.Today we sat down with Chris Brook - Director of Place and Enterprise at South Hams District Councils and West Devon Borough Council and we discussed the housing crisis, the consequences and the solutions to this systemic problem.

It was fantastic to sit down with James Trowsdale, Strategic Lead for Culture at North East Lincolnshire Council to discuss local government's role in enabling creative placemaking. Challenging creative energy, is so important and it was great to get into this today with James.

As the Procurement Bill makes its way through government, ahead of implementation in autumn 2024, our Managing Director Simon Hill will discuss how the upcoming Procurement Act will create positive change and unlock the potential of future public procurement. However, the sector must challenge, collaborate and communicate to truly maximise the benefit of the new Procurement Bill.

Andrew Booth is a highly experienced Head of Development and Regeneration, who has run his own architect business in France and now works for local government in the UK. He educated me on the French system and what we can learn from the French approach to development and regeneration.

Today we sat down with Paul Richards, who is the CEO of the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation alongside being the Director of Development and Regeneration for Stockport Council and has previously been Property Director for Findel PLC, Homeform Group and Wine Cellar.He has extensive senior level experience of managing occupational property portfolios and capital transformation programmes and is a Chartered Surveyor.In his current role within the Council, he is responsible for the £1 billion investment into development and regeneration across the Borough, in addition to its culture and leisure team and economy, work and skills.

Great to sit down with Paula Claytonsmith - Chief Executive of the Local Council Roads Innovation Group. Today we explored:

1. Why the Highways sector is the place to be – The Highways sector is going through arguably the biggest paradigm shift in 15 years. With AI, Quantum computing, innovations in materials, changes in thinking, and skills shortage the sector is one of the most exciting industries to be a part of whether you are an Engineer or not.
2. Why culture, “bravery” and adaptability are key components of implementing innovation in local government highway services
3. What are the biggest challenges affecting the sector?

Today we sat down with Arthur Charvonia, who has been the Chief Executive at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils since January 2017. The council is first Green Party majority Council in the Northern Hemisphere and an 'elegant' Green, Independent, Liberal Democrat power sharing Council. Arthur is an exceptional leader and it was great to get his views on a number of key topics.

.Fantastic to sit down with Rosie Pearson - Corporate Director - Local Partnerships LLP discussing how collaboration is the critical component in driving positive outcome and efficiency in local government organisations.

Great to sit down with Andrew Ireland - Strategic Director of Investment at the London Borough at Newham to discuss Commercialisation in local government.

Andrew's proposed centres of excellence, which councils can get advice from for free, is fantastic. This innovative solution would mean not every council is trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, have experts who are passionate about social value, provide the solutions and councils can regionally focus on their implementation.

Great to talk to Aisling Khan former Strategic Director People and Communities (DCS and DASS)/Joint Deputy Chief Executive with the Council of the Isles of Scilly.

Aisling talked through how partnerships and ED&I are critical components in local government care functions.