A 3 Step Guide to Better Government and Industry Collaboration

One of our Directors, Kate Fairhurst, wrote for techUK explaining her top three tips for tech businesses seeking to work with local government. 

Local Authorities in England are facing huge financial challenges, driven primarily by an increase in the demand for their core statutory services. By harnessing the opportunities of advanced technology, digital tools and AI, local government can improve service delivery, enhance communication, streamline administrative processes, and narrow the digital divide. 

But, understanding Local Authorities isn’t always easy for businesses. Structures can be complex to navigate, decision-making processes can be convoluted, and there can be a perceived culture of ‘not thinking outside the box’.   

Kate lays out her top three tips for overcoming these challenges and getting businesses on the front foot when working with this public sector customer: 

1. Understanding your audience: Take the time to understand where your business would fit into the authority’s landscape and what makes your intended audience ‘tick’. 
2. Being honest, upfront and open: Speak to local government in plain and simple language, tailored to their needs and objectives. 
3. Communicating impact and value for money: Be clear on your impact, describing how your solution would lead to better resident and community outcomes.