📢 The IPEC Cohort programme is back for 2025/26!   Is your local authority facing procurement challenges that are holding back innovation? The IPEC Cohort Programme is designed to help councils like yours unlock new solutions through innovative procurement.   📽️ In our latest in-conversation interview, @David Wilkins, Head of Smart City, Digital & Innovation at *Westminster City Council, shares how Westminster approached procurement differently after joining the 2024/25 IPEC Cohort Programme. He reflects on the challenges they tackled, the support they received, and the impact on their work.   “The IPEC Programme encouraged us to engage procurement teams early on, helping to eliminate roadblocks and ensure our project was viable from the outset.” – @David Wilkins   What does the IPEC Programme offer?   ✅ Practical workshops to refine procurement challenges and explore new approaches ✅ Guidance from procurement specialists who understand the local government landscape ✅ A peer network of councils working through similar challenges ✅ Proven tools and strategies to embed innovative procurement in your organisation   Join the 2025/26 programme and take a fresh approach to solving complex local challenges.   📅 Applications close on 7 March. 🔗 Apply now or find out more: https://lnkd.in/db7bZmtg {hashtag|#|IPECCohort} {hashtag|#|InnovationChallenge} {hashtag|#|ChallengeStatement} {hashtag|#|Procurement} {hashtag|#|Innovation} {hashtag|#|LocalGov} {hashtag|#|LocalAuthorities} @Sam Markey @Rikesh Shah @Kayleigh Hadjimina MCIPR @[Olga Kuzmich](urn:li:person:6OhK_S2w8E) @James Cushing @Rachel Capstick // *Connected Places Catapult @Laura Brightwell Peters @Becky Chapman @Dr Colin Birchenall @Theo Blackwell MBE @Colin Wood @[Sarah P.](urn:li:person:WI_wH_LflU) @Daniel Clarke @[Adrian Toland](urn:li:person:_jRQ8uzHD0) @Abdul Rahim @Dagmar Steffens @Ellie Wetz @Paula Claytonsmith @Eddie Copeland @Lisa Dale-Clough @Phyllis McArthur @[Steven Blantz (MCIPS)](urn:li:person:2Wnp_Rr4AZ) @[Steven Sinclair](urn:li:person:_qMF2RKImB) @Chanelle Busby (MCIPS) @Tina Holland @Robin Knowles @Liz St Louis @Peter Schofield @Robert Poole @Theo Chapple @Andy Reed @Darren Divall @Owen Wilce @Alison Diver MSc AIEMA @Carol Williams @Deborah Goodall MCIPS Chartered