Summary
Sam Winterbottom, Public Service Director at Gamma, and Hollie Rose Hodgson, Head of Account Management at Tussell, discussed recent developments in the public sector, focusing on the new Procurement Act and its implications. They highlighted the importance of data-driven decision-making, particularly in the context of social outcomes, and the challenges of making data useful for contracting authorities.
They also explored key trends in the tech and telecom sectors, noting the significant role of IoT and AI, especially in local authorities and smart city initiatives. The conversation touched on the growing importance of cybersecurity, with Gamma’s recent acquisition of Satisnet positioning them to enter this market more robustly. They discussed the critical need for suppliers to be proactive, innovative, and outcome-focused, particularly in light of the upcoming ISDN switch-off in telecoms.
Hollie emphasised the value of shared learning and the need for flexibility in procurement procedures to foster innovation. Both agreed on the importance of suppliers helping organisations achieve better outcomes with tighter budgets. The discussion underscored the necessity of creativity and collaboration between suppliers and public sector entities to navigate the evolving landscape effectively.