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< Back Previous Business Partner, Sponsor PSTAX https://pstax.co.uk Stand 23 PSTAX is the UK’s leading specialist tax adviser to the public sector, working with local authorities and other public bodies across the country to manage tax effectively, reduce risk and make informed financial decisions. Our team brings decades of specialist public sector experience across VAT, Employment Taxes, Corporate Tax, CIS, property taxes and HMRC compliance. We provide everything from strategic advice and complex consultancy to reviews, training, e-learning and ongoing support through the PSTAX Club. As councils respond to reform, financial pressures and changes in how services are structured and delivered, tax can have a significant impact on the decisions being made. PSTAX works alongside finance teams, senior officers and transformation programmes to identify those implications early and provide practical solutions. We have particular experience supporting councils through Local Government Reorganisation, including hands-on involvement in previous reorganisations and current work with authorities preparing for structural change. Our LGR support brings the different tax workstreams together, helping councils understand priorities, responsibilities, risks and actions throughout the transition. Our partnership with Solace provides an important opportunity to bring this specialist knowledge into wider conversations about the future of local government. Through roundtables, events and shared insight, we’re working with sector leaders to ensure tax receives appropriate consideration as councils plan for change. Meet the PSTAX team at the Solace Summit to discuss the tax issues affecting your authority, from immediate challenges to longer-term reform and transformation. Next

Previous Next Georgia Turner Solace Associate Georgia was comms lead for the initial Dorset case for change and then for the creation of BCP Council, with a vesting day of 1 April 2019. Following  that, she became BCP Council's first Director of Communications before moving into consultancy in 2022. Georgia has lived and breathed the LGR process not just from a comms leadership role, but as a member of programme board and adviser to the chief executives of Dorset's six preceding councils. 15:10–15:20 Rewiring the State Devolution and LGR Drop-in with Solace Associates, Georgia Turner and Ian Bancroft Support Session View Session Georgia Turner , Communications Specialist and Solace Associate Ian Bancroft , Solace Associate 09:50–10:05 Rewiring the State Communicating Well Through Change Support Session View Session Speaker: Georgia Turner , Communications Specialist and Solace Associate 09:10–09:20 Rewiring the State Devolution and LGR Drop-in with Solace Associates, Georgia Turner and Ian Bancroft Support Session View Session Georgia Turner , Communications Specialist and Solace Associate Ian Bancroft , Solace Associate

< Back Previous Business Partner Norse Group https://norsegroup.co.uk/about-us Norse Group combines breadth, expertise, and scale with the insight of a local partner and the values of the public sector, driven by the belief that there is always a better way to deliver for the public. Whether maintaining public buildings, managing green spaces, delivering strategic asset management and estate decarbonisation, cleaning educational settings, or providing high-quality care,  we provide the essential public services that enable communities to function and grow. Norse Group operates a number of successful joint venture partnerships with local authorities and works closely with public sector bodies, emergency services, and education providers to deliver high-quality, tailored service solutions. These relationships are built on trust, transparency, and aligned objectives, enabling us to support both operational delivery and strategic goals. By combining expertise with flexibility, we help clients maintain vital services, respond to evolving demands, and create positive outcomes for the communities they serve. From everyday essentials to life's most critical moments, we're proud to be part of the public service journey, enabling vital services, powering local potential, and supporting those who need us most. Next

< Back Previous Org Fermanagh and Omagh District Council More information to come. Next

Optional Walking Study Tour 08:00–09:30 Liverpool – A City Built on Heritage, Culture and Innovation Meeting point: Liverpool Town Hall, Castle Street side Previous Every city has a story, and Liverpool has one unlike anywhere else. This walking tour explores the people, places and events that have shaped the city, from its maritime heritage and iconic architecture through to music, culture and modern regeneration. Rather than simply visiting famous landmarks, delegates will discover how Liverpool has continually reinvented itself while remaining proud of its history and identity. Meeting Location: Liverpool Town Hall. Castle Street Side To Finish: Liverpool Experience Campus Next

Graeme HunterPartner People Services < Speakers < Previous Next > Graeme Hunter Partner People Services EY Graeme leads our People Consulting business for Local and Devolved Government, and is passionate about putting people at the heart of local government services and empowering them with fantastic leadership and learning. He started his career in local government, where we worked across corporate services, social care, culture and regulatory services, before moving into consulting. He has over 20 years experience leading and delivering complex transformation programmes in local government, policing, housing and the Civil Service. His projects improve the… Show More

Day One Day Two Previous Next Friday 17 October 20225 Main Stage, New Dock Hall 11:10–12:00 Keynote Leading Through A Crisis Chair Helen Bailey, Chief Executive, London Borough of Sutton Speaker/s Tom Stannard, Chief Executive, Manchester City Council, and Solace Policy Lead for Health & Social Care In this deeply moving keynote, Tom Stannard reflects on the recent tragic events surrounding the Manchester synagogue attack and the profound impact felt across the city. Speaking from the heart of Manchester’s local response, Tom will explore what it means to lead with compassion and steadiness in the most difficult of moments — when communities are hurting, emotions are raw, and leadership is tested in the truest sense. This session will consider how councils can support recovery, foster unity, and help communities heal in the aftermath of crisis — and how leaders can carry hope, empathy, and resilience forward in their work every day.

All Speakers Eleanor Kelly Former Chief Executive Thursday 16 October 2025 15:00–15:40 Life Safety First: Turning Risk into Assurance Hall B, Royal Armouries Go to session

Penny CalderProgramme Manager < Speakers < Previous Next > Penny Calder Programme Manager The North Essex Economic Board (NEEB) & Braintree District Council Penny Calder is a Programme Manager at Braintree District Council, a certified project manager with over a decade’s worth of experience working in a range of sectors from local government to social housing.  A proud graduate of Anglia Ruskin University, inspired to pursue a career in project managing after leading several successful large organisational change programmes. Prior to working at Braintree District Council, they were in social housing where they were responsible for a social value and homelessness. Penny uses her positive… Show More

Previous Next Danielle Gillespie Executive Regional Director, North West, Homes England With over 20 years in the housing sector, Danielle's career spanned private consultancy, a national Housing Association and a Regeneration Pathfinder before joining Homes England. She now leads the Agency's activities in the North West as Executive Regional Director working in partnership with leaders and industry partners to help build more homes, improve affordability and create a more resilient and diverse housing market. Danielle advised the New Towns Taskforce and has also overseen the deployment of the £1bn Brownfield Infrastructure Land Fund. She currently represents Homes England on Stockport Town Centre Mayoral Development Corporation and is a director with the ECF, Homes England’s joint regeneration venture with Muse and Legal & General. Danielle holds a first-class honours degree in Economics and an MBA in Urban Regeneration and steps from big picture strategy development to the fine grain of a development appraisal with ease. Her real passion though, is making delivery happen on the ground; but in a more joined-up way which fully exploits the interplay between housing, transport, economy and the social benefits that can be realised for communities. 14:00–15:00 West Room Economy: The Current Landscape and the Impact on Our Place Sub Plenary View Session Speakers: Pam Smith , Chief Executive, Newcastle City Council and Solace Policy Lead for Economic Prosperity (Chair) Danielle Gillespie , Executive Regional Director, North West, Homes England

< All sponsors Crisis Stand 22 https://www.crisis.org.uk More information to come.

< All sponsors Crisis Stand 23 https://www.crisis.org.uk More information to come.