FAQs

The LATCo Conference is the national event for Local Authority Trading Companies, run by The MJ. It brings together council leaders, chief officers, LATCo executives and policy voices to look at how LATCos are set up, run and governed, and how they create value for their councils and communities.

Thursday 15 April 2027 at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre (BCEC), Hill Street, Birmingham B5 4EW.

Registration and refreshments open at 08:45. The opening keynote starts at 09:30 and the programme closes at 17:00. The venue is open to delegates until 17:30.

Chief executives, directors and senior officers from councils that own, are considering, or work alongside a LATCo; and executives, board members and senior managers from LATCos themselves. Private sector organisations that work with or supply LATCos and councils are also welcome.

Local Government Reorganisation. Councils that own LATCos are being reshaped, shadow authorities take shape from 2028, and LATCos are under pressure to prove their value commercially, operationally and politically. The conference takes place just before shadow authority elections, so the programme covers what happens to LATCos when owner councils are abolished, how to manage contracts through LGR, and how to protect continuity of service. See more here

No. The first took place in March 2026, also at the BCEC, with more than 140 delegates from existing LATCos and councils considering the model.

The day includes:

• A keynote on how Westminster views LATCos
• A data-led overview of the current LATCo landscape
• A panel on the impact of LGR on LATCos
• Council perspectives on why to set up a LATCo, how to scale it, and how to manage the relationship once it's running
• Case studies on where LATCos haven't gone to plan and what others can learn
• A session on using LATCos to maximise asset value and generate income
• A closing town hall reviewing the day's biggest challenges and debates, drawn from delegates

See the full agenda.

Yes. Each workshop runs twice, once after lunch (13:45) and again mid-afternoon (15:30), so you can attend two of the three.

Yes. Every ticket includes full access to all sessions, workshops, refreshments and networking areas.

2026 delegates asked for more in-depth, practical discussion. The workshops respond directly to that feedback.

Presentations will be available to delegates after the conference. No recordings of the conference will be available.

The conference supports your professional development and knowledge of LATCos.

All ticket types and prices can be found here.

• Council officer rate: for employees of a local authority. 
• LATCo rate: for employees and directors of a Local Authority Trading Company.
• Private sector rate: for private sector organisations, including suppliers, advisers and consultancies.

If you book the wrong rate, your ticket will be cancelled and credited and the team will contact you to rebook at the correct rate. 

Book your ticket here.

Book online via the ticket information page. You'll be asked to create an account or sign in to the booking system.

You can pay by debit card, invoice and PO. For all payment queries, contact the Accounts Team: accountsonline@hgluk.com

For cancellations, contact accountsonline@hgluk.com

You may send a colleague in your place if you can no longer attend the conference. Please email your request ASAP to j.morris@hgluk.com 

Please add them when you book or email conferences@hgluk.com

Yes. The BCEC is fully accessible for wheelchair users, has lift access to all floors, and all conference rooms have hearing loops. Please notify us in advance if you will require additional support at the conference - conferences@hgluk.com 

You will be able to leave your coats and luggage at the reception desk of the conference where a member of staff will be present at all times.

The BCEC is a couple of minutes' walk from Birmingham New Street. Follow signs for the Hill Street and Southside exit, turn left onto Hill Street, and the venue is at the bottom of the road on the right.

There is no dedicated venue car park. Nearby public car parks include NCP Birmingham Grand Central, located under New Street station (Hill Street, Queens Drive, B5 4DQ), and NCP St Jude's Passage, B5 4AN, around two minutes' walk away.

The Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre is directly next to the BCEC. The Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre New Street Station is a budget option around five minutes' walk away.

Yes. Exhibiting and sponsorship give you direct access to decision-makers, budget holders, procurement leads and chief executives from councils and LATCos. Download the sponsorship brochure for the 2026 delegate breakdown and pricing from the exhibit and sponsor page.

Please find the ticket terms & conditions here.

Please note you will be presented and asked to accept the ticket terms & conditions before your ticket purchase.