NEXTGOV Alliance Helps Develop Enterprise Authorities

IESE HAS FORMED A STRATEGIC ALLIANCE KNOWN AS NEXTGOV TO ADDRESS SOME OF THE URGENT PRIORITIES AND CHALLENGES FACED BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HELP COUNCILS BECOME SELF- SUFFICIENT ENTERPRISE AUTHORITIES.

In alliance with Archemys, an organisation which advises private companies and local authorities on restructuring for growth and regeneration, and Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC) NextGov will join iESE's expertise and sector knowledge alongside the business re-engineering capabilities of Archemys and the experience of AVDC in implementing leading-edge digital solutions. This combination brings a hybrid of models, specialist skills and application tools for re-engineering and turnaround to offer a low-risk, cost-effective programme of enterprise transformation. NextGov provides a modular programme from iESE, Archemys and AVDC - together with break-through councils and leading technologies. Each council is able to map out their own modular implementation plan - some may just start with the basics, while others may scope out a more comprehensive road map. "Rather than a multimillion pound top-down transformation programme, which we believe is the wrong way, we come from a ground-up approach. What we say is that transformation can occur one venture at a time," said David Robson, Director at Archemys.

"iESE has incredible in-depth experience of the processes and protocols of the sector. We are very much a nuts-and-bolts company and when we get involved it is with a practical outcome. What we do first is re-wire management, particularly in the case of a turnaround, and then we give them the right tools and programmes to set about re-launching and scaling their business. We do the same with local authorities and our modular programme, together with tools and the applications, has been adapted and repurposed for local government," he added.

Dr Andrew Larner, Chief Executive at iESE, said he was looking forward to working with Archemys and AVDC. "We know the thread has run out with tightening the efficiency nut. We need to get to a model of local public services that is sustainable. Local government leaders know they need to transform, but with no financial head room and no room for failure, the question is how.

"NextGov looks at fundamentally need in the community and how this drives demand for public service. The difference is that it hits that sweet spot that meets need by generating value for the community, creates viable business generating commercial value and also reduces demand by generating value for traditional public services. It is not about reducing activity, you could actually be increasing it, but it is about viable solutions. That is why NextGov has the insight of an equity investment commercial approach but with a public-good ethos behind it."

To find out more about NextGov contact: andrew.larner@iese.org.uk