Blog: Something Ventured

Published 6 March 2017

 

On Thursday 23 February we held our London Ventures launch event. 

Despite the threat of storm Doris there was an excellent turn-out from across the public, private and third sectors and we were very excited to have such a diverse range of people and organisations in the room exploring how to work effectively across boundaries and make a difference to our communities together.

As well as celebrating our role in bringing innovation to London local government, we launched our first strategic issue of homelessness, housing and temporary accommodation. Guests had a chance to browse our ‘strategic issue zone’ before the night got fully underway.
 

 

Our inspiring speakers…

…explored the roles innovation and collaboration will play in transforming the future of public services in London at a time of reduced funding and growing demand. 

Darra Singh, EY Government and Public Sector Lead, kicked off proceedings by introducing the speakers and highlighting why innovation has never been more important.

First up was Steve Reed MP, who emphasised the value of partnership between all stakeholders and the need to bring talent and technology together to meet the challenges facing London.  He talked about going on a journey with the whole organisation and harnessing the power of communities to create change.

Next Professor Ivo Vlaev of Warwich Business School used interactive polling and interesting examples to demonstrate the role of behavioural science in policy-making and driving transformation.

He was followed by John Comber, Chief Exec of RB Greenwich, who reinforced the message that innovation is key in meeting the increased pressures of austerity. He introduced our strategic issue of homelessness, housing and temporary accommodation, encouraging the audience to get involved and get engaged.

Our final speaker was Sandra Schembri, Chief Encouragement Officer at House of St Barnabas. She gave a unique insight into the work her not-for-profit members’ club does to help London's homeless back to work and focused on how to break down the obstacles to innovation.

Before the Q&A panel we heard from Cllr Stephen Alambritis, Vice-Chair of Capital Ambition Board, and Cllr Fiona Colley, Capital Ambition Board Member. They spoke about how London LAs are well placed to be collaborative & creative and how we can benefit from being smaller and closer.
 

 

Our Venture Partners…

…were there over the course of the evening showcasing their products and services. 

Guests had the opportunity to talk to them and learn more about the solutions they are already delivering to improve outcomes for residents and local communities across London.

 

 

 

 

For further information on each of our partners and where they are implementing their solutions, have a look at our current ventures page.