With a packed agenda that tackles the essential challenges behind LATCos, including how they are run, how to set them up, and the benefits to operations, the conference is driven by experts in the field and will provide attendees with expert takeaways. Book your tickets. 

The Main Auditorium will be the primary location for the majority of the day, with networking breaks and refreshments available in the main Foyer. 

 

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

09:00

Registration & Welcome

09:00 - 09:30
11:00

Coffee Break & Networking

11:00 - 11:20
13:10

Complimentary Hot Buffet Lunch

13:10 - 14:00
15:20

Coffee Break & Networking

15:20 - 15:40
16:30

Cocktail Reception

16:30 - 17:30

Two complimentary drinks and an opportunity to speak further with speakers, peers and potential partners

09:30

What Are LATCos and Why Have Them?

09:30 - 10:00

Speakers

10:00

The Power of Public/Private Partnerships

10:00 - 10:30
  • Background
  • Risk vs Reward and the fundamental importance of getting it right
  • The development process
  • Financial benefits
  • Lessons learned

Speakers

10:30

More than a Decade in a Latco – Growth, Challenges and Successes

10:30 - 11:00
  • Why Suffolk County Council set up a LATCO in the first place
  • Purpose and vision for growth in the long term
  • How we overcame the challenges - there have been a few!
  • Successes - there have been many!

Speakers

11:20

Profit with Purpose: How ODS Delivers Public Value Through Commercial Discipline

11:20 - 11:50
  • Our evolution
  • Governance
  • Commercial growth
  • Key lessons over the last eight years

Speakers

12:00

Local Government Reorganisation: How Will It Affect Contracts?

12:00 - 12:30
12:30

Workshop 1: Legal Framework for Setting Up LATCos

12:30 - 13:10
  • Powers and purpose
  • Documentation: Articles and other governance
  • Directors, shareholders/members, control versus freedom, and conflicts of interest
  • Procurement and subsidy control
  • Funding, resources, property, delivery, disputes, and exit planning

Speakers

14:00

Workshop 2: People & Culture

14:00 - 14:40
  • Learn how to successfully recruit top talent for LATCos
  • Attracting, selecting, and retaining talent is critical, requiring a different approach than local authorities might be used to
  • LATCos require people who blend commercial thinking with social purpose and can add cultural value

Speakers

14:40

Workshop 3: Commerciality

14:40 - 15:20
  • Commerciality. What does it mean?
  • Profits and surpluses
  • Understanding markets
  • Understanding competition

Speakers

15:40

Workshop 4: Governance

15:40 - 16:20
  • Getting oversight right
  • The role of elected members and the boards
  • Dealing with regulations and conflicts of interest
16:20

Closing Plenary/Comments

16:20 - 16:30