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

08:45

Registration, Refreshements and Welcome

08:45 - 09:30
11:00

Coffee, Snack and Networking Break

11:00 - 11:20
13:10

Complimentary Hot Buffet Lunch

13:10 - 14:00
15:20

Coffee, Snack and Networking Break

15:20 - 15:40
16:30

Drinks Reception

16:30 - 17:30

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

09:25

Introduction by Conference Chairs

09:25 - 09:30

Speakers

09:30

Keynote: What the Last Decade Has Taught Us and How LATCos Remain Relevant

09:30 - 10:00
  • The rise of LATCOs in the last decade
  • Success stories
  • Lessons learned
  • The future

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

11:50

Panel: Challenges Ahead for LATCos

11:50 - 12:30

Speakers

Moderator

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

Speakers

16:20

Closing Comments

16:20 - 16:30

Speakers