outlining our commitment to reshape government by ensuring millions of people are able E Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Gartner says that 85% of all IT budgets are used to maintain existing and legacy software systems.

This is the essential maintenance work referred to as “keeping the lights on”.

IT is held back by: •

Inefficient, outmoded software tools and methods

•

Complex, mismatched system architectures

•

Expensive, specialised development and on-premise support staff

Inefficient. Complex. Expensive.

In an age where there is a compelling need to drive software innovation, this is a desperate problem.

To realise its potential as the key enabler for growth and change, IT must modernise.

Ebase Technology deliver Verj.io, a Cloud-based Low Code platform that combines progressive UI development, workflow processing and back-office integration.

Verj.io is used by over 30% of UK Government to accelerate the delivery of modern, integrated web apps and to drive efficiency and innovation.

For more information CALL

VISIT

01767 654987

Verj.io

 to access online the services they need, whenever they need. We will deliver these changes while driving efficiencies wherever possible, making considerable savings for the taxpayer. Only by transforming the relationship between the citizen and the state – so that the latter serves the former – will we deliver the Prime Minister’s commitment to build a country that works for everyone.”

Procuring digital services To help the government achieve its digital ambitions, there are a range of framework agreements from the Crown Commercial Service, designed to make procuring digital services easier and cost effective.

The Digital Outcomes and Specialists

framework, alongside the G-Cloud frameworks, mean that government can buy the right technology and services from the right suppliers at the right price.

By making procurement clear and simple, they are opening up the marketplace to suppliers of all sizes and from all parts of the country. They are creating a level

Frameworks

playing field that means that all private sector enterprises can be involved in helping government work better for everyone.

The Digital Outcomes and Specialists framework agreement helps the public sector to find suppliers that can research, design, build, test and deliver software applications and digital services. Since its launch at the end of April 2016, over 1,850 opportunities for suppliers to do business with the public sector, have been published on the Digital Marketplace. The previous version of the framework had 2,018 suppliers, with 94 per cent of them SMEs. Supporting the public sector The Digital Outcomes and Specialists 3 framework has been designed to support the public sector in its digital transformation of public sector services. It helps the public sector to find suppliers that can research, design, build, test and deliver software applications and digital services. It is a dynamic style framework with the specific aim of helping the public sector buy, design, build and deliver digital outcomes using an agile approach, by procuring the appropriate specialist resource to deliver agile software development. E

The government’s Transformation Strategy sets out how the government will harness digital technologies, skills and tools to transform public services and put the citizen first

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Experts in Digital Transformation at Scale Strategy, Leadership, Technology, Engineering.

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Frameworks

The Digital Outcomes and Specialists framework agreement helps the public sector to find suppliers that can research, design, build, test and deliver software applications and digital services  The framework is based on the approach detailed in the Government Service Design Manual and complies with the Digital by Default Service Standard.

The contract terms and conditions have been designed to reflect the flexible, iterative way of an agile approach.

The framework will be awarded for an initial term of 12 months, with an option for CCS to extend the deal for a further year. Individual call-off contracts of up to two years – plus a

six-month extension – can be awarded via the framework. The agreement is available for use across the public sector, including central government departments and arm’s-length bodies, as well as local councils and the NHS. This framework has been developed to create a diverse pool of specialist, agile service providers to enable government and the public sector to move traditional services to a user centric design service, which is lower cost and flexible to enable

continuous development and improvement.

It specifically enables and supports the government’s digital by default strategy and cloud adoption commitment.

Digital Outcomes and Specialists 3 has been developed in collaboration with the Government Digital Service (GDS), building on the feedback received from users on Digital Services 1 and 2, and Digital Outcomes and Specialists 1 and 2.

This iteration has been re-designed by a team from CCS, GDS and GLD (Government Legal Department). The design has encompassed buyer and supplier engagement, feedback and iteration.

Contract simplification and the use of plain english have played a part in the redesign of this iteration of the framework. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/ agreements/RM1043.5

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ENERGY

Air conditioning and heat pump installation services

Smart green energy reduction solutions

Established in 2002, we specialise in the installation and maintenance of air conditioning, heat pumps, refrigeration, ventilation and gas lighting.

We provide a professional and reliable air conditioning/ heat pump installation and maintenance service throughout London and the UK. Our projects are carried out to the highest standard and we conform to all current health and safety standards and F Gas regulations.

We are built on reputation and this drives repeat business.

We are financially secure and can provide full HVACR, mechanical, heating and electrical skills in house and through our approved suppliers.

Quality is key and we pride ourselves in holding the following accreditations: Gas Safe Register, FGas Certification, REFCOM Elite, SafeContractor, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015,

Energy Gain UK installs a range of renewable energy systems for commercial and public sector clients who are looking to reduce their grid energy consumption, increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

Based in Manchester and covering the whole of the UK, Energy Gain UK is the first-choice for clients looking to install a variety of renewable systems such as solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, battery storage, air source heating, LED lighting, air conditioning and voltage optimisation.

The company has a state-of-theart solar test and research facility where it monitors, tests and reports on different systems. This means it can show its clients extensive test data rather than rely on simulated software programmes.

The organisation also applies a rigorous engineering approach, starting with energy profiling and leading methodically

Air Conditioning l Heat Pump Solutions l Refrigeration Ventilation l Electrical l Smart Energy l Building Controls

Renewable Energy Consumer Code, Constructionline, RISQS. Our projects range from small retail outfits and prestigious apartments to large commercial properties for blue chip clients. Our clients include: Tiffany & Co, Westfield, Galliard Homes, King George’s Hospital, Lanesborough Hotel, Selfridges, Tate Modern, Mulberry, JP Morgan, Wembley Arena, Savoy Hotel, The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, Tullet Prebon, and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

Franklyn Logo.indd 2

26/10/2015 10:39

FURTHER INFORMATION www.franklynair.co.uk

ENERGY

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ENERGY

through design, verification and construction. It has worked with leading organisations such as Travelodge, the NHS, Oxford City Council, Chester University and Millfield School.

Projects that Energy Gain UK has worked on include the installation of solar photovoltaics on 2,500 properties for Colchester Borough Homes and 20 residential care homes for the Dovehaven Group including an air source cascade heat system.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0345 609 9323 www.energygain.co.uk

INDUSTRIAL FLUE INSTALLATIONS

Powering business to a brighter energy future

Schiedel: Innovation in flue gas systems

As part of Drax Group, Haven Power is enabling a zero carbon, lower cost energy future by supplying renewable electricity and energy services to UK businesses. Before suggesting solutions, the company strives to understand the customer’s business and energy needs.

Existing clients include local organisations such as Suffolk FA and household names like Edgbaston Stadium, Gatwick Airport, Thames Water and Yeo Valley.

Haven Power’s solutions can range from energy optimisation and risk management – helping reduce usage and costs – through to Demand Side Response and Power Purchase Agreements that generate income. In collaboration with parent company Drax, Haven Power also provides energy storage and electric vehicle solutions to corporations and enterprises.

Schiedel Metaloterm is the leading supplier of prefabricated chimney systems in Europe with the widest choice of flue and chimney products.

Schiedel Metaloterm is at the forefront in the product and service innovation with system and solutions that are reliable, innovative and cost effective.

Both in private and public sector Schiedel Metaloterm has unrivalled experience that can be relied on for industrial chimney systems and chimney solutions for domestic boilers.

Schiedel Metaloterm provides you with a solution whatever the scale or nature of the project, from chimneys to exhaust and venting systems or may it be a small commercial installation to a large industrial application.

With the Metaloterm range of products, Schiedel has over 50 years of experience in the development of flue gas systems

In January 2019, the group added to its predominantly biomass-based generation business at Drax Power Station by acquiring a portfolio of flexible, low carbon and renewable generation sites. These include renewable biomass, hydro power and pumped storage facilities that enable the group to respond rapidly to sudden drops in energy supply and provide critical system support services.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01473 725943 contact.us@havenpower.com www.havenpower.com

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

for ship building, food industry, industrial applications and non-residential buildings.

The expertise the company developed in the past, along with a talented range of employees, helps Schiedel to provide the most innovative solutions for its customers.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: +44 191 4161150 www.metaloterm.com/en

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

Theobalds Estate – a countywide escape on the capital’s outskirts It is hard to believe that London is on your doorstep at Theobalds Estate, located in Hertfordshire just a few minutes from junction 25 of the M25. Set in 55 acres of rolling parkland, this peaceful Georgian mansion has the look to inspire your team, and the modern facilities to match.

Theobalds Estate offers 37 flexible meeting spaces - and there’s even a tree house for unconventional events. Only 30 minutes from London Liverpool Street by train and 200 complimentary parking space for your guests with their own transport. The organisation has a friendly team of experts on hand to help plan your event, to ensure everything runs smoothly from beginning to end.

With 140 well-appointed bedrooms, a mini gym, beautiful outdoor spaces, private function

rooms, exclusive use options, bars and restaurant, Theobalds Estate has the facilities for all your event needs.

For availably and pricing please contact the estate’s sales team via the details below.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01992 667662 meetings@ theobaldsestate.com www.theobaldsestate.com Theobalds Estate, Lieutenant Ellis Way, Herts, EN7 5HW

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

Welcoming you to vibrant West London Spacious, versatile, stateof‑the‑art, inclusive, cleverly put... all attributes you can apply to your next event in London with ILEC Conference Centre.

Featuring one of London’s top largest and most versatile event hall, the venue is fitted with state of the art equipment and technologies, stunning design and on-site 3*accommodation making it the ideal conference venue.

This iconic ballroom, will also light up the scene for a flamboyant evening while our chef mouthwatering menus selection and award winning event team will guarantee a memorable evening.

Ibis London Earls court also offers 504 comfortable and spacious guestrooms and with 12 floors, some of the best view of the London skyline. Guest can also relax while enjoying a true British experience in our George and Dragon pub.

Both venue and hotel benefit from

a brilliant location in the heart of West London, with excellent travel links to major airports, train stations, city landmarks and business districts. The close proximity to the shopper’s paradise of Kensington and Knightsbridge and the stylish cafés and boutiques of Chelsea also makes it a great place to stay.

FURTHER INFORMATION enquiry@ ilecconferencecentre.co.uk www.ilecconferencecentre. co.uk

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

London’s most sustainable venue destination

A contemporary London conference venue

15Hatfields is London’s most sustainable venue. Over the last 10 years it has consistently raised the bar for sustainable business management practices in the events industry, and its environmentally conscious credentials have been recognised with numerous awards and certifications. With four main rooms that can accommodate up to 300 delegates, three medium-sized rooms and three breakout rooms, 15Hatfields can cater for all conference and event needs. It offers competitive daily delegate rates, as well as half-day rates and special discounts for charity and not-forprofit organisations and those with a sustainable CSR policy.

15Hatfields is passionate about sustainability. Its ‘Make Plastic History’ campaign highlights its commitment to becoming singleuse plastic free by the end of 2019. To support the campaign,

99 City Road Conference Centre is a unique, modern London conference centre situated next to Old Street tube and rail stations on Silicon Roundabout and on the edge of the City of London.

Situated within the global headquarters of Inmarsat, the world leader in mobile satellite communications, 99 City Road features 15 event spaces, accommodating between 20 and 300 guests.

Unlike most London conference centres, 99 City Road provides allinclusive audio-visual equipment and technical support. From projectors and LCD screens to microphones and programmable lighting, the venue offers a full suite of equipment to give your event a high quality edge.

Catering is provided by multi award-winning caterers, Elior UK. With innovative and inspiring menus, both set and bespoke, and a meticulous attention

every month it will be removing one plastic item from its product inventory, including: plastic sugar bags, food wrapping, biscuit packaging, bin liners and zip lock bags. It hopes that this campaign will prompt other venues and suppliers to consider their environmental impact and what they can do to offer more sustainable choices.

The 15Hatfields team will be delighted to discuss your next meeting, conference or event - please contact them via the details below.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 020 7827 5920 info@15hatfields.com www.15hatfields.com

to detail, Elior will add taste and style to your event.

99 City Road’s experienced team of event planners are on hand to guide you from enquiry stage through to event completion. They make sure every aspect of your event is well-planned, carefully considered and delivered to perfection.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 020 7728 1106 conference.centre@ inmarsat.com www.99cityroad.com

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WASTE & RECYCLING

Easy waste, recycling and paper shredding services

Heat your home with underfloor heating

As innovators in recycling, First Mile enables businesses to improve their corporate sustainability by increasing recycling rates and minimising waste. With a zero-to-landfill policy, a fleet of ultra-low emission vehicles and a recycling rate of 60 per cent (the average in London is 30 per cent), First Mile is the smarter, greener choice for businesses.

First Mile offers over 20 different types of recycling services which include paper, confidential shredding, cardboard, plastic, glass, food, coffee, stationery and electrical items. The company prides itself on sustainable, closed-loop recycling solutions where possible, with anything that can’t be recycled turned into green energy.

For confidential documents, secure bins are collected by DPS-checked operatives,

Speedheat electrical underfloor heating is proven in every respect for one room or an entire building. Speedheat is unobtrusive electric heating designed to go under any floor finish, including laminate, carpet, rugs, vinyl and natural stone allowing clean, uncluttered lines in any room.

Invisible, controllable, clean, efficient, safe, tough and extremely cost effective.

Speedheat is ideal for one room, retrofits, renovations and redesign projects as well as new builds. Individually designed to fit unusually shaped rooms and ideal under any floor finish, installed with the minimum disruption and no noticeable build up in floor height.

Speedheat offers a full design, installation and back up service, working with and alongside trades on site, property owners, flooring specialists, designers

shredded within 24 hours and turned back into recycled office paper which can be purchased from the company’s shop.

First Mile’s vehicles are GPStracked and CCTV monitored to ensure secure handling and destruction of confidential data to meet GDPR regulations.

First Mile services 25,000 businesses and in 2018 recycled over 60,000 tonnes of materials.

Operating 365 days a year, with 24/7 customer service, it provides a hassle-free service that will help save your business money.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0800 612 9894 customers@thefirstmile.co.uk www.thefirstmile.co.uk

HEALTH & SAFETY

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FLOORING

and building experts to ensure a trouble free installation.

Have it installed in one room, a conservatory or whole house – Speedheat meets your needs!

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01908 562211 www.speedheat.co.uk

FIRE SAFETY

Japanese Knotweed specialists based in London

Online fire and health and safety software

CYB Environmental is a modern and dynamic company who specialises in providing advice, treatment and removal of Japanese Knotweed and other invasive weeds for residential and commercial clients.

CYB Environmental is the only Japanese Knotweed removal company and consultancy in the UK regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and to hold full Property Care Association (PCA) accreditation (Invasive Weeds Group) - something they are extremely proud of!

Team members are experienced with key personnel including Chartered Surveyors, Chartered Building Surveyors, RICS registered Valuation Surveyors, PCA Qualified (CSJK) – Japanese Knotweed operatives, and PA1/ PA6 qualified operatives. CYB provides an unrivalled knowledge of issues and ensure clients’ needs

Safesmart is a health and safety compliance management and consultancy company known primarily for Smartlog, its cloudhosted compliance software.

Safesmart was formed back in 2002 providing expertise and services in fire safety, and the first version of Smartlog was released in 2004. Smartlog is a compliance management tool that incorporates risk assessment templates, health and safety training courses, document storage, accident reporting facilities, and automated task allocation for employees within any type or size of organisation.

Certain laws and their obligations regarding health and safety may or may not apply to certain organisations - dependent upon a variety of qualifying factors. However in order to comply with the principles of HSG65 (Managing for Health and Safety) by HSE, every organisation

are met without compromise.

Based in Deptford, London, with satellite offices in Bristol and Cardiff, CYB Environmental is strategically located to serve its domestic and commercial clients across London and the South of England. CYB’s commitment to the RICS Code of Conduct ensures that it provides a high quality service, accurately meeting client objectives, whilst maintaining traditional values of honesty, integrity and professionalism.

CYB Environmental is also able to deal with Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam and other invasive species.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 020 3005 8755 www.cyb-environmental.com

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

must have a clear and accessible health and safety policy available to all employees. Therefore every vital compliance element has been included in Smartlog in order to centralise the often fragmented management of compliance.

Safesmart believes in delivering a simple and affordable yet userfriendly service; so therefore Smartlog’s interface is clear, concise and easy to navigate.

Last but not least, the company’s customer service is backed up by industry-qualified consultants with vast experience in fire safety and health and safety.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01908 320 152 info@safesmart.co.uk www.safesmart.co.uk

DRONES

DRONES

Granta Network Solutions: the sky is the limit

Aerial photography using drones for businesses

Throughout its history, Granta Network Solutions has brought together technology and creativity to help its clients increase their productivity and expand their market share.

Whilst retaining its roots in online marketing, the company now also provides UAV services, offering the latest aerial photography, videography, inspection services and mapping services.

Granta’s professional team of highly trained pilots are licensed and insured and the organisation’s versatile UAVs are ideal for your needs.

Granta is strongly focused on delivering the results you need.

For every problem it solves, it works backwards from the desired result in order to determine the best and most efficient way to achieve the project outcome.

UAV technology can deliver improvements in safety, project

Quayle Industries Ltd provides aerial photography using drones for businesses and individuals in Nottingham and across the UK. The company is proud to be Civil Aviation Authority approved, meaning it is fully licensed and works to the highest standards. Before it undertakes any project, Quayle Industries seeks appropriate clearance from the authorities to operate the drone. The company works with you to plan what is needed and how the footage will be used to give you the result you need.

There are many instances where drone photography or filming is the best option.

For example, drones are costeffective and reduce the need for scaffolding or helicopters; the quality of the photography and videos is of a very high standard; drones can be used to access hard to reach areas inside and outside; and data and images

timescales, costs and efficiencies.

Whether you are looking for a digital marketing material to help you increase sales and expand your audience or a drone pilot to help you conduct a survey of a potentially unsafe or inaccessible site, get in touch with Granta Network Solutions to discuss your needs.

The sky’s the limit. Granta Network Solutions is a CAA authorised and fully insured drone operator.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01280 890092 info@granta.net www.granta.net

can be relayed to you within 24 hours ready to download.

Quayle Industries can provide stunning photography and videos for a wide range of purposes ranging from property developers wanting to showcase their properties for sale, individuals that need a roof inspection through to companies that want some aerial views as part of their marketing campaigns.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 07811 200468 quayleindustries@gmail.com www.quayleindustries.co.uk

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

DRONES

FlightSight: It’s time to take a different view

Inspire guests at Lee Valley White Water Centre

In a time where local government services are being pushed to make cuts maybe it’s time to take a different view.

FlightSight specialises in the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or ‘Drones’ to help clients achieve their goals safely whilst saving time and money.

Based in Yorkshire and born from a background of Health & Safety, FlightSight utilises stateof-the-art technology to keep your workforce safely on the ground. For years the number one cause of workplace fatalities has been falls from height and now thanks to technology we can reduce the need to expose your workforce to the risks involved in working at height.

Holding a Permission for Commercial Operations from the Civil Aviation Authority, along with full insurance, FlightSight is equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide a

Lee Valley White Water Centre is the perfect place to host corporate events for businesses located in London, Hertfordshire or Essex. Just 40 minutes from central London by train and with easy access from the M25 the venue is an ideal location for work or play. Whether companies are looking to book a meeting room in addition to corporate team building activities, or hire the whole venue as a stunning backdrop to a unique event, Lee Valley White Water Centre has flexible spaces and a dedicated event management team to help deliver a memorable occasion.

The range of different sized meeting rooms offer private terraces with fantastic views of the white water courses, excellent AV facilities and break-out space. They are ideal for training sessions and presentations, corporate away days or client hospitality.

number of solutions including at height inspections, construction and planning progress, 3D rendering and of course photography and video services allowing you to showcase your assets from the air.

FlightSight is able to deploy its UAVs quickly and with minimal disruption to your operations. No more costly eyesores with scaffolding for weeks, now you can get the high-definition footage in front of you within hours, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01482 235558 www.flightsight.co.uk

Create the perfect corporate away day, with packages that can be tailor made to the requirements of each business.

Whether participants would rather stay dry or have some soaking wet fun, there are a variety of team building activities to choose from, as well the option to combine with meeting room hire and catering if required.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 03000 030 616 whitewaterevents@ vibrantpartnerships.co.uk www.gowhitewater.co.uk

Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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SIGNAGE

Effective, easy to use traffic calming solutions Messagemaker Displays has been providing traffic calming solutions in the form of Vehicle Activated Speed Signs and bespoke LED signs for more than 20 years across the UK. The LED Speed Signs are popular amongst both the public and private sector and have proven to be effective in slowing down speeding motorists. The LED signs are far more effective than the standard static speed signs we are all used to and Messagemaker Displays’ customers are seeing positive results almost immediately from installation.

Recently, a Parish Council in Tetbury have found the signs to be ‘proving very successful in calming traffic through the village. The flashing signal clearly reminds drivers of the prevailing speed limit, and the data gathering function is useful in determining which

sites within the village benefit most from its deployment. We will be liaising with the local constabulary over the summer months, and provide data from the signs to help them target the most effective periods to deploy mobile enforcement cameras’.

Within just one month of installing the signs in the first location, the average speed recorded had dropped by 25 per cent and the average highest speed by 26 per cent.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.messagemaker.co.uk

DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT

80

WASTE & RECYCLING

The bin for tight spaces Leafield Environmental is extending its Envirobin range with the launch of the Mini Classic, a new, compact sized, external litter bin that is both stylish and economical.

Standing 950mm high, with a small diameter of 456mm, the Mini Classic has a respectable capacity of 70 litres when used with a plastic liner although a galvanised steel liner is also available with a 60 lire capacity.

Rotationally moulded from resilient, corrosion resistant, UV stabilised MDPE, the Mini Classic has smooth edges and large radii to minimise dirt traps and a dimpled surface to discourage fly posting.

Available in a range of standard colours and from recycled materials, subject to availability, the bin boasts a gold or silver band of distinction around the circumference and front and rear label panels for promotional purposes.

Stylish, slim-line and compact,

the Mini Classic enjoys a similar range of options to its big brother the Heritage Classic. Ground fixing kit, ashtray, stubber plate, fire extinguisher and locked access are all available on demand.

Where space is at a premium yet litter collection is essential, at a cost of £150.00 you should consider the new Mini Classic Bin from Leafield Environmental.

FURTHER INFORMATION 01225 816541 comms@leafieldenvironmental.com www.leafieldrecycle.com

DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT

PaperMountains: Keep control of your files

Buying and recycling redundant IT hardware

PaperMountains is a total document management company offering secure, GDPR compliant services in London, Kent, Essex, Sussex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

With a wide range of services, including: regular confidential destruction, oneoff secure shredding (paper, hard drives and media) as well as document archive storage and document scanning, PaperMountains can help you get on top of and manage your document processing, storage and destruction.

PaperMountains’ secure confidential destruction and shredding services are to BSEN 15713, GDPR compliant and with a certificate of destruction issued. The company aims for 100 per cent of recovered materials to be recycled. With its regular services, PaperMountains

Revive IT is an established and highly accredited data destruction and recycling company since 2008. The organisation operates nationwide and helps its clients ensure compliance with the Waste Electrical Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013 Act (WEEE) as well as the European GDPR directive through end of life compliance.

Revive IT offers two primary service offers, the first being a free nation-wide collection intended to return a zero-cost service to allow clients an ethical route to the recycling of their redundant IT and WEEE Equipment.

The company’s second service allows companies to release residual value in their redundant equipment and Revive IT can offer direct payment or charity donation on client’s behalf to fulfil

offers simple, clear plans and can provide consoles, sacks or bins. All collections come with no additional costs such as environmental levy or fuel surcharges and no long-term lock in.

The company offers clear pricing and reliable, professional services which can be scaled from small departments through to organisation wide solutions.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01634 959274 www.papermountains.com

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Corporate Social Responsibility.

Every year IT and WEEE waste is discarded by households and companies in the UK, much of which contains hidden data and information in relation to your business and your customers.

Revive IT ensures that risk is eliminated and the compliance and integrity of your data security is completely safe.

Data security and destruction is the company’s speciality and it is accredited by UKAS ISO 27001, 9001, 14001 to sanitise your equipment completely.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 08450 040532 j.o@reviveit.co.uk www.revivingit.co.uk

LANDSCAPING

CLEANING

An established tree surgery business

Domestic and commercial cleaning services

Tree World Services Ltd is an Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor, who specialises in tree surgery.

The company carries out devegetation works, tree climbing and surgery, tree felling and stump removal. It is also committed to planting new trees to create new environments or replace trees that it has cut down.

Tree World Services prides itself on looking after the natural environment and keeping trees well maintained for their continued overall growth and health, which ultimately contributes to the health and well-being for people in those environments.

Established since 1986, the company is based in West Berkshire covering the southern counties. All of its employees are certificated by NPTC for tree works and are experienced in the industry.

Southgate Cleaning Services specialises in providing commercial cleaning to businesses in and around the East and North London area.

The organisation is an ethical employer and proud to be a Living Wage supporter.

Southgate Cleaning Services provides cleaning services to the following: schools; hospitals; health centres; and general office cleaning.

Also focusing on businesses, the company provides services for: new build properties; after builders; sparkle clean; spring clean; and end of tenancy. All are performed with efficiency courtesy and punctuality of its professional cleaners working in accordance with all industry regulation and requirements.

Southgate Cleaning Services’ focus is on quality, making sure everything is right from the start.

The organisation incorporates

Tree World Services has undertaken varied contracts for Network Rail, Carillion Rail Plc, local authorities, construction companies, environment agency and domestic clients. The company has £10 million Public Liability insurance and all work is carried out to British Standard 3998 (2010). Tree World Services are able to carry out works to trees that have Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and or lie with Conservation Areas. It also holds CHAS accreditation and is a ‘TrustMark’ registered firm.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0118 930 6700 treeworld.services@virgin.net www.treeworldservices.co.uk

LANDSCAPING

new contract from the small and simple to the large and complex.

At Southgate Recruitment you can have your service under one roof. Let the company take care of your security worries.

With an extra service of Door Supervision security manned guarding needs by providing your property with security guards for a range of venues, hospitals, schools, colleges, universities, events, shopping centres, offices and construction site - all 24/7.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0203 6757050 www.southgate recruitment.co.uk info@southgate recruitment.co.uk

CLEANING

AHS – all your landscaping needs

Cleaning solutions for offices and NHS practices

Amenity Horticultural Services (AHS) is an award-winning, market leader and has been supplying the landscaping, construction and horticultural industries for more than 27 years.

AHS specialises in soft/hard landscaping supplies and play safety surfacings to include: Bark and woodchip supplies, which is where AHS began in 1992, and is now the UK’s number one supplier with a product to suit every setting and budget.

Paving Grid, which is 100 per cent recycled and recyclable, with complete permeability.

This product is hard wearing and load bearing to a capacity of 350t/m2. It can be used for a variety of applications such as footpaths, parking, showgrounds and arenas, and can be filled with grass, gravel sand, earth or stones.

Shock pad underlay, for

The most motivated staff in the industry, Green World Cleaning Service uses honesty, integrity and fairness to drive relationships with their clients. Green World Cleaning Service is dedicated to achieving the agreed specification and will achieve this through constant innovation, training and developing new technologies.

The organisation provides over 20 years experience in the cleaning industry, including commercial cleaning, office cleaning, specialist cleaning services, kitchen cleaning and sanitising restoration and insurance cleans. Green World Cleaning Service’s focus is office cleaning, a very detailed type of cleaning and with an emphasis on actually being ‘clean’ not just looking clean.

The company also provides motivated staff of high quality, knowing that it has to offer its

approved play safety surfacing, has a Critical Fall Height (CFH) of up to 3m; it’s free draining and insulating enabling play throughout the seasons.

Other products include top soils, sheds, reptile fencing, timber, gravels and more.

The team at AHS can offer expert advice for the most suitable solutions, with ongoing dedicated support, competitive pricing and nationwide delivery to ensure your products reach you when you need them.

FSC UK, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certified.

FURTHER INFORMATION 0333 207 0440 sales@ahs-ltd.co.uk www.ahs-ltd.co.uk

staff good benefits and working conditions to keep them with the company. Green World Cleaning Service also rewards good work, with staff personally motivated to carry out work on your premises to a continuous specification.

Green World Cleaning Service makes it easy for its teams to do a good job. The company always provides a customer communications book so staff and its clients can communicate directly. A supervisor works with the team to make sure they have all of the equipment they need to carry out the agreed specification.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0207 0992446

Issue 26.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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We care about the science and emotion of performance and work with our clients in three areas of specialism Leadership, Team & Talent Development People Change & Transformation Management Skills Training www.lane4performance.com

ADVERTISERS INDEX

The publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in this free service Aecom 56 AHS 81 AlphaBiolabs 40 Appian Europe 68 AVR Group OBC Axiologik 74 Blackthorn GRC 50 Blue Door Property Guardians 12 Bott 26 Brainsparker 48 Business Events Bournemouth 52 Castle Water 64,65 Caterpillar 20,21 Conduce Group 24 Curotec Team 40 CYB Environmental 78 DB Fire Safety 34 Diabolo 18 Digiterre Agility 70 DMW Group IBC E Driving 40 Ebase Technology 72 Energy Gain UK 76 Engage Consulting 30 ESE 47 ESPO 26 Evac Chair International 6 First Mile 78 Flightsight 79 Floorbrite Cleaning 34 Franklynair 76 Fujitsu IFC Geoaccess 18 Granta Network Solutions 79 Green world Facilities Management 81 Hardstaff Barriers 28 Haven Power 76 Henchman 38 Ibis Hotel and Conferences 77 Intratone UK 58

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ISS Mediclean 32 Kemper Systems 26 Locstatt 38 Method Recycling 42 MGB Communications 77 Toyota 8 Ogel IT 4 Paper Mountains 80 PJH Safety Training 34 Polar UK 45 Populus 16 Procurement Hub 54 Proxima 74 Prym Fashion GmbH 38 Public Health England 38 Quayle Industries 79 Reallies 42 Revive It 80 Rotronics 61 Safesmart 78 Schiedel Chimney Systems 76 SCISYS UK 66 Screwfix 22 Shark Club at Sandman 48 Smart Employee Eyecare 26 Southgate Recruitment 81 Speedheat 78 SR Supply Chain Consultants 56 Stocksigns 79 Tech Lab Repairs 80 The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health 77 The Deck Tile Company 10 Theobalds Estate 77 TMSI 40 Tree World Service 81 UK Kiosks 48 Ultimo Software Solutions 42 Utilities Connections 59 Vibrant Partnerships 80 VINCI Construction UK 62

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT | www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Programme delivery needs transformation mindset

DMW delivers transformational technology projects to public and private sector clients The programme summary status you’ve been provided is green. There is a formal governance review on the horizon. But are you sure you’re going to pass?

At DMW, we have delivered over £5 billion worth of technology transformation projects. We help businesses through their digital transformation journeys: defining the business architecture, solving deep technical problems and helping your supply chain work together more effectively to make the programme a success.

Engaging a second pair of expert eyes to evaluate your programme will allow you to see the whole picture. DMW have a proven approach to evaluating large programmes and we have the expertise and experience to consider progress against both the technical challenges and programme control / governance hurdles that you face. We can help you articulate a set of remediating actions where problems are identified using our more than 20 years experience of helping large Public Sector programmes be more successful.

Visit www.dmwgroup.com/gcloud to find out more IS 621783

“DMW’s hands-on technical, analysis and programme management expertise has been invaluable in designing and mobilising the delivery of the health and social care network, a major public-sector infrastructure programme with a national reach.”

Programme Director NHS Digital

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