Public sector SME partnering and networking: event round-up

On Thursday 16 July we held a public sector SME partnering and networking session.

The value of partnering and networking sessions

At techUK we understand how difficult it can be for SMEs trying to break into the public sector tech market. Partnering between large primes and SMEs can be a way of getting a foot in the door, and an effective way to get innovative technology into government. However, making the right connections isn't always easy. To help address this challenge, we host a Public Sector SME Partnering and Networking session designed to help SMEs showcase what they do, help large organisations identify potential partners, and give everyone in the room a chance to expand their network and forge lasting connections.

Session roundup

We held our latest session on 16 July and were joined by Robert Vaughan, SME Lead, Assurance and Supply Chain Management, Group Commercial Directorate at the Department for Transport, Hollie Hodgson, Head of Account Management at Tussell, and Henry Rex, Government Relations Director at Opencast Software.

Robert opened the session with an introduction to Procurement Policy Note: 001, which outlines departments three-year spend targets with SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs). He highlighted DfT’s direct spend with SMEs and outlined a number of VCSE and SME initiatives, demonstrating government’s commitment to understanding VCSEs and SMEs and ensuring they can play that vital role in delivering public services.

Hollie gave an overview of the market, which included departmental spend with SMEs verses their targets – highlighting how many departments have a long way to go. However, there has been progress in the market. In terms of growth, SMEs outpaced large suppliers with 89% verses 56% but they are being locked out of valuable opportunities, and partnering with large suppliers is important to SMEs.

We then heard from Henry, who was joined by colleagues Carla and Alana. The team gave us an overview of Opencast, what they do, how they do it, and what they are proud of. Attendees heard about Opencast’s journey growing out of the SME bracket, and how today, they are powered by partnerships, delivering through a trusted ecosystem of like-minded SMEs and specialist consultancies, combining strengths to solve client challenges together.

Following the presentations, the SMEs in the room each delivered a one-minute pitch covering what they do, the challenges they face, and the value they bring to potential partners.

Future sessions

Our SME partnering and networking sessions are going from strength to strength, and provide a valuable opportunity for both large suppliers and SMEs alike. SMEs and their priorities are high on our agenda, and we plan to keep running these sessions regularly. We’re looking forward to hosting our next session in November.

Heather Cover-Kus

Associate Director, Central Government and Education, techUK

Ellie Huckle

Programme Manager, Central Government, techUK

Charles Bauman

Junior Programme Manager - Central Government, techUK

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