SmartGov: Southwest One contemplates expansion

Speaking at the SmartGov Live conference and exhibition on 15 June 2010, Ian Connor said: "We are looking to expand our organisation, but we probably need to bed in a bit more before we do that. "The framework agreement that formed Southwest One is open to other councils and authorities in the south west region to take advantage of." Connor told GC News that Southwest One, established in 2007 between Somerset CC, Taunton Deane DC, Avon and Somerset Constabulary and IBM, was looking for other members, primarily in the public sector. "It's other local authorities, borough councils, but clearly if we could bring the health service on board it would be a hugely beneficial thing," he told GC News. "But other police forces as well. We have been talking to the other south west regional police forces – Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon." He added, however, that Southwest One is being "a bit cautious at the moment" and wants to see some "real benefits flowing" before expanding. The venture has officially been under review by Somerset CC since the Conservative Party won control of the council from the Liberal Democrats, who set up Southwest One, last year. However, the council has not yet reported any results. Connor warned SmartGov Live delegates that getting stakeholder agreement could be very time consuming when putting together a collaborative organisation such as his. "The best way forward for collaboration is in small groups to start with and then slowly, slowly roll out those projects," he advised. He also indicated that Southwest One was developing a supplier portal, but said that this was "very much in development". It is currently limited to allowing suppliers and buyers to register an interest and place notices. Telephone and video conferencing introduced by Southwest One is slashing costs, according to Connor. "It all sounds a bit Janet and John, but it was not in place before we arrived. Everyone was travelling to meetings on a daily basis. Now the savings are coming in right left and centre," he said.