Are Smart Cities in the UK about to Become a Reality?

Dave Salmon
Subscribe Contact us
Clive Quantrill

Pioneering Technologies for the Future of Urban Transformation


Smart cities might sound like a utopian vision from the 1950s; something that sounds already out-of-date and perhaps even naive in our current geopolitical climate. But as urban spaces gradually implement a a series of technological leaps, the smart city emerges as a potential reality, offering a new way to unite communications with infrastructure via real-time feedback. 


Smart cities could dramatically enhance our quality of life, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. Given that cities are significant contributors to global emissions — responsible for approximately 70% of greenhouse gases — they will play a critical role in reaching net zero.


Reflecting insights from the last Smart City Expo in Barcelona (November 2024) and a range of ambitious projects across the UK, this article delves into the strategic alignment of technology, infrastructure, and sustainability shaping today's urban landscapes.


What Defines a Smart City?


A smart city is fundamentally ‘a municipality that uses information and communication technology to increase operational efficiency, share information with the public, and improve the quality of government services and citizen welfare.’ While definitions vary, the overarching mission is to optimise city functions, drive economic growth, and enhance the quality of life through technology and data analysis.


Smart city initiatives typically require three critical components:


  1. Networks of sensors and citizen participation to collect data
  2. Connectivity linking these networks to government systems
  3. Open data sharing to make results, changes, and improvements accessible to the public


Developing this underlying infrastructure is complex and expensive. Crucially, it depends on strong relationships between government, the private sector, and citizens, as most of the work to create and maintain these data-driven environments happens through collaboration and public-private partnerships.

A surreal, futuristic city with tall rectangular towers in green and pink tones, mirrored perfectly on a reflective surface below. A sleek monorail runs horizontally along the midsection, adding movement to the scene. The soft blue sky above transitions seamlessly into the reflected terrain, creating an infinite and dreamlike visual effect.

Smart Cities tap into a rich vein of scientific utopianism, characterised most recently by the Solarpunk genre in science-fiction art and fiction

The Digital Backbone of Smart Cities


Below we outline the primary technological transformations that underpin the smart city revolution.


Digital Networks and IoT Integration


The foundation of every smart city is a comprehensive digital ecosystem, seamlessly combining Internet of Things (IoT), high-speed connectivity, and intuitive platforms. Across the UK, expansive IoT deployments integrate sensors in buildings, transport systems, and urban environments, providing data in real-time that drives informed decision-making.


Connectivity and Speed


The deployment of ubiquitous high-speed 5G networks, alongside advanced fibre-optic infrastructures supported by significant governmental investments (£5 billion towards gigabit-capable broadband), enables the real-time data flow essential for a truly responsive urban environment. 


For example, projects in Cambridgeshire have pioneered smart poles, multifunctional infrastructure housing lighting, sensors, and telecommunications, enhancing urban connectivity in a novel synthesis of form and function.


Transportation Reimagined


Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) lie at the heart of UK urban transformation, dramatically reducing congestion and vehicular emissions. AI-driven smart traffic management dynamically optimises signal timings based on live traffic conditions. 


Initiatives like Sunderland’s autonomous vehicle trials illustrate the UK's forward-thinking approach to infrastructure, ushering in a future of integrated, sustainable mobility.


Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence


AI is instrumental in shaping smart city functionality, enabling cities to preemptively manage resources, plan infrastructure developments, and swiftly respond to emergent situations. 


Predictive analytics allow municipal operations to anticipate urban issues before they materialise — from congestion surges to water resource inefficiencies — reinventing cities from reactive to proactively resilient systems.


Digital Twins


Digital twin technologies, 3D digital replicas of urban environments, elevate urban planning to new levels of precision and foresight. These virtual platforms allow planners to rigorously model scenarios ranging from traffic dynamics and energy use to disaster response strategies, reducing uncertainties and enhancing outcomes. Coupled with virtual reality, digital twins offer unprecedented visualisation and simulation capabilities, exemplified by urban development projects and testbeds in Milton Keynes and Manchester.

A vibrant, futuristic cityscape with tall, vertical structures covered in greenery, glowing in pink and orange light against a bright blue sky. The scene includes reflections in a calm, mirror-like surface below, with lush vegetation adding bursts of color throughout. The perspective conveys a sense of depth and infinity.

How will living walls, urban farms, renewable energy grids, and automated transport systems transform how we work, live and move around in urban spaces?

Current Smart City Projects in the UK


Several groundbreaking projects are currently transforming UK cities:


Manchester's Triangulum Project


Part of the European Smart Cities and Communities Lighthouse Projects, Manchester City Council led a consortium with Siemens and local universities to transform the Oxford Road corridor into one of Europe's largest knowledge-driven, low-carbon districts.


The project's cloud-based energy management platform has reduced the area's dependence on the grid. If scaled citywide, this central controller could potentially save Manchester approximately 57,000t CO2 emissions annually — equivalent to removing 12,000 cars from the road each year.


Hull's Smart City OS: A Programmable City


Hull's full-fibre network, supported by an investment of £85 million from KCOM, provides the fastest broadband in the UK. 


This robust connectivity has facilitated the development of a Smart City OS, built on Cisco's Kinetic for Cities platform by Connexin. The OS integrates 12 separate council IT systems, allowing for real-time management of public assets and services across the city. This centralised platform enhances data sharing and decision-making, improving service delivery in areas such as traffic management, health, and social care.


Glasgow to Create Europe’s Largest IoT Hub


In January 2024, Glasgow launched a £2.5 million collaboration with the UK Government, Glasgow City Council, and the Smart Things Accelerator Centre (STAC) to establish Europe’s largest IoT hub at ‘thebeyond’ in SkyPark, projected to host 100 companies by year-end. 


Additionally, Glasgow is striving to become the UK’s first carbon-neutral city through a partnership with ScottishPower, focusing on decarbonised heating, expanded EV infrastructure, and grid investment. Deputy Leader Councillor Ricky Bell described the vision as transforming Glasgow into a tech-driven, globally leading smart city powered by innovative, sustainable solutions.


Bristol is Open (BiO)


Bristol Is Open (BiO) is a joint venture between Bristol City Council and the University of Bristol, established to create a programmable digital infrastructure for smart city experiments. 


BiO has developed a secure research and development testbed, enabling companies to test and scale their technology solutions in a live network environment. Projects include smart mobility initiatives, such as a web-based solution utilising sensor data to guide people through cleaner air routes, and a simulated 5G water safety trial to enhance public safety along the city's harbourside.


Peterborough and the Circular Economy


Peterborough is one of the UK's first fully gigabit cities, thanks to CityFibre's full-fibre-to-the-premises network. This digital infrastructure supports IoT trials, such as those conducted with social housing provider Cross Keys Homes, which have improved resident wellbeing and reduced maintenance costs. The Circular Peterborough initiative aims to develop a fully circular economy by 2050, aligning with the city's commitment to sustainable growth.


The city has also created the Peterborough Accelerated Net Zero (PANZ) initiative, where edenseven, a UK-based sustainability consultancy with strong ties to Cambridge MC, has pioneered a groundbreaking digital platform. This system enables councils to accurately record, report, and monitor carbon emissions as well as facilitating the management of climate strategies and tracking intervention projects aligned with these efforts. 


Read more about the initiative here: https://www.cambridgemc.com/peterborough-city-council-leverages-new-technology-to-reach-net-zero-targets


Smart Cities will Act as Laboratories for Sustainable Urbanism


Smart cities in the UK — including London, Bristol, Manchester, and Aberdeen — are testing grounds for technologies that harmonise urban efficiency with environmental stewardship. These cities exemplify how data-driven systems can reduce emissions and enhance resource efficiency. Below we look at some of the pioneering initiatives that are laying the foundations for sustainable urbanism.


Energy-Efficient Infrastructure


Bristol’s Smart City Programme, launched in 2011, employs open data platforms and IoT-enabled smart meters to reduce energy consumption in buildings. The city’s district heating networks, powered by waste heat from industrial processes, have cut CO₂ emissions by 40% since 2005. Similarly, Glasgow’s Future Cities Demonstrator project uses intelligent street lighting and real-time traffic management to lower energy use by 30% while improving public safety.


Sustainable Mobility Solutions


Transportation accounts for 27% of UK emissions, making electrification and smart mobility critical to net zero goals. London’s congestion-charging zones and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure — including 13,382 public charging points — have reduced transport-related emissions by 13% since 2020. Meanwhile, Hull’s Smart Bus Scheme integrates real-time data and contactless payments to increase public transit ridership while cutting fuel use by 20%.


The Circular Economy and Waste Reduction


Manchester’s collaboration with Copenhagen and Bilbao under the FCDO Smart Sustainable Cities Project highlights the role of circular economy strategies in minimising waste. Initiatives like dynamic pricing for recycled materials and AI-driven waste sorting systems have diverted 65% of Manchester’s municipal waste from landfills since 2021.


Moving from Technological Fragmentation to a Smart Nation


Current progress is mostly at a city-level, but this raises certain questions about our vision for a smart ecosystem across the UK. Will we create an even greater technological divide between cities and rural areas? What plan is there to make remote areas smart? 


Furthermore, without a unified technology ecosystem, efforts to modernise cities risk occurring in silos. This fragmented approach, where different cities adopt disparate technologies and systems, is not only slower and more expensive but also carries more risk. More importantly, it may lead to disconnected systems that cannot effectively communicate with one another, undermining the broader vision of integrated, smarter cities.


To accelerate the rollout of smart city systems and avoid the pitfalls of fragmentation, we should seek a collaborative ecosystem of technologies and partners.


A national framework would provide the following:


  • Establish common technical standards for interoperability
  • Provide procurement guidance to avoid vendor lock-in
  • Create evaluation metrics for technology solutions
  • Enable knowledge sharing between cities and partners


The Smart Cities All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has advocated for central government to create a framework of principles, rules, and standards for procurement to help local authorities implement smart city projects more effectively. Such a framework would enable cities to maintain control over their projects and associated data while ensuring compatibility with other urban centres.


Smart City Expo World Congress 2024: A Glimpse of the Future


At the Smart City Expo World Congress 2024 in Barcelona, we saw some exciting glimpses into the future. Here are our favourite technologies that were the most fantastic, earning a place in our imagined Solarpunk utopia.


Bioo: Urban Spaces Lit by Plants


Bioo’s bioluminescent Bioo Lux lamps—activated by human touch—transform ordinary greenery into interactive art installations. But the real magic lies underground: their Bioo Panel system uses microbial fuel cells in soil to harvest electrons from plant roots, generating clean energy while slashing irrigation needs by 50% and cooling urban heat islands by 4°C. Barcelona’s Diagonal Avenue is already constructing the world’s first biotech building using this tech, where gardens pay for themselves through energy savings.


NVIDIA: Agentic AI Meets City Planning


NVIDIA unveiled an AI blueprint that’s basically Jarvis for city planners. Their system digests live video feeds from thousands of cameras, letting officials ask questions like, “Show me all bike lane near-misses last week” or “Summarise pedestrian flow in central downtown.” Powered by generative AI and digital twins, it’s a bit like having an omniscient urban analyst working 24/7. During a panel, Deloitte showcased how this tech could simulate disaster responses in virtual replicas of cities.


Barcelona: A Smart Odour City


Barcelona itself demoed a scent-sensing network hidden in streetlights. Using AI-trained ‘electronic noses,’ it detects pollution spikes, garbage buildup, or even unauthorised bonfires. The system then dispatches cleaners or adjusts traffic flow, possibly even getting there before the rats sniff it out.


Make My Day: Electric Fleet Wizards


If the public are concerned about electric buses dying mid-route, Make My Day pitched an AI platform that optimises EV fleets down to the minute. Their algorithms predict traffic, weather, and even driver breaks to keep municipal vehicles charged and efficient. One case study showed a 30% reduction in downtime for garbage trucks.  


Conclusion


The UK continues to be at the forefront of smart city development, with significant government investment supporting innovative projects across the country. From Bristol's leadership in city-wide innovation to Manchester's groundbreaking energy management system, UK cities are embracing technology to improve urban living, enhance sustainability, and drive economic growth.


For professionals interested in smart city technologies, the upcoming Connected North conference in Manchester presents an excellent opportunity to engage with industry leaders and learn about the latest innovations in this rapidly evolving field. 


As cities continue to grow and face new challenges, the integration of smart technologies will be increasingly vital for creating sustainable, efficient, and liveable urban environments. 


Get in Touch


We have a dedicated public sector team led by Craig Cheney, who is closely involved in Bristol's smart city and sustainability initiatives. This team of experienced public sector champions work alongside our digital infrastructure teams and our sustainability-focused sister-consultancy, edenseven, to provide a complete solution to support smart city digital transformation for local governments. We are particularly well-positioned to help with strategy, procurement, innovation and project implementation, as well as creating public-private partnerships to fund these complex programmes. Please use the form below to get in touch and find out more about our services.


Citations and Sources


[1] https://www.apm.org.uk/blog/five-of-the-uk-s-most-exciting-smart-city-projects/

[2] https://www.smartcityexpo.co.uk

[3] https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/definition/smart-city

[4] https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/uk-smart-cities-study-updated-for-2017

[5] https://cities-today.com/uk-startups-demo-solutions-for-post-pandemic-smart-cities/

[6] https://newo.ai/insights/the-role-of-ai-assistants-in-smart-cities-and-iot/

[7] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/smart-tech-to-be-trialled-in-towns-and-cities-with-4-million-funding-to-boost-local-connectivity

[8] https://redknightconsultancy.co.uk/2025/01/07/uk-innovation-funding-trends-for-2025/

[9] https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/POST-PN-0656/POST-PN-0656.pdf

[10] https://www.thesmartcityjournal.com/en/cities/london-is-the-world-s-smartest-metropolis-according-to-iese-cities-in-motion-index

[11] https://www.startus-insights.com/innovators-guide/smart-city-startups/

[12] https://eu.eventscloud.com/file_uploads/2ed36ce5867a41381abc8a5861b7fcd7_UKSmartCitiesDirectory.pdf

[13] https://soracom.io/blog/iot-smart-city-trends-2025/

[14] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-smart-data-roadmap-action-the-government-is-taking-in-2024-to-2025

[15] https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/smart-tech-in-towns-and-cities-a-1-3-million-pilot/166799/

[16] https://www.irwinmitchell.com/news-and-insights/expert-comment/post/102k10j/uk-cities-shine-in-european-cities-and-regions-of-the-future-2025

[17] https://bebeez.eu/2025/03/18/innovation-nation-10-of-the-most-promising-british-startups-to-watch-in-2025/

[18] https://www.ipsos.com/en/london-takes-first-place-2025-worlds-best-cities-report

[19] https://www.seedtable.com/best-smart-city-startups

[20] https://thoughtlabgroup.com/smarter-cities-2025/

[21] https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/smarter_london_together_v1.66_-_published.pdf

[22] https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/uk-smart-city-adoption/610/

[23] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_smart_cities

[24] https://www.citiesabc.com/resources/top-10-smart-cities-leading-the-way-in-2025/

[25] https://www.nucamp.co/blog/coding-bootcamp-united-kingdom-gbr-united-kingdoms-top-10-startups-that-tech-professionals-should-watch-out-for-in-2025

[26] https://techsouls.co.uk/top-10-uk-startups-to-watch-in-2025/

[27] https://www.tg0.co.uk/blog/technationals-top-25-startups-to-watch-in-2025

[28] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_unicorn_startup_companies


Appendix


Notable Start-ups and Tech Companies in Smart City Development


The UK's innovation ecosystem is rich with companies developing cutting-edge smart city technologies. This list is for reference purposes and further research.


Smart City Platforms and Infrastructure


  • Athena Smart Cities: Developing comprehensive smart city platforms.
  • N-Smart: Focusing on grid reliability solutions.
  • Urban Smart: Specialising in EV usage optimisation
  • Veniam: Offering high-speed internet and smart city services through connected urban vehicle fleets.


AI and Data Analytics


  • Convergence Labs: Created "Proxy," an AI-powered digital assistant designed to automate and simplify daily tasks for professionals. Founded in 2024, they have secured €11 million to accelerate research and bring their vision to market.
  • CuspAI: An AI-driven company revolutionising the discovery of breakthrough materials for sustainability and clean energy applications. Based in Cambridge, they have secured €27.6 million to advance their AI-powered materials research.


Urban Mobility and Transportation


  • NTD Energy: Developing smart city mobility solutions.
  • Ride Report: Providing cities with software platforms for running bike and scooter share programs.
  • Carmera: Creating real-time 3D HD maps and navigation data for autonomous vehicles.


Waste Management and Environmental Monitoring


  • Nordsense: Offering a SaaS-based smart waste management platform that helps optimise waste collection processes.
  • Sensate: Specialising in air and water quality monitoring systems.


Future Events and Opportunities


The Smart City Expo UK, scheduled for June 24–25, 2025, in London, will bring together leaders from smart cities, innovative companies, and governments to discuss future trends in urban technology. The event will feature sessions on cybersecurity for smart cities, AI integration in city operations, metaverse applications in real estate, and sustainable urban development.

Contact - Smart City article

Subscribe to our insights

Blog Subscribe

Partner Spotlight: Faye Holland

by Faye Holland • 11 July 2025
Today, we are proud to be spotlighting Faye Holland, who became Managing Partner at Cambridge Management Consulting for Client PR & Marketing as well as for our presence in the city of Cambridge and the East of England at the start of this year, following our acquisition of her award-winning PR firm, cofinitive. Faye is a prominent entrepreneur and a dynamic force within the city of Cambridge’s renowned technology sector. Known for her ability to influence, inspire, and connect on multiple fronts, Faye plays a vital role in bolstering Cambridge’s global reputation as the UK’s hub for technology, innovation, and science. With over three decades of experience spanning diverse business ventures, including the UK’s first ISP, working in emerging business practices within IBM, leading European and Asia-Pacific operations for a global tech media company, and founding her own business, Faye brings unparalleled expertise to every endeavour. Faye’s value in the industry is further underscored by her extensive network of influential contacts. As the founder of cofinitive, an award-winning PR and communications agency focused on supporting cutting-edge start-ups and scale-ups in tech and innovation, Faye has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s foremost marketing strategists. Over the course of a decade, she built cofinitive into a recognised leader in the communications industry. The firm has since been featured in PR Weekly’s 150 Top Agencies outside London, and has been named year-on-year as the No. 1 PR & Communications agency in East Anglia. cofinitive is also acknowledged as one of the 130 most influential businesses in Cambridge, celebrated for its distinctive, edge, yet polished approach to storytelling for groundbreaking companies, and for its support of the broader ecosystem. Additionally, Faye is widely recognised across the East of England for her leadership in initiatives such as the #21toWatch Technology Innovation Awards, which celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship, and as the co-host of the Cambridge Tech Podcast. Individually, Faye has earned numerous accolades. She is listed among the 25 most influential people in Cambridge, and serves as Chair of the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce. Her advocacy for women in technology has seen her regularly featured in Computer Weekly’s Women in Tech lists, and recognised as one of the most influential women in UK tech during London Tech Week 2024 via the #InspiringFifty listing. Faye is also a dedicated mentor for aspiring technology entrepreneurs, having contributed to leading entrepreneurial programs in Cambridge and internationally, further solidifying her role as a driving force for innovation and growth in the tech ecosystem. If you would like to discuss future opportunities with Faye, you can reach out to her here .
Cambridge MC Falklands team standing with Polly Marsh, CEO of the Ulysses Trust, holding a cheque

The Ulysses Trust Receives £10,000 Donation from Cambridge Management Consulting

by Lucas Lefley • 10 July 2025
From left to right: Tim Passingham, Tom Burton, Erling Aronsveen, Polly Marsh, and Clive Quantrill.
Long curving glass walkway looking out on a city. Image has a deep red tint and high contrast

Cambridge MC Achieves Platinum Status in a Leading UK Telecoms Consultancy Ranking

30 June 2025
Cambridge Management Consulting is delighted to announce that we have been recognised as a Platinum-level telecommunications consultancy in Consultancy.uk’s 2025 ‘Top Consulting Firms in the UK’ ranking. This achievement places us among an upper tier of telecommunications consultancies across the UK, reflecting our continued commitment to delivering exceptional expertise and results for our clients in this rapidly evolving sector. A Rigorous Assessment The Consultancy.uk ranking represents one of the most comprehensive evaluations of the UK’s consulting landscape, assessing over 1,400 firms across the country. This methodology combines extensive client feedback from more than 800 clients and peer reviews from over 3,000 consultants, alongside detailed capabilities assessments that examine the reputation of each firm, project track records, analyst benchmarks, industry recognitions, and thought leadership. Within the telecommunications sector specifically, over 500 consulting firms were evaluated, with only 50 qualifying as top players. The ranking system operates across five distinct levels – Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze; thus, Platinum status cements Cambridge MC as one of the most trusted, expert, and influential telecommunications consultancies in the UK. This recognition is particularly meaningful given the competitive nature of the UK’s telecommunications consulting market, where established global firms compete alongside specialist independents. Our Platinum ranking demonstrates that Cambridge MC has successfully established itself as a leading authority in telecommunications strategy, transformation, and innovation. Building on a Foundation of Success This latest accolade adds to Cambridge MC’s impressive collection of recent achievements and industry recognition. At The Consultancy Awards 2024, we were honoured to receive three awards, winning in every category for which we were nominated. These included: Digital Transformation: Acknowledging our project management of a multinational oil and gas company’s EV charging hub portfolio. Productivity Improvement & Cost Reduction: Celebrating our delivery of over £10m in savings for a major UK online retailer. Fastest Growing: Recognising our remarkable 30% revenue growth and expansion across new geographies. Beyond organisational achievements, our individual team members continue to earn recognition for their expertise and contributions. Zoë Webster, expert at Cambridge Management Consulting for AI, Digital & Innovation, was named among AI Magazine’s Top 10 AI Leaders in the UK & Europe. Furthermore, Craig Cheney, Managing Partner for Public Sector & Education, was made an Alderman of the City of Bristol, and Marvin Rees OBE, a member of our advisory board, was introduced to the House of Lords. Craig and Marvin were also co-founders of the Bristol City LEAP project, which recently received the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Award of Distinction for Public-Private Collaboration in Cities. This £1bn partnership between Bristol City Council and Ameresco UK represents a world-first initiative in sustainable urban development, demonstrating our capacity to deliver transformational projects with genuine societal impact. At the Forefront of Digital Infrastructure and TMT Our Platinum ranking in telecommunications specifically reflects Cambridge MC’s deep expertise across the full spectrum of Telecoms, Media & Technology (TMT) challenges. We work alongside TMT companies to optimise digital infrastructure and estates while delivering integrated cost reduction services that enhance procurement and contract management functions. Our capabilities span from digital transformation, procurement and network transformation to data centre optimisation and emerging technology integration. The telecommunications landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with exponential data growth, IoT deployment, and the infrastructure demands of generative AI driving substantial transformation in both virtual and physical infrastructure. Our team support organisations to stay afloat in this changing market, with a proven track record including managing over $5bn in client revenues, saving organisations over $2bn, and driving procurement transactions exceeding $5bn. Recent case studies demonstrate the breadth of our telecommunications expertise, from conducting technical due diligence for major investment decisions, to designing and procuring modern network solutions for leading academic institutions. Our work with the University of Bristol, helping them to complete their progressive Modern Network transformation, exemplifies our ability to navigate complex technical and commercial requirements, while delivering measurable outcomes. Looking Ahead As we celebrate this Platinum recognition, Cambridge MC remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in telecommunications consulting. Ever since Tim Passingham founded Cambridge Management Consulting, to support telecommunications startups in the city of Cambridge, UK, our purpose has been to help clients make a better impact on the world. This mission drives everything we do, from individual product delivery to industry-wide transformation initiatives. This achievement belongs to our entire team of specialist practitioners who bring decades of hands-on experience to every engagement. As we continue to expand our capabilities and global reach, this recognition serves as both validation of our progress and motivation for the challenges ahead. Thank you to everyone who has joined us on this journey.
Wide angle photo of Pemrboke College on a sunny day

Tim Passingham Honoured as a Volunteer of the Year by Pembroke College, University of Cambridge

27 June 2025
Disclaimer: The text below was originally published on the Pembroke College website. Read the original post here to read the full article, including coverage of the award's other recipients, Duncan Rule and Ian Carry. 2025 Volunteers of the Year Announced Congratulations to Duncan Rule, Ian Carry and Tim Passingham (2022) whose contributions to Pembroke have been recognised in Pembroke’s Volunteer of the Year Awards for 2025. The award was introduced in 2022 to recognise not only the particular individuals who contribute their time and expertise for the benefit of the College and its community but also the value of volunteering itself. Duncan and Tim received their awards from the Master, Lord Smith of Finsbury, last week, with Ian set to receive his at the LEAP celebration event next term. Tim Passingham Since joining Pembroke as a William Pitt Fellow in 2022, Tim Passingham has become a highly valued member of the College community. A consistent supporter of the Corporate Partnership Programme, Tim has played a pivotal role in connecting students with real-world opportunities. Through his companies—Cambridge Management Consulting and partner firm edenseven—Tim has offered numerous internships to students on the LEAP programme, helping them build professional confidence and practical skills. Beyond internships, Tim and his team have supported LEAP students through reflective post-programme interviews, offering valuable feedback for both participants and the LEAP team. His impact is visible in many aspects of College life: from advisory work on the Milstein House sub-committee to generous support for Pembroke’s musicians, including the donation of a drum kit. Tim has also brought significant visibility to Pembroke within the wider Cambridge community. Under his leadership, the College was a key host during Cambridge Tech Week 2024, welcoming visitors for lectures, panels, and a Deep Tech Gala Dinner. Regularly using College spaces for high-profile meetings and team retreats, Tim has become a recognisable and influential figure around Pembroke—embodying the spirit of collaboration and innovation that the Corporate Partnership Programme aims to foster. On receiving this award, Tim said "when I was invested as a William Pitt Fellow in 2022, I stated that my desire was to give to the College and work hard to bring the worlds of Academia and Industry closer together. Since then, me and some of my team at Cambridge Management Consulting have supported numerous LEAP interns, sponsored our first PhD student at Pembroke, supported the CARA charity and initiative, supported the Mill Lane site programme, and given as much time and money as we have been able to support the Development Team and the growth of the College. I feel enormously honoured to receive this award which, for me, represents very much the beginning of a partnership which I hope will deepen and grow over many years to come. I look forward to the years ahead and to serving the College as we seek to continue to build on the incredible legacy of Pembroke by having a disproportionate impact for good on the world around us.”
A series of neon cubes in a line

Dealing with Disruptive Trends: How to Ensure Your Strategy Remains Relevant in a Period of Accelerating Change

by Mauro Mortali • 23 June 2025
Disruption now occurs with unprecedented regularity, as industries are upended not by traditional competitors but by unexpected entrants wielding innovative technologies and business models.  The difference between thriving and becoming obsolete increasingly hinges on your organisation's ability to anticipate and adapt to disruption before it's too late. The Ur-case of this was Blockbuster, who ignored the threat of streaming technologies, and specifically Netflix (which it could have bought), until it was far too late to pivot and catch up. Our article explores how businesses can develop strategies that offer predictions and agility, embedding creativity and insight into frameworks and actionable steps that plot a course through the disruptive landscapes of the next few years and beyond. Understanding the Nature of Disruption Disruption is no longer just a buzzword — or the philosophy of ‘break things and move fast’ that drove the early tech start-ups that now dominate our waking lives. The theory of disruptive innovation, popularised by Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen, explains how new technologies, products, or services can start small but eventually surpass established offerings in existing markets[1]. This process typically begins when smaller companies with fewer resources challenge established or traditional businesses by addressing underserved market needs[5] in new ways; usually with business models that bypass normal routes to market and allow these companies to scale at pace. Recent examples include: fintech banks that challenge the need for brick-and-mortar; online over-the-top media applications that replace the need for print media and traditional broadcast television; digital media and the success of subscription models, replacing physical media for music, films and other forms of entertainment; and platform apps like Uber, which connect us to a fleet of independent drivers who are paid per ‘gig’ and regulated by a ratings system. Today's notion of disruption is characterised by several key features: Accelerated Pace of Change The pace of disruption has accelerated beyond anything previously seen, with transformative technologies reaching mainstream adoption faster than ever[15]. While it took decades for technologies like electricity and telephones to achieve mass adoption, modern innovations like smartphones and AI have transformed entire industries in just a few years. Cross-Industry Disruption Disruptive threats increasingly come from outside traditional industry boundaries. Companies must now monitor not only direct competitors but also adjacent industries and completely unrelated sectors where transferable innovations might emerge[15]. For example, tech giants have disrupted financial services, retail, healthcare, and automotive industries without prior experience in these sectors. Technology-Enabled Business Models Today's most powerful disruptions combine technological innovation with business model innovation. Examples include: Platform models: Uber revolutionised transportation by connecting riders and drivers through a user-friendly mobile app, utilising independent drivers who pay for their own vehicles for rapid scalability[1]. Subscription services: Netflix and Spotify transformed entertainment consumption by shifting from physical media to on-demand streaming with personalised algorithmic content recommendations[1]. Direct-to-consumer approaches: Tesla's direct sales model bypassed traditional dealership networks while integrating advanced electric vehicle technology and autonomous capabilities[1]. From Traditional to Adaptive Strategy Traditional strategic planning approaches — characterised by multi-year roadmaps and rigid implementation plans — have become increasingly inadequate in today's fast-moving business environment. We look at some of the challenges businesses now face below. The Limitations of Traditional Strategy Conventional strategies often fail because they: Assume relative stability in market conditions Take too long to develop and implement Lack flexibility to respond to unexpected changes Rely heavily on historical data to predict future outcomes The Adaptive Strategy Advantage Adaptive strategy, often described as the "Be Fast" approach, emphasises agility, experimentation, and continuous evolution[3]. This approach thrives in fluid industries with high uncertainty and a fast pace of change, such as technology, fashion, entertainment, and start-ups[3]. Organisations that embrace adaptive strategies gain significant advantages: Higher profitability: Companies ranking high in adaptability enjoy up to 75% higher profitability than their less adaptive counterparts[10]. Faster market response: Adaptive firms achieve approximately 60% faster time-to-market compared to traditional competitors[10]. Innovation capacity: The ability to experiment boldly and rapidly iterate creates an environment where breakthrough innovations are more likely to emerge[10]. Real-World Adaptive Strategy Success Consider Netflix's journey from DVD rental service to streaming giant to content producer. Rather than creating a 10-year plan, Netflix constantly evolved based on emerging technologies, customer preferences, and market opportunities. This adaptive approach allowed them to pivot whenever necessary while maintaining their core value proposition of convenient entertainment access[1]. A New Framework for Ensuring Strategy Relevance To maintain strategic relevance amid disruptive trends, companies need a systematic framework that balances stability with flexibility. Anticipate Disruption Through Trend Analysis Successful businesses identify potential disruptions before they manifest fully by monitoring Hard Trends — future certainties based on measurable facts[15]. These include demographic shifts, technological advancements, and regulatory changes that provide predictable directional guidance. For example, financial services firms that recognised the Hard Trend of increasing digital connectivity were better positioned to respond to the rise of mobile banking and fintech disruption. Build your Agility Organisational structures and processes must be designed to support rapid adaptation: Decentralised decision-making: Empower teams closest to customers and market changes to make decisions without lengthy approval chains[3]. Cross-functional collaboration: Break down silos between departments to enable faster information sharing and coordinated responses to change[3]. Agile methodologies: Adapt software development approaches like sprints, continuous integration, and iterative testing to broader business strategy[3]. Foster a Culture of Innovation Innovation cannot be an isolated function — it must permeate your entire organisation: Encourage experimentation: Create safe spaces for testing new ideas with minimal bureaucracy and fear of failure[3]. Customer-centric innovation: Ground innovation efforts in a deep understanding of customer needs rather than internal assumptions[14]. Structured innovation processes: Establish clear pathways for moving ideas from conception to implementation while maintaining flexibility[14]. KPIs that support innovation: For example, looking at the value of a portfolio of innovations rather than a specific innovation project. Leverage Data & Technology Data-driven insights provide a vital competitive advantage in your disruption response: Real-time market intelligence: Deploy advanced analytics to detect weak signals of change before they emerge fully-formed[3]. Predictive modelling: Use Agentic AI to identify patterns and forecast potential disruptions[2]. Digital transformation lifecycle: Invest in the necessary expertise and infrastructure to undertake on-going programmes of transformation — a big step, and potentially expensive, but it can help immunise your business against disruptive technologies and new models. Practical Implementation Steps Translating disruption awareness into effective action requires specific tactical approaches.
Neon 'Open' sign in business window

5 Questions to Help SMEs with Their Cyber Security

by Tom Burton • 19 June 2025
SMEs make up 99% of UK businesses, three fifths of employment, over 50% of all business revenue, are in everyone's supply chain, and are exposed to largely the same threats as large enterprises. How should they get started with cyber security? Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SME) are not immune to the threat of cyber attacks. At the very least, if your business has money then it will be attractive to criminals. And even if you don’t have anything of value, you may still get caught up in a ransomware campaign with all of your data and systems made inaccessible. Unfortunately many SMEs do not have an IT team let alone a cyber security team. It may not be obvious where to start, but inaction can have significant impact on your business by both increasing risk and reducing the confidence to address new opportunities. In this article we outline 5 key questions that can help SMEs to understand what they need to do. Even if you outsource your IT to a supplier these questions are still relevant. Some can’t be delegated, and others are topics for discussion so that you can ensure your service provider is doing the right things, as well as understanding where their responsibilities stop and yours start. Q1: What's Important & Worth Defending Not everything needs protecting equally. In your personal life you will have some possessions that are dear to you and others that you are more laissez-faire about. The same applies to your digital assets, and the start point for any security plan needs to be an audit of the things you own and their importance to your business. Those ‘things’, or assets, may be particular types of data or information. For instance, you may have sensitive intellectual property or trade secrets; you may hold information about your customers that is governed by privacy regulations; or your financial data may be of particular concern. Some of this information needs to be protected from theft, while it may be more important to prevent other types of data from being modified or deleted. It is helpful to build a list of these assets, and their characteristics like the table below:
A heath-covered bay on the Falkland Islands

"I Am Safe": How Two Amateur Radio Enthusiasts Secretly Passed Messages During the Falklands War

by BFBS • 14 June 2025
To acknowledge and celebrate the end of the Falklands war on 14 June 1982, we are publishing this story about the unlikely friendship of two amateur radio enthusiasts 8,000 miles apart that allowed more than 50 soldiers the opportunity to get messages home to their loved ones. Disclaimer: This story was originally brought to light by bfbs Forces News on 7 December 2022. Certain linguistic changes have been made in the subsequent article from Cambridge Management Consulting, but all of the information comes from the original article, written by Hannah King Ros Moore, which you can read here , and an accompanying video on their YouTube page, which we encourage you to watch . Between April and June 1982, Argentina and the United Kingdom engaged in a 10-week conflict which would come to be known as the Falklands War. Battling over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands and its territorial dependency, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, the conflict began with the invasion of the former by Argentina on 2 April, and ended with their ultimate surrender on 14 June – Falklands Liberation Day. During this time, more than 100 villagers were being held captive in a hall by the Argentinians for almost seven weeks, before being free on 29 May by 2 PARA, following a battle to take Goose Green. Eighteen British soldiers were sadly lost during this fight, but back at home their families had heard nothing since the soldiers set sail. That was until the unlikely friendship of two amateur radio enthusiasts 8,000 miles apart allowed more than 50 soldiers the opportunity to get messages home to their loved ones. Bob McLeod, a ham radio operator, had already made history by making the announcement to the world that the Falkland Islands had been invaded. However, in doing so, he had also drawn the attention of the Argentinians, who were quick to confiscate his equipment. Alan Bullock was the Forward Observation Officer of D Company, 2 PARA, and, while walking through the main street of Goose Green, spotted an antenna on a house belonging to Bob. Alan knocked on Bob’s door, “Hello… is there any chance you are a radio amateur?” “Yes… But the Argentinians took my transmitter and smashed it up.” Bob’s wife then suggested that they use his 50W amplifier that was safely hidden under the stairs. As Forward Observation Officer, Alan had his state-of-the-art at the time, military clansman radio, which, although only 20 watts for communicating over short distances, could be combined. In order to get messages back to the UK, Bob made contact with John Wright, a radio amateur in Oxford with whom he had been chatting to over the airwaves for many years. Together, Bob and John devised a cryptic code for their conversation and each transmitted on different frequencies, in case anyone was listening. John would be given a soldier’s phone number and short messages to pass on to his family. John said of the plan: “Normally amateur radio enthusiasts talk about their radio equipment, experiments they’re doing. “In this case, the communication was to pass family traffic which, under normal circumstances, isn’t allowed, but I threw caution to the wind and did what I could as quickly and clandestinely as possible.” Word quickly got around the troops and soon it wasn’t just D Company’s families Bob and John were contacting. Before long, there was a queue outside Bob’s door, with each message always the same: "I am safe." About BFBS BFBS is a pioneering military charity with a mission to entertain, inform, connect and champion the UK armed forces, their families and veterans. Our armed forces do a tough yet invaluable job, often working in extreme conditions – so BFBS believes they deserve our unfailing support. Find out more at: https://about.bfbs.com/ The Positive Impact of Telecommunications This story, and the combined initiative, intuition, and innovation between Allan Bullock, Bob McLeod and his wife, and John Wright, is testament to the transformative power of technology for forging connection and bringing optimism at times of difficulty, danger, and otherwise disconnect. This story is particularly inspiring for Cambridge Management Consulting as an organisation currently working hard to enhance the telecommunications and technology infrastructure of the Falkland Islands. For more information about how we are achieving this, you can read about our consultancy work on the Islands here , and the opening of Falklands IT here .
Orange and white spotlights on a purple stage

Partner Spotlight: Simon Crimp

by Jon Wilton • 6 June 2025
Welcoming Simon Crimp Cambridge Management Consulting is delighted to welcome Simon Crimp as Managing Partner and Lead for our Digital Transformation practice. With more than 25 years of international technology leadership, Simon joins us at a pivotal moment as our clients seeking to drive meaningful change across their portfolios. His extensive experience spans hands-on technology operation and engineering, setting global technology strategy, and C-suite advisory, positioning him as a powerful asset for businesses navigating the next wave of digital innovation. Simon began his career in the demanding world of capital-markets technology, supporting trading floors at JP Morgan and managing service delivery across major exchanges. This early immersion laid the groundwork for a deep technical understanding and an ability to deliver resilient, high-availability systems in some of the world’s most high-pressure environments. His next chapter at Euronext LIFFE (now part of ICE Futures Europe) saw him rise through the ranks from service management to become Global Head of Systems Engineering. There, he was instrumental in delivering two state-of-the-art data centres and modern trading infrastructure, ensuring the reliability and resilience required by global financial markets. The next decade of Simon’s career took him to IG Group, where he led the transformation of infrastructure and operations on a global scale. As Head of Infrastructure & Operations and later Regional CTO and Global Head of Shared Technology Services, Simon architected IG’s pioneering hybrid cloud strategy, orchestrating seamless integration across AWS, Google Cloud, and multiple colocation facilities. He didn’t just modernise technology, he reshaped how teams operated, leading over 400 technologists across regions, managing a significant budget, and redesigning operating models to accelerate delivery while enhancing security and compliance. Notably, Simon developed IGs Security Operations and Cyber Defence function, further strengthening the company’s posture in a fast-evolving threat landscape. His versatility was clear during his tenure as Interim CEO and Head of the Japan Office, where he secured C-level buy-in for localisation and expansion into new markets. Before leaving IG in 2024 Simon developed the Data Strategy for the company and led build out of the Data and AI capability into GCP. Beyond his technical and commercial expertise, Simon has invested in leadership development, qualifying as an Executive Coach at Henley Business School. This enables him to drive not only digital transformation, but the cultural shifts essential for lasting impact. This helps organisations embed agile, product-focused ways of working alongside technology renewal. Reflecting on his decision to join Cambridge Management Consulting, Simon shares: “I’m really excited to get the opportunity to take 25 years of technology and organisational transformation across Finiancial Services and Fintech into new industries and markets. Cambridge MC has had great success since opening its doors, and I’m thrilled to be part of the leadership team that will drive the next phase of growth.” In this new role he will lead end-to-end digital transformation programmes — from initial vision and business case to execution and ongoing improvement. He will focus on orchestrating cloud-first, data and AI strategies, embedding modern operating models, guiding post-merger technology integration, and advising boards on security, compliance, and the adoption of emerging technologies. Whether your organisation is looking to modernise legacy estates, scale digital operations globally, or embed new ways of working, Simon Crimp and the Cambridge Management Consulting team are ready to help drive value at any stage of the programme. To connect with Simon and explore how he can support your digital transformation journey, reach out to us at info@cambridgemc.com or scrimp@cambridgemc.com
Murky gloom under the sea with light rays piercing from above

The Critical Role of Backhaul Management in Submarine Network Topology & Operations

by Andy Everest • 28 May 2025
Introduction In today's interconnected world, submarine cable networks form the backbone of global communication, enabling the seamless exchange of data across continents. While these undersea cables are the epitome of engineering marvels, their effectiveness hinges not only on the ‘wet' network in the seabed, but also on the often-overlooked terrestrial network backhaul. The terrestrial backhaul — the infrastructure that connects submarine cable landing stations to inland data centres and networks — is as crucial as the submarine network itself. Proper management and handling of terrestrial backhaul partners is essential to ensure the optimal performance, cost-efficiency, and security of all submarine networks. The Vital Importance of Backhaul Management Submarine networks are only as strong as their weakest link, and the terrestrial backhaul is a pivotal link in this ecosystem. Without a well-designed and managed backhaul, even the most sophisticated submarine network can face inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and vulnerabilities.  Key reasons why managing terrestrial network backhaul partners is so critical include: Cost Optimisation Terrestrial backhaul costs constitute a significant portion of the total network expenditure. Poorly negotiated contracts or suboptimal supplier relationships can inflate operational costs, diminishing the overall profitability of submarine networks. Network Performance The design, quality, and reliability of terrestrial backhaul networks directly affect latency, throughput, and overall user experience. A poorly managed partner ecosystem can lead to performance degradation, affecting service delivery. Security and Risk Mitigation The terrestrial segment is often more vulnerable to physical and cyber threats compared to submarine cables. Effective partner management ensures that security measures are prioritised, and risks are mitigated. Scalability and Flexibility As data demands grow, submarine networks must scale effectively. Well-managed terrestrial backhaul partners enable seamless scaling and adaptability to meet changing requirements.
More posts