‘We must have a relentless focus on AI’: Trustmarque head of public sector on 2025 plans

Chris Jones talks Trustmarque’s involvement in public sector, the impact of AI, and being an optimisation partner

“We had a successful 2024 delivering the value of technology to our clients. For 2025, we are building on this and focusing on being the go-to optimisation partner for our customers,” Chris Jones, head of public sector at Trustmarque, tells CRN.

Jones opened up about the company’s priorities and ambitions for this year, starting with Q1.

“Our priority is to continue working as an optimisation partner for our clients.

“Our immediate focus is on closing out the public sector year end (25 March) and being on-hand to help with any technology needs.

“We also want to further develop services-led conversations that make a difference to people’s lives.”

The company will also keep its focus on the UK this year and pursue its target of “delivering work which benefits the people”, Jones previously telling CRN this was the reseller’s “top priority.”

“We want to change our communities for the better.”

Throughout the year, Jones adds he wants to boost the company’s focus on the public sector, on which two thirds of the business was already focused last year.

“We want to enable growth and improve public services, as the government recently outlined plans to kickstart economic growth and wealth creation across regions.

“We have a range of optimisation IP that will save hundreds of millions; This can be re-invested back into the NHS, help local authorities with their budgets, free up cash for education institutes to spend on student experiences, and help the central government make savings which can be used on public services.”

The head of public sector also wants to improve public services through the improvement of infrastructures.

“Investing in tech infrastructure connectivity is essential to maintain and enhance national competitiveness.

“We do not only need to modernise infrastructure to support the NHS improve services, but we also have to improve connectivity in education to support research institutes, help the central government on its datacentre strategy, and provide local authorities with the right technology backbone.

“Finally, we aim to enable growth and improve public services across regions.”

The impact of AI

In terms of trends, “one of the main things [Trustmarque] sees is an increase in confidence in the economy,” Jones says.

“I also think there's going to be a real push to get AI into day-to-day operations.

“The recent AI Action Plan will not only help to grow us on a global level but will also give the departments more leeway to drive AI into the day-to-day operations of their department.

“Having the right action plan will allow us to play on that top table with the US companies.

“I'm confident in the amazing companies we have in the UK to really put the country on the map in terms of AI. But we have to move now.

“We must have a relentless focus on AI, because we know other countries are doing it.”