Chris Saul

Interesting Public Sector case study on an ERP implementation: as many of us will have experienced over the years, the biggest risk with these type of enterprise application implementations is escalating third-party costs, but this commercial model takes away that risk, with no third-party system integrator and all supplier costs fixed for the full-term. #PublicSector #ERP

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A new report has highlighted the extent of the skills shortage threatening the growth and competitiveness of the UK’s manufacturing sector. Key findings reveal that: ✔ 97% of manufacturers say that hiring and retaining skilled labour presents a challenge to the growth of their business ✔ 91% of manufacturers are taking on more responsibility to train their workforces due to the scarcity of skilled labour ✔ 80% of manufacturers say that digital skills are harder to acquire because of competition from other sectors ✔ 75% of manufacturers identify skills shortages as their biggest barrier to growth, followed by recruitment challenges (36%) and talent retention (32%) https://lnkd.in/eR-XXf4W

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📢 Just hearing from Mary Cleary Dip IoD at the CEPIS council meeting about the interim results from the ITPE survey - what's important to professionals (many things!), how important ethics is to IT professionals (very!). 🗣 If you haven't already had your say then click the link and make your voice heard. 🌟 And if you want to explore Ethics in AI more, then take a look at this great article from John Maskrey MBCS - https://lnkd.in/epp5Kfad https://lnkd.in/eWrwnbtS

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🌍 Driving Digital Change in Local Authorities 🌍 In today’s fast-paced world, UK local authorities face unique challenges balancing efficient service delivery with ever-evolving citizen expectations. Working closely with councils, I’ve seen first-hand the transformative impact of well-planned digital solutions—ones that not only streamline processes but genuinely improve residents’ lives. From designing user-friendly digital services to implementing robust cybersecurity measures, my focus is on creating sustainable, scalable systems that support future growth. It’s incredibly rewarding to help councils shift from legacy systems to agile, cloud-based infrastructures that respond in real-time to citizens’ needs. But what I find most impactful is seeing these projects enhance accessibility and transparency in local government. The future of local government is digital, and I’m excited to be part of that journey. #DigitalTransformation #LocalGovernment #Innovation #PublicSector #GovTech #LocalGov #Digital #ICT

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To understand the current state of digital maturity within UK public sector organisations and how the supply can meet the change in demand, we teamed up with #Forrester to commission independent research. We surveyed over 140 technology and transformation leaders in UK public services to examine the status, challenges and aims for digital transformation. Download the report here: https://lnkd.in/eUru28qQ

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Over the next decade the UK Ministry of Defence are committed to spending over £190 billion on equipment and support. Through encouraging innovation and wider small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) participation throughout supply chains, there is an ongoing objective to pursue policies and practices that make it easier for new and smaller businesses to identify, compete for and win opportunities with the MOD. Co-hosted by our Defence Contracts International intelligence solution & DPRTE 2025, book your place onto the forthcoming webinar "Defence Opportunities for SMEs working with Primes" featuring guest speaker John Kite, UK MOD Supplier Relations Team Leader - https://lnkd.in/dMDRnGCw The free to attend webinar held on Tuesday 11 June is an opportunity to hear first-hand about the opportunities available to suppliers within the defence marketplace, in addition to how the Ministry of Defence is bolstering its relationship with suppliers. Free registration is now open: https://lnkd.in/etmkj9bd #defenceprocurement #supplychain #mod #dprte #dci #bipsolutions

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6bythree Digital are delighted to now be listed on both #gcloud14 and #crowncommercialservices as a trusted supplier, making it easier than ever to engage with us! 6bythree offer services to public and private sector organisations aligned with our vision of "helping to improve education, employability and wellbeing worldwide".  Our services range from digital and data strategy, to service design, to UX research and design, technical implementations and integrations, change management and capacity and capability building, we provide partnership, support and leadership for the full journey. Our team are skilled and experienced in developing great working relationships and getting to the heart of what needs to be done, where the problems and opportunities lie, providing effective and enduring solutions, as well as equipping clients to develop internal capabilities for the future. We're currently really enjoying a wide range of people-focused and evidence-informed partnerships with our client partners including Imperial College London, Dunstable Town Council, University of Bristol, Eutopia Solutions, Ravensbourne University London and Athenaeum Club. It has been a really tough year for organisations across #highereducation and #localauthorities, and indeed for our peer #sme consultancies, but we're excited to sense the beginnings of a turn around in overall level of investment and activity. We wish everyone the very best of success as they navigate the ever constant demands of change, whilst leading complex and diverse community serving organisations. #he #fe #highered #servicedesign #changestrategy #peoplefocused #datainsights

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https://lnkd.in/e-dmFCXS Given increasing demand in the sector Hyperscale Group are delighted to partner with Your 365 Coach to provide Microsoft Copilot and 365 training services to our clients. For more information please see below or contact dereksouthall@hyperscalegroup.com #microsoft #microsoft365 #copilot #training #lawfirms #inhousecounsel #law #legaltech #innovation #technology

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There is still a lot this government can do to address the gap between policy creation and the digital delivery needed to implement it. Read this latest piece by our CEO Aingaran Pillai and don't miss out on our new report, which delves into this issue: https://lnkd.in/dNYxaTp9 #digitaltransformation #digitalgovernment #digital

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#Governance, #enablement and #mentoring are key to finding solutions for #data challenges - Matt Wicks from The Virtual Forge says these challenges are often people problems rather than technology problems, with people having set up data in a way that makes it difficult to manage and share, compounded by a scarcity of available skills. It is important to build the in-house skills to do this over the long term but may need a jump start from outside - #KnowledgeTransfer though is key. He cites an interesting example with Haringey Council creating a #dynamic system for parking charges able to adjust pricing based on real-time factors such as location, the weather, emission levels of a car, local traffic and whether or not the vehicle owner was a resident. https://lnkd.in/eWVhyFsV

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As the owner of a digital agency dedicated to driving growth in the manufacturing sector, this article from Made in Britain - official was a really interesting read. It was great to discover the current views on the economy and industry, which is a huge discussion point at the minute. Here are some of the main things that stood out for me in this report... 💡Over half of UK manufacturers are optimistic about economic improvement within the next year, despite concerns about inflation and fiscal challenges. 💡Nearly 50% of respondents believe the manufacturing sector will strengthen in the upcoming year, with material costs being a significant factor in their outlook. 💡More than half reported increased revenues over the past year, and over 70% are confident about future revenue growth based on current order books. Give it a read today and let us know what you think - https://bit.ly/3yWBI42 #Manufacturing #UKManufacturing #MadeInBritain #EconomicGrowth #BusinessInsights

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“We need a provocative speaker for our NHS Confederation comms team offsite in Leeds,” said Daniel Reynolds. “Can you come and wind us up?” We had a brilliant discussion about the opportunities and risks of AI in practice and the wider public sphere. I hope I met the brief. ✅ How the hype and noise that characterises much of the market in comms and PR is driven by vendors and is unhelpful. ✅ How AI can support management tasks such stakeholder planning and modelling, and tactical tasks such as creative and content. ✅ Why AI tools aren’t being adopted in agencies and comms teams even when rolled out across an organisation. ✅ Why AI is a cultural and risk issue for most organisations and not a technology issue - every organisation has the potential for a data or AI crisis. ✅ How the relationship perspective of an organisation helps comms assert its value and ultimately defend against the threat of AI. ✅ And finally… how to spot a post written by AI on LinkedIn 😜 NHS Confederation is leading the development of knowledge in this area and is supporting a listening exercise to understand the use of AI in a professional healthcare and wider NHS setting.

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I had the privilege of attending the Changing Perceptions conference, organised by Women in Manufacturing at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry last Thursday. It was nothing short of inspiring! The room was filled with industry leaders, all driven to break barriers and reimagine the future of manufacturing. From powerful workshops on diverse roles, overcoming imposter syndrome, and leveraging digital technology to shaping the future of manufacturing jobs, the event sparked vital conversations on how we can create more inclusive spaces and opportunities for women in the industry. One message resonated deeply: women belong in manufacturing—not as the exception, but as leaders, innovators, and changemakers. The under-representation of women in this sector is a challenge we must meet head-on by raising awareness, mentoring future talent, and transforming the narrative around manufacturing careers. The time for change is now. Let’s lift each other up and continue driving progress toward a more diverse, inclusive, and dynamic industry. I am privileged to meet some incredible women who are changing this sector Beth Bevan Kate Willsher Lynne O'Hare Michelle Quinn Kate Barclay iWarranty Wojciech Szejerka Juan Crosby Kacper Senecki Tolu Oluwagbemi John Hartley Glyn Pritchard-Jones Pooja Crosby #WomenInManufacturing #DiversityMatters #BreakTheBias #InclusionInIndustry #Leadership #ManufacturingFuture #EmpowerWomen #ChangingPerceptions

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Had a great session with International Leaders UK a few days ago exploring how we need to avoid the same mistakes that we made with Digital Transformation when it comes to AI. We provoked some great debate and challenged some more conventional thinking. One question that did arise was will we end up using AI to buy AI in the future? Personally I see AI as the greatest option for change I have seen in many years but, like all change, it will only be transformative if we learn to let go of how we do things now. Applying AI to your current business model could be a waste of time. It's time to radically re-think everything.

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Islington Council has reached a seven-year agreement with TechnologyOne UK to use the company’s #Financials software for local government - Deployment is underway after the contract was signed last month and makes the council the first in London to implement the software. https://lnkd.in/ec3suHUn

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We are so excited to launch purpose built board evaluation software that addresses the challenges inherent in conducting board reviews for multi board entities. Clients at large, complex organisations have told us these challenges include: - Time constraints - Inconsistent methodologies - Unreliable comparisons - Lack of benchmarking - Privacy concerns Multi-board entities can now leverage purpose built software to truly understand what is driving performance across the organisation. With key areas highlighted for optimisation, consideration and deeper discussion. We are delighted to be working across private equity, sovereign wealth and parent/subsidiary board entities. If you would like to explore this new functionality in more detail, please don't hesitate to reach out. #governance #boardperformance #drivingchange

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How is #GenAI reshaping qualifications and assessment? Paddy Craven FIEP from City & Guilds shares expert insights on AI's transformative role in awarding organizations and the future of assessment. Key discussion from #FAB2024 on qualification production and implementation. Watch his full interview here: https://lnkd.in/et2HqEMn #EdTech #Assessment #FutureOfEducation

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Peter Kyle has done a great job commissioning Matt Clifford to deliver the UK's AI action plan. No better person to do this & the support from the #DSIT tech board, who's focus on driving the UK as an AI leader, is impressive. Under 14: "Accurately assess the size of the skills gap. Current estimates are imprecise and outdated; the last government-funded AI labour market survey was in 2020 and the Unit for Future Skills’ jobs and skills dashboard, while a step in the right direction, still uses supply data from 2019.[footnote 6] The success of the following recommendations depends on accurately understanding the skills gap, and so government must make efforts to come to a concrete and up-to-date number." This is going to be a critical element of the journey for #ai in the #uk & will need significant mindset change & training investment. Under 19: "Ensure its lifelong skills programme is ready for AI. AI will continue to change the labour market, though exactly how and when is unclear. What is certain is while some jobs will be replaced by AI, many will be augmented - and an unknown number will be created. Government should ensure there are sufficient opportunities for workers to reskill, both into AI and AI-enabled jobs and more widely. The UK should also learn and adopt best practice from other countries who are preparing their skills systems for the long-term impacts of AI. Singapore, for example, developed a national AI skills online platform with multiple training offers. South Korea is integrating AI, data and digital literacy throughout its education pipelines through an AI curriculum and a variety of training and education programmes. Skills England and the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review present an opportunity to consider the merit of such approaches in our system." The time is now for the UK to own this space! https://lnkd.in/efFBg238

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Please take the time to complete the survey so valuable feedback can be shared to procurement organisations and frameworks in the future once the survey has been anlaysed and key areas can be shared

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