Despite what the title might suggest, this isn’t about telecoms – it’s about the power of staying connected to our supply chain members, not just our Local Authority network. And what a week it’s been for reconnecting! By the time you read this, I’ll have attended Stabilised Pavement’s event in London, engaged in countless one-on-one conversations, and enjoyed an informative partner member reception. It’s been a whirlwind week – and it’s still only January!
This week also marked my first trip into London this year, beginning at the tiny rural station in my village in the North. As the train pulled away, my muscle memory for travel kicked in – tea in hand, emails half-written, a draft copy of our upcoming Innovation Report read, and a mental checklist for the busy two days ahead. My calendar is already filling up as fast as last year, but this time, I’ve promised myself that I will schedule in more breaks to avoid burnout. Let’s see how well that plan holds up!
The Joy of Member Events
Member events are my favorite part of the job, even if booking them feels like an Olympic scheduling event (some of these were locked in five months ago!). Our membership base is beautifully diverse, ranging from solo consultants to international organisations, each bringing unique services, products, and stories. I genuinely love hearing about their work, and I know Keely and Susanne in the Relationship Team share this same curiosity – it’s what keeps us energised.
But these events aren’t just about swapping stories; they’re about understanding their challenges and ambitions, from growth plans to procurement hurdles. Speaking of procurement, this week, I had the opportunity to attend a fascinating reception for the Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre at the Institute of Civil Engineers. Even though I was nursing a sore back (note to self: stretch more), it was well worth it.
The panel covered key themes, such as easing innovation procurement, legal aspects, early market engagement, and how Chief Officers can foster innovative environments. But the real gem? A retired experimental physicist who surprised me with his enthusiasm for flexible procurement. His perspective was clear – the UK is brimming with innovation, yet rigid procurement processes are stifling progress. We chatted about some of the brilliant innovations he’d seen in academia, several of which have direct relevance to our sector. You can be sure I’ll be tracking those down!
Staying Curious and Connected
These conversations are why I make a point to engage with as many supply chain members as possible. Curiosity is key – it leads to knowledge, new insights, and unexpected gems that can benefit everyone we work with. It would be easy to get bogged down in the demands of government work, but without the voices of our members and the support we provide to the public sector, we would lack vital real-world perspectives.
So, here’s to another year of travel, conversations, and staying curious – because that’s where the insightful conversations happen.
Paula Claytonsmith, CEO