Security and public safety: partnering and speed networking event
3.30pm – 5.30pm14 October 2026
London
techUK, 10 St Bride Street, London, EC4A 4AD
Find your perfect business partner at this National Security and Justice and Emergency Services partnering and networking event.
As part of the Security and public safety SME Forum's drive to build stronger partnerships between SMEs and the wider tech community, techUK is hosting a speed-dating-style networking event. Conversations will centre on innovative solutions that can support Home Office priorities and address the complex challenges facing law enforcement and security agencies.
Session overview
This event will bring together SMEs and large primes working across these sectors to connect, share innovations, and explore solutions that strengthen national resilience and support safer communities.
The session will follow a speed-dating-style networking format, facilitated by techUK. Attendees will rotate around tables with 4–5 minutes to connect, followed by open networking over pizza and drinks in the members' area.
Large primes will be able to meet the newest innovators in the field and explore solutions to their most pressing security challenges, while SMEs will have the chance to showcase their capabilities and highlight the value they can bring.
Speaker
Abu Ahmed
Deputy Director, Head of Joint Security & Resilience Centre (JSaRC), Home Office
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!
Please note:
Attendance is strictly limited to one person per supplier
This event is not targeted at any suppliers' "partner manager" (or equivalent title)
One week before the event, techUK will issue the full list of large and small companies taking part. All confirmed participants will be given access to companies' "bio" via techUK as soon as they become available
Pizza and drinks will be available for all attendees at the end of the event
Dave Evans
Head of Programme - Justice and Emergency Services and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Dave Evans
Head of Programme - Justice and Emergency Services and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Dave is a former senior police officer with the City of London Police, bringing extensive experience as a Detective and senior leader across frontline operations and multi-agency partnerships at regional and national levels.
He has led and supported responses to major national incidents, including mass casualty events, counter-terrorism operations and large-scale public disorder, working closely with partners across the criminal justice sector.
Alongside his public service, Dave has also held leadership roles in the private sector, managing projects focused on intellectual property and licensing. His combined experience across both sectors gives him a deep understanding of how collaboration between service providers and end users can strengthen resilience and trust.
Fran Richiusa
Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, techUK
Fran Richiusa
Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, techUK
Fran is a Junior Programme Manager for our Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme. In this role she supports project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and policy development across portfolios including law enforcement, justice, and the fire sector.
Fran joined techUK in May 2025 as a Programme Team Assistant for the Public Sector Markets Programmes before progressing to her current role later that year.
Prior to joining techUK, Fran worked across local government and VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) organisations, where she developed a deep understanding of the role of tech in public sector delivery.
Cinzia joined techUK in August 2023 as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager.
The JES programme represents suppliers, championing their interests in the blue light and criminal justice markets, whether they are established entities or newcomers seeking to establish their presence.
Prior to joining techUK, Cinzia worked in the third and public sectors, managing projects related to international trade and social inclusion.
Prior to joining techUK, Raya worked in Business Development for an expert network firm within the institutional investment space. Before this Raya spent a year in industry working for a tech start-up in London as part of their Growth team which included the formation and development of a 'Let's Talk Tech' podcast and involvement in London Tech Week.
Raya has a degree in Politics and International Relations (Bsc Hons) from the University of Bath where she focused primarily on national security and counter-terrorism policies, centreing research on female-led terrorism and specific approaches to justice there.
Outside of work, Raya's interests include baking, spin classes and true-crime Netflix shows!
Justice and Emergency Services Programme activities
The techUK Justice and Emergency Services Programme represents tech firms operating in the public safety, criminal justice, and blue light markets. We create strong relationships between members and public sector customers, encouraging industry engagement, and unlocking innovation. Visit the programme page here.
Solving policing's toughest challenges – Can your technology make the difference?
The NPCC Policing Problem Book sets out 13 real challenges where policing needs industry's help — from digital evidence capture to building data-literate workforces. techUK members are invited to submit thought-leadership pieces responding to one or more problem statements, which will be shared directly with NPCC and OPCSA ahead of the NPCC Innovation and Digital Summit 2026. Submissions feed into the Policing Problem Book Impact Day on 9 September.
Policing enters a new era: technology at the heart of reform
Policing is entering a new era, with technology playing a central role in reform, capability and public trust. This piece explores how digital tools, data and innovation are supporting more effective policing, the challenges forces face in adopting new technology, and what reform means for industry and public safety partners — read the insight to understand how technology is shaping the future of policing.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Head of Programme - Justice and Emergency Services and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Dave Evans
Head of Programme - Justice and Emergency Services and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Dave is a former senior police officer with the City of London Police, bringing extensive experience as a Detective and senior leader across frontline operations and multi-agency partnerships at regional and national levels.
He has led and supported responses to major national incidents, including mass casualty events, counter-terrorism operations and large-scale public disorder, working closely with partners across the criminal justice sector.
Alongside his public service, Dave has also held leadership roles in the private sector, managing projects focused on intellectual property and licensing. His combined experience across both sectors gives him a deep understanding of how collaboration between service providers and end users can strengthen resilience and trust.
Fran Richiusa
Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, techUK
Fran Richiusa
Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, techUK
Fran is a Junior Programme Manager for our Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme. In this role she supports project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and policy development across portfolios including law enforcement, justice, and the fire sector.
Fran joined techUK in May 2025 as a Programme Team Assistant for the Public Sector Markets Programmes before progressing to her current role later that year.
Prior to joining techUK, Fran worked across local government and VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) organisations, where she developed a deep understanding of the role of tech in public sector delivery.
Cinzia joined techUK in August 2023 as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager.
The JES programme represents suppliers, championing their interests in the blue light and criminal justice markets, whether they are established entities or newcomers seeking to establish their presence.
Prior to joining techUK, Cinzia worked in the third and public sectors, managing projects related to international trade and social inclusion.
