Find your perfect tech business partner at this local govtech pitch-fest. This event offers tech companies large and small the opportunity to network and identify business partners with innovative solutions for transforming local public services, from new players to established companies within the Local Government tech market. It is an opportunity for SMEs to pitch ideas to companies currently providing services to local government, and for large companies to expand the network of SMEs they work with to deliver services in this market.
The local government market is an innovative one, and one where technology can make a real difference to peoples lives and places. However, it can be a complicated market to navigate especially for new entrants and SMEs. As such, techUK regularly holds ‘Partnering & Networking’ events to allow members, large and small, to foster new partnerships and collaborate. Smart partnering is a successful route for many suppliers, and we want to provide our members with the opportunity to connect with established players and disruptors in the market.
SMEs can showcase their innovation and capabilities and larger companies can improve the services they deliver to local government through taking advantage of what SMEs can offer. It is a way for both sides to expand the network of companies that they work with. At previous event we have also had local government representatives and councils are encouraged to attend and pitch too!
What does the event entail?
Everyone attending is encouraged to pitch. You pitch to the whole group, with pitches no more than 2 minutes and no slides required. Once the pitches are finished the networking continues in the breakout rooms. Feel free to bring your own drink to the networking too!
Before the pitches begin, we will hear from Robert Stoneman, Principal Analyst, Public Sector, GlobalData who will share the latest digital trends in the local government market.
If you’re a large company: The innovative nature of SMEs means that a partnership can bring a multitude of benefits. Prepare to discuss what your company does to support SMEs, what is the value you see as a larger company and the partnership opportunities available.
If you’re an SME: techUK is always championing the work that SMEs do and the value they provide, if you’re an SME this is your chance to showcase exactly what it is that you can do. Highlight the value you can bring and what you have to offer!
This event is open to techUK members and local government. Attend to practise your pitch, network and connect with like minded digital folk. If you aren’t a techUK member and would like to learn more about membership get in touch with [email protected].
Testimonials
The Local GovTech Partnering and Networking events are an invaluable opportunity to bring the market together to better understand each other’s offerings and identify opportunities for partnering. The future technology market will rely heavily on ecosystems working together to reimagine and transform public services – these events are great spaces to form those relationships
As a Scandinavian software supplier techUK has been of extraordinary value to us. We have been able to build highly useful relations, network with partners and build know how through the many and highly qualified events. At the partner and networking event we managed to meet up with a leading IT service provider in both UK and globally that has now become a very important re-seller of ours.
The techUK approach promotes collaboration between innovative SMEs and large corporates to drive innovation and help tackle some of the big issues facing our society. A common challenge for smaller companies is scale. While SMEs excel at innovation in the design of new products and services, they often lack the sales force to take their offering to the widest possible market. At the other end of the scale, big consulting firms offer exceptional professional services to a national client base but are typically less involved in research and development. For us, it was a perfect way to engage with large corporates. As a result of the launch event, I had follow-up calls with three large corporates, including a multinational professional services giant, a global technology company and an international IT partner.
Alison Young
Alison Young
Alison Young is the Associate Director Local Public Services.
Alison has background in International Trade & Investment, with experience in the public, private and third sector, advising on international trade, new markets, inward investment and working closely with UK cities and regions around investment into innovation and partnerships and technology. Prior to joining techUK, she has her own consulting business and was Head of Global Investment with the Connected Places Catapult. This role had a focus on FDI around the built environment and mobility, working across NetZero mobility projects in the UK and globally. She worked closely with the Innovation Districts Group, to foster and network of knowledge sharing and helped set up the Freeport Innovation Network, to foster innovation in the context of freeports with a focus on investment.
She spent six years living and working in the Middle East, with the Department for Business and Trade. Based first in Oman, leading on a number of sectors, from Education to Infrastructure, then based in the UAE, setting up the Technology and Smart Cities sector, with a core focus on AI and Fintech.
She is passionate about economic growth for the UK, to create jobs and opportunities; the green agenda and the decarbonisation of transport. She has a degree in Russian Studies MA, from the University of Edinburgh and is currently learning Arabic.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- +44 (0) 20 7331 2029
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonayoung/
Ileana Lupsa
Ileana Lupsa
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Twitter:
- @IleanaLupsa
- Website:
- www.techUK.org
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/ileana-lupsa
Tracy Modha
Tracy Modha
Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 02073312000
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83
Francesca Richiusa
Francesca Richiusa
Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.
Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.
Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-richiusa/
