IT ‘people in know’ give tips on public work

Apr 17 2008 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

TWO of the most influential voices on public sector IT projects will head to the region next week to advise technology businesses.

Government advisers John Kenyon and Bruce Harmsworth are the special guests at a seminar hosted by law firm Ward Hadaway in Newcastle on Thursday.

Kenyon is senior policy adviser at the Office of Government Commerce, which is responsible for procurement policies and standards, especially for information and communication technology.

He currently leads on agreeing the Government’s positions on its commercial approaches to ICT services contracts.

Mr Harmsworth advises the Government on complex IS/IT and IT-enabled projects as ITC operations director for Partnerships UK.

He has advised project teams in a number of Government departments, undertaking roles including the selection of appropriate commercial models and the development and negotiation of contracts.

IT partner at Ward Hadaway Tim Toomey said: “This seminar is a rare opportunity for North companies working on and pitching for IT work in the public sector to hear from two of the key people in this area.

“John Kenyon and Bruce Harmsworth have vast experience in the sector and are the real people in the know when it comes to contracts and arrangements between private and public sector partnerships on IT and related projects.

“Their presence in the North East is a real coup and makes this a real must-attend event for anyone in the region involved in the public sector IT arena.”

The seminar, which has been organised in association with Intellect, the trade association for the UK technology industry, takes place in the boardroom of Ward Hadaway’s offices on Newcastle Quayside from 8.30am to 10.30am.

The briefing will start with a light breakfast followed by presentations from the guest speakers.

There will be a chance for delegates to network and discuss points arising from the briefing.

For information on other business events in the region, go to nebusiness.co.uk