< All sponsors Commercial Services Group Stand 8 www.commercialservices.org.uk Commercial Services Group is owned by the public sector, for the public sector. We collaborate with local authorities nationwide to help people live, learn and thrive. From energy and environment to procurement, talent, and education, we deliver sustainable solutions that strengthen communities and maximise social impact in challenging times.

Jamie OunanCo-Founder and Executive Chairman < Speakers < Previous Next > Jamie Ounan Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Inner Circle Consulting Jamie Ounan is the Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Inner Circle Consulting, where he has played a pivotal role in delivering transformative regeneration projects across East London. From the 2012 Olympics and Crossrail to local estate renewal and community-led cultural initiatives, Jamie has spent over a decade driving change in some of the UK’s most complex urban environments. With a background spanning city planning, economic growth, and infrastructure, Jamie transitioned to service design and system transformation, helping local leaders achieve… Show More

Sara ToddChief Executive < Speakers < Previous Next > Sara Todd Chief Executive Trafford Council Sara is the Chief Executive of Trafford Council, a role she took up in 2019. She is a Mancunian and a planner by trade having studied at the University of Manchester. She is also the NHS Greater Manchester (GM) Place Lead for Trafford as part of GM’s Integrated Care System arrangements, as well as being Lead Chief Executive for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) portfolio for Education, Work and Skills. Sara has over 30 years of local government… Show More

Mark LawrenceICT Service and Operations Manager < Speakers < Previous Next > Mark Lawrence ICT Service and Operations Manager Stroud District Council Mark Lawrence's career has been based around Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Mark started as an apprentice and then became a Service Desk Support Technician after a year. He then delved into the Infrastructure and Security side of the industry for the next 12 years before reaching management level. Mark's current role is ICT Security and Operations Manager. When he applied for Amplify, he was the Service Delivery Manager. The change to my job role means I am now responsible… Show More

Richard GawthorpeGroup Business Development Director < Speakers < Previous Next > Richard Gawthorpe Group Business Development Director Norse Group As Norse Group Business Development Director, Richard is at the forefront of driving strategic client retention, acquiring new clients, and fostering revenue growth, all with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental consciousness. With over 30 years of experience in the built environment for private and public sectors, he understands that achieving a net-zero carbon future requires collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. Richard is known for his ability to cultivate long-term relationships and joint venture partnerships, which are crucial to… Show More

Nitesh PankhaniaHead of Building Control < Speakers < Previous Next > Nitesh Pankhania Head of Building Control London Borough of Lambeth Nitesh started his career at Slough Building Control in 1996 as Assistant Surveyor after completing his Civil Engineering Degree. Whilst at Slough Nitesh completed his professional qualifications. In 1998 Nitesh joined Hounslow Building Control as Senior Surveyor working on medium to large residential and commercial buildings and completing a degree in Fire Engineering. In 2003 – 2004 the Fire Risk Consultant job with Babtie Ltd involved fire safety in a complex building e.g. nuclear power stations and MOD facilities in… Show More

Dr Khadija OwusuAward-winning Leader, International Speaker and Junior Doctor < Speakers < Previous Next > Dr Khadija Owusu Award-winning Leader, International Speaker and Junior Doctor Dr Khadija Owusu is an award-winning Leader, International Speaker and Junior Doctor. She is the Founder of AKAYA, Director of Programmes at Melanin Medics, Equality and Diversity Board Member at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, Ambassador at GUBA-Enterprise and Trustee. Khadija is a change agent, a voice for thousands of Black and Ethnic minority aspiring medics, medical students and doctors as she works to tackle issues on equality, diversity, and inclusion. She also has special interests in female empowerment and global health; impacting the lives of thousands… Show More

Sarah WarrenSEND/EHCP Advisor < Speakers < Previous Next > Sarah Warren SEND/EHCP Advisor Agilisys Sarah is the SEND/EHCP Advisor at Agilisys Transform, on the EHCP Plus solution. Before joining Agilisys, Sarah spent over 14 years working in local authority SEND teams as a Caseworker and EHC Plan Writer, as well as previously as a teacher in a SEND school. Work has been for over 15 different local authorities, giving insight into different ways of working and EHC Plan styles and formats. Sarah has been working closely with the team at Agilisys to help develop and optimise… Show More

< All sponsors Bevan Brittan Stand 20 www.bevanbrittan.com Bevan Brittan's experience in advising local government is unrivalled. Whether you are grappling with devolution and LGR, facing financial difficulties, looking to improve service provision, fielding disputes or dealing with any other circumstances that require legal advice, our top tier ranked local government team is here to help. Our team stand shoulder-to-shoulder with your team. We bring our decades of experience of advising local government up and down the country to give you clear, concise and contextualised strategic advice, allowing you to make the right decisions and implement the right solutions. Whatever the opportunity or problem may be, whatever the type of legal advice required, have a chat with us today and see how we can support you.

Nadira HussainChief Executive < Speakers < Previous Next > Nadira Hussain Chief Executive Socitm An established ICT and change management leader, NED and coach with 30 years’ experience, Nadira has worked primarily in local government; leading the ICT and digital service, managing wider teams including business improvement, transformation and customer services. Nadira has implemented numerous complex change programmes across shared services to deliver new operating models, efficiencies and service improvement. At Socitm, Nadira is keen to support members shape and deliver effective public services through improved use and adoption of technologies, data and digital… Show More

Abi GbagoChief Executive < Speakers < Previous Next > Abi Gbago Chief Executive London Borough of Newham Abi Gbago started as Newham Council’s permanent Chief Executive in September 2023. Abi has extensive experience including most recently as the Executive Director of Children and Education at Bristol City Council with responsibilities including community safety and employment, skills and learning. Working closely with Mayor of Bristol, cabinet members and the senior leadership team in one of the largest Core City Councils in the UK, she has been instrumental in developing and implementing a transformation programme to deliver improved services… Show More

Rebecca PurnellAssistant Chief Executive < Speakers < Previous Next > Rebecca Purnell Assistant Chief Executive West Northamptonshire Council Rebecca is the Assistant Chief Executive for the new West Northamptonshire Council which launched on 1 April 2021 replacing Northampton, South Northamptonshire, Daventry and Northamptonshire Councils. Rebecca is a Non-Executive Director for Northamptonshire Children’s Trust which delivers Early Help and Social Care to children, young people, and their families.  Rebecca is a Non-Executive Director for Northamptonshire Partnership Homes, an arms-length management organisation that manages West Northamptonshire Council’s housing services.  Rebecca was part of the Springboard 2019 cohort and… Show More