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Shared Rural Network Update – Focus on Total Not-SpotsÂ
The Shared Rural Network (SRN) has hit its UK-wide 4G target early. Now, it’s tackling ‘total not-spots’—areas with zero mobile coverage—focusing on rural and remote parts of the UK. The next phase targets key walking routes, tourism hubs, and isolated communities using shared, low-impact masts. Councils, landowners, and digital leaders should engage now to shape rollout plans, improve emergency and economic connectivity, and future-proof local infrastructure.
Iqbal Bedi
3 days ago1 min read
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June 2025 Spending Review – Digital & Infrastructure Highlights
The June 2025 Spending Review outlines key digital and infrastructure priorities, including £1.9bn for gigabit broadband rollout, £500m to boost public sector productivity, and investment in AI, digital health, and skills. While direct local funding is limited, the review signals strong national backing for digital transformation. Councils should align strategies to seize future funding and innovation opportunities.
Iqbal Bedi
3 days ago2 min read
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Leadership Change at DSIT – Continuity in Digital & AI AmbitionÂ
Emran Mian has been appointed Permanent Secretary at DSIT, succeeding Sarah Munby. His prior role as Director General for Digital Technologies and Telecoms ensures continuity in AI, telecoms, fibre, and compute. This signals strong government commitment to digital infrastructure and presents opportunities for local councils to align with central strategy.
Iqbal Bedi
4 days ago1 min read
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Digital & Technologies Sector Plan – Infrastructure as Strategic Capability
The UK’s Industrial Strategy focuses on AI, semiconductors, telecoms, cloud, and data infrastructure to drive national competitiveness. Fibre, 5G, and data centres are key to economic security and industrial leadership. Local Authorities can align regional strategies with national priorities, while Investors and Operators are encouraged to scale investments. Intelligens Consulting helps with digital strategy alignment, infrastructure planning, and securing funding.
Iqbal Bedi
4 days ago1 min read
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Digital Connectivity and the SME Economy: A 1% Productivity Gain That Could Unlock Billions
Even a 1% productivity boost across UK SMEs could unlock £94 billion over five years. Digital tools—like AI, automation, and advanced connectivity—are key to driving growth, efficiency, and resilience. Local authorities and enterprise agencies can lead this transformation by delivering tailored support that helps SMEs adopt and scale the right technologies. Now is the time to act and unlock the digital dividend for local economies.
Iqbal Bedi
Jul 73 min read
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Is Your Region Ready? The State of UK Connectivity in 2025
As the public sector embraces digital services, automation, and AI, fibre and 5G infrastructure have become vital indicators of a region’s readiness. Our State of the UK’s Connectivity Landscape (2025) report highlights a growing digital divide—but also clear opportunities. Connectivity is just the starting point. True transformation requires vision, strategy, and leadership. The most successful regions aren’t waiting. It’s your move.
Iqbal Bedi
Jun 63 min read
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Overview: AI Growth Zones (AIGZ) – Strategic Opportunities for Local Authorities
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The UK Government’s AI Growth Zones (AIGZ) initiative aims to accelerate AI infrastructure across the country by supporting the development of data centres and innovation clusters outside London and the South East. AIGZs will unlock investment, create high-quality jobs, and drive regional growth. Intelligens Consulting can help design proposals, assess sites, and build partnerships to secure funding and deliver impactful AI projects.
Diane Stickland
May 262 min read
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AI in Local Government: Turning Pilots into Transformation
At Connected North 2025, I moderated a panel on how councils are using AI—not in theory, but in practice. Councils are no longer waiting on the sidelines; AI is delivering real results today. From chatbots to automated triage in social care, local authorities are building affordable, effective tools in-house. But AI is only as good as the data—and data needs infrastructure. That’s why digital connectivity is now essential for public sector innovation.
Iqbal Bedi
Apr 304 min read
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Unlocking AI’s Potential: A Strategic Briefing for Public Sector and Infrastructure Leaders
This short eBook summarises a three-part article series from Intelligens Consulting on the impact of AI on digital infrastructure and...
Iqbal Bedi
Apr 161 min read
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TechHUB Digitalisation Webinar
We recently hosted a highly engaging and insightful Food & Drink TechHub Webinar, bringing together businesses from across the Highlands...
Iqbal Bedi
Apr 112 min read
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AI in Action: How Artificial Intelligence Is Delivering Operational Efficiency and Societal Impact
AI is already transforming UK services—enhancing decisions, saving time, and optimizing resources in sectors from agriculture to public safe
Iqbal Bedi
Apr 23 min read
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UK Government's AI and Digital Funding Streams – Opportunities for Local Authorities and Public Sector Organisations
The UK Government, through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), has launched four new funding streams to accelerate
Iqbal Bedi
Mar 142 min read
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Breaking Down Digital Barriers: Help Shape the UK’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan
Help shape the UK’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan! Share your views by 9 April 2025 to drive real change. Visit gov.uk to take part.
Diane Stickland
Mar 122 min read
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AI Data Centre Boom: Three Point Plan to Help Local Authorities Prepare
AI data centres are booming—local councils must act now! Our 3-point plan helps them secure investment, power & sustainability
Iqbal Bedi
Mar 33 min read
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Connected North 2025: Shaping the Future of Digital Innovation
Connected North unites innovators to drive digital growth, connectivity, and tech advancement in the North.
Diane Stickland
Feb 251 min read
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Smart Machines 2035 Strategy for the Future of Robotics in the UK
The Smart Machines Strategy drives UK leadership in robotics, boosting innovation, jobs, and industry with a GB150B economic impact by 2035.
Diane Stickland
Feb 132 min read
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AI and Satellite Technology Accelerate Planning Decisions by Tracking Wildlife Habitats
UK uses AI and satellite imagery to speed up planning approvals, enhance MOT inspections, and lead in AI-driven public service improvements.
Diane Stickland
Feb 122 min read
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The UK’s Next Digital Infrastructure Boom as AI Data Centres Set to SurgeÂ
The UK’s AI boom drives demand for scalable data centres, creating major opportunities for investors, operators, and landowners.
Diane Stickland
Feb 44 min read
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Briefing Note: UK Government Invests GBP 20 Million in Scottish Rocket Launch to Boost Space Industry
A Landmark Moment for the UK Space Sector The UK Government has announced a GBP 20 million investment in the development and launch of...
Iqbal Bedi
Feb 32 min read
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Briefing Note: The Prime Minister's AI Opportunities Action Plan
The UK Government Unveils a Game-Changing Plan for AI The UK Government has launched the AI Opportunities Action Plan, a transformative...
Iqbal Bedi
Feb 32 min read
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Intelligens Consulting Partners with HIE to Drive Digital Innovation in the Highlands and Islands
we’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to deliver the TechHUB Technology Advice Service!
Iqbal Bedi
Jan 132 min read
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