Negotiating Government: Public Sector Strategy for Business Leaders

Negotient | Public Sector Negotiation Experts
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Negotiating Government is the podcast about how to negotiate with government, influence public sector decisions, and understand how power, policy and fiscal strategy shape outcomes. Hosted by former Cabinet Ministers, Treasury officials and senior public sector negotiators, the show provides an insider perspective on how the UK government really makes decisions — and what that means for business leaders, advisers and organisations engaging with Whitehall. Each episode explores: How the UK Budget process works inside HM Treasury What the Spending Review reveals about government priorities How fiscal rules and the Office for Budget Responsibility shape policy Public sector negotiation strategy and government contracts Industrial action, strikes and collective bargaining Trade deals, regulatory reform and sector-specific tax risk Whether you are negotiating with the Treasury, responding to a government consultation, managing industrial relations, or operating in a regulated sector, Negotiating Government explains the institutional dynamics and political pressures that determine real-world outcomes. If you want to understand how to negotiate with government more effectively — and anticipate the forces shaping UK public policy — this podcast provides practical insight grounded in first-hand experience at the highest levels of government.

  1. Sep 27

    Why UK Infrastructure Costs So Much: What Government and Business Need to Change

    Why does UK infrastructure cost so much — and why do major projects so often face delays, redesigns and spiralling budgets? In this episode of Negotiating Government, David Gauke is joined by John Hall, former Treasury and Department of Health official, to examine what sits behind the UK’s infrastructure challenges and what government and the private sector can do differently. They explore the impact of stop-start investment, planning and consenting delays, skills and supply-chain constraints, weak public-sector client capability and the difficulty of maintaining a credible long-term infrastructure pipeline. From HS2 and nuclear power to hospitals, rail electrification and energy infrastructure, the discussion looks beyond individual projects to the decisions, incentives and negotiations that determine whether major investment succeeds or fails. For businesses working with government, there is also a wider lesson: rather than simply asking for more funding or greater certainty, companies need to understand government’s objectives, engage earlier, make the commercial realities clear and put forward propositions that help both sides manage risk and deliver better outcomes. About the Podcast Negotient is the expert adviser in managing negotiations between the public and private sectors; we advise clients in both sectors how to get the best results from their negotiations. This podcast explores the strategies and behind-the-scenes mechanics that shape successful negotiations, and the factors that drive the interests of both sides. Our aim is to help those involved in public sector negotiations understand the challenges they face — and how to overcome them to deliver better results for the public.

    Why UK Infrastructure Costs So Much: What Government and Business Need to Change

  2. Aug 27

    How Geopolitics is Reshaping Government Negotiations

    Geopolitics is becoming an increasingly important factor in government negotiations. The relatively predictable global environment of recent decades is giving way to greater uncertainty. Trade relationships are changing, protectionism is increasing, supply chains are vulnerable and governments are reconsidering their reliance on overseas suppliers and traditional allies. In this episode of Negotiating Government, David Gauke is joined by Sir William Patey, former British Ambassador to Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Sudan, to explore what this changing geopolitical landscape means for businesses working with government. They look at the growing emphasis on Buy British, economic security and domestic industrial capability, and why businesses can no longer assume that winning a government contract is simply about providing the best product at the lowest price. David and William discuss: How the shift from a relatively stable global order is changing UK government decision-making Why Buy British and economic security are becoming more important in public procurement How security of supply can become a competitive advantage in government negotiations What changing relationships with the US and Europe mean for defence procurement Why government may increasingly support domestic industrial and technological capability How geopolitical choke points, critical minerals and semiconductor supply create new risks The growing importance of energy security to UK economic and industrial policy How government will balance net zero, energy costs and the demands of AI and new technology Why geopolitical disruption can suddenly affect industries that previously appeared relatively insulated What businesses should do differently when preparing to negotiate with government The central lesson is that businesses need to understand the pressures facing government before entering a negotiation. Competitive pricing and a strong product remain essential, but increasingly they are only the starting point. Businesses that can demonstrate how their proposition supports resilience, security of supply, UK capability or another strategic government priority may be able to create negotiating advantages that go well beyond price. Note: this podcast was recorded before the recent change of Prime Minister. About the Podcast Negotient is the expert adviser in managing negotiations between the public and private sectors; we advise clients in both sectors how to get the best results from their negotiations. This podcast explores the strategies and behind-the-scenes mechanics that shape successful negotiations, and the factors that drive the interests of both sides. Our aim is to help those involved in public sector negotiations understand the challenges they face — and how to overcome them to deliver better results for the public.

    How Geopolitics is Reshaping Government Negotiations

  3. Jul 28

    Winning Government Defence Contracts: What the Defence Investment Plan Really Means

    In this episode of Negotiating Government, David Gauke is joined by former Aviation, Maritime & Security Minister Robert Courts to explore what the plan really means for defence suppliers, technology companies and businesses looking to work with government. Rather than treating the document as a shopping list of future contracts, they examine the strategic thinking behind government investment decisions and explain why political priorities, Treasury approval and strategic relevance increasingly determine which suppliers succeed. They discuss: Why the Defence Investment Plan is a guide to government priorities—not guaranteed procurementHow defence companies can become strategically relevantThe growing importance of sovereign capability and UK industrial resilienceWhy Treasury thinking matters just as much as Ministry of Defence prioritiesLessons from defence procurement successes and failuresHow AI, autonomy and rapid technological change are reshaping procurementWhat CEOs should do now to improve their chances of winning government contractsWhether you work in defence, aerospace, technology or government affairs, this episode provides practical insight into how modern government procurement decisions are really made—and how to position your organisation for success. About the Podcast Negotient is the expert adviser in managing negotiations between the public and private sectors; we advise clients in both sectors how to get the best results from their negotiations. This podcast explores the strategies and behind-the-scenes mechanics that shape successful negotiations, and the factors that drive the interests of both sides. Our aim is to help those involved in public sector negotiations understand the challenges they face — and how to overcome them to deliver better results for the public.

  4. Jun 29

    How Governments Co-ordinate Investor-State Negotiations and Disputes

    How Governments Co-ordinate Investor-State Negotiations and Disputes What makes the difference between a successful investor-state negotiation and an expensive international dispute? In this episode of Negotiating Government, Negotient founding partner Iain Steel is joined by Katerina Drisi of ProSovereign Global to explore the often-overlooked challenge at the heart of major government investment deals: internal coordination. Investor-state negotiations involve far more than a government department and a multinational investor. Whether the project concerns mining, energy, natural resources, infrastructure or a public-private partnership, governments must align the interests of finance, legal, labour, environment, investment and sector ministries — while retaining political support at the highest level. Iain and Katerina discuss how governments can build effective negotiating teams, manage competing priorities across ministries and avoid the inconsistent decisions that can trigger investor claims for unfair or discriminatory treatment. They also examine the practical realities of investor-state arbitration, from gathering evidence and managing legal counsel to establishing clear processes when a claim is received. The conversation explores why negotiation success depends on more than getting a contract signed. Strong implementation, structured handovers, realistic contractual obligations and clear accountability are all essential to preventing disputes later. Drawing on experience advising governments across international investment projects, Iain and Katerina share practical lessons on: Building cross-government teams for investor-state negotiationsManaging negotiation strategy, political escalation and back channelsPreventing disputes through consistent administrative processesImproving handover from deal negotiation to implementationDesigning contracts that can be delivered within real institutional capacityStrengthening government readiness for international arbitrationFor government leaders, public-sector negotiators, investors, legal advisers and anyone involved in international investment, this episode offers a practical guide to negotiating better outcomes — and reducing the risk of disputes before they begin. About the Podcast Negotient is the expert adviser in managing negotiations between the public and private sectors; we advise clients in both sectors how to get the best results from their negotiations. This podcast explores the strategies and behind-the-scenes mechanics that shape successful negotiations, and the factors that drive the interests of both sides. Our aim is to help those involved in public sector negotiations understand the challenges they face — and how to overcome them to deliver better results for the public.

    How Governments Co-ordinate Investor-State Negotiations and Disputes

  5. May 25

    Devolution is a Negotiation: Delivering Successful Regional Government in the North East

    The English Devolution Act 2026 has just passed — but how do combined authorities actually negotiate the deals, powers and investment that make devolution work in practice? Phil Witcherley, Director of Economic Growth and Innovation at the North East Combined Authority, joins James Dowling to reveal the strategy behind building regional coalitions, securing integrated settlements and attracting private investment. An essential listen for businesses, investors and public sector leaders navigating England's new devolution landscape. Devolution is a Negotiation: Delivering Successful Regional Government in the North East With the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 just receiving Royal Assent, England is entering a new era of regional government. But how do combined authorities actually negotiate the powers, funding and investment they need to deliver for their regions? In this episode, James Dowling is joined by Phil Witcherley, Director of Economic Growth and Innovation at the North East Combined Authority and a former HM Treasury official, for a frank conversation about what devolution looks like from the inside. What you'll learn: Why devolution should be treated as a negotiation — not a grant application — and how that mindset changes outcomesHow the North East Combined Authority built a regional coalition of businesses, local authorities and private sector partners to strengthen its position with central governmentWhat an integrated settlement actually means in practice, and why it represents a fundamentally different relationship with central Government compared to traditional grant fundingHow Phil's background as a Treasury official gives the North East a strategic advantage in understanding what central government actually needs to hearThe growing role of combined authorities in attracting foreign direct investment — and why businesses increasingly want to deal with regional government, not just WhitehallHow private sector partners can use the devolution agenda as a lever for joint investment in regional infrastructureAbout Phil Witcherley Phil Witcherley is Director of Economic Growth and Innovation at the North East Combined Authority. He has direct experience of both sides of the devolution negotiation — as a central government official and as a regional partner. He spent the first decade of his career in Whitehall, including at HM Treasury, before moving into local and regional Government; immediately before joining the Northeast Combined Authority, he was a Deputy Director at the Treasury's Darlington office, before moving into combined authority work. He has direct experience of both sides of the devolution negotiation — as a central government official and as a regional partner. About the Podcast Negotient is the expert adviser in managing negotiations between the public and private sectors; we advise clients in both sectors how to get the best results from their negotiations. This podcast explores the strategies and behind-the-scenes mechanics that shape successful negotiations, and the factors that drive the interests of both sides. Our aim is to help those involved in public sector negotiations understand the challenges they face — and how to overcome them to deliver better results for the public.

    Devolution is a Negotiation: Delivering Successful Regional Government in the North East

  6. Mar 24

    Why You’re Always Negotiating with the Treasury

    Former Chief Secretary to the Treasury David Gauke and HM Treasury official John Hall reveal the single most important insight for anyone negotiating with government: you are never just negotiating with a department — you are always negotiating with the Treasury. They explain the three tests every proposal must pass, why the person across the table from you is rarely the real decision-maker, and how to build a case that the Treasury will actually approve. Essential listening for CEOs, public affairs professionals and anyone bidding for government work. What You’ll Learn: Why you are always negotiating with HM Treasury How government spending decisions really get made The three tests every proposal must pass: affordability, need, and value for money Why negotiations with government feel slow, unpredictable, and unclear How different Whitehall departments operate — and why culture matters The “hidden stakeholder” problem in government decision-making Practical strategies to influence the Treasury indirectly Why economic pressure is making government negotiations more difficultKey Insight: The person you’re negotiating with isn’t the decision-maker — they’re your route into the decision-making system. Your job is to help them build a case the Treasury will approve. Who This Episode Is For: CEOs and senior leaders working with government Policy, public affairs, and regulatory professionals Private sector organisations bidding for government work Trade bodies and industry groups Anyone looking to understand how UK government decisions are really made About the Podcast Negotient is the expert adviser in managing negotiations between the public and private sectors; we advise clients in both sectors how to get the best results from their negotiations. This podcast explores the strategies and behind-the-scenes mechanics that shape successful negotiations, and the factors that drive the interests of both sides. Our aim is to help those involved in public sector negotiations understand the challenges they face — and how to overcome them to deliver better results for the public.

    Why You’re Always Negotiating with the Treasury

  7. Jan 14

    The SAG-AFTRA Strike Explained: AI, Streaming Residuals and Labour Negotiation Strategy

    Miranda Worthington and Josh Flax use the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike as a case study in why rational negotiators sometimes choose mutually destructive outcomes — examining the sunk cost fallacy, stop-loss bias and optimism bias that caused a 118-day dispute that cost the industry billions. They explain why maximum leverage exists before a work stoppage begins rather than after, and how the union's celebrity-led public campaign created pressure that management ultimately could not ignore. A practical guide to the psychology of industrial escalation, applicable far beyond Hollywood. They explore: The role of AI and digital likeness rights in actors’ contractsHow streaming residuals changed the economics of film and televisionWhy high-profile strikes escalate despite clear financial lossesHow cognitive biases such as the sunk cost fallacy and stop-loss bias distort decision-makingThe power of “moves away from the table” and shaping public opinionHow celebrity visibility created leverage in a public negotiationUsing Hollywood as a case study, this episode explains the strategic dynamics behind major industrial disputes — and what negotiators in any sector can learn about leverage, escalation and reputational pressure. If you want to understand why strikes happen, why they last, and how negotiation psychology shapes outcomes, this episode offers a practical and analytical perspective. About the Podcast Negotient is the expert adviser in managing negotiations between the public and private sectors; we advise clients in both sectors how to get the best results from their negotiations. This podcast explores the strategies and behind-the-scenes mechanics that shape successful negotiations, and the factors that drive the interests of both sides. Our aim is to help those involved in public sector negotiations understand the challenges they face — and how to overcome them to deliver better results for the public.

    The SAG-AFTRA Strike Explained: AI, Streaming Residuals and Labour Negotiation Strategy

  8. 12/09/2025

    How the UK Budget Affects Business: Pharma, Energy, Oil and Regional Growth Strategy

    David Gauke and John Hall dissect the November 2025 Budget from an insider's perspective — concluding it was a fiscal repair Budget rather than a growth Budget, and explaining what that distinction means for businesses engaging with government. They examine the Fingleton Review's implications for regulatory reform across infrastructure sectors, the hidden £20 billion of spending pressures on SEND, pharmaceuticals and asylum, and why sectors should never trust the word temporary when it comes to windfall taxes. Practical analysis for anyone operating in a regulated sector or negotiating with HM Treasury. They examine: Why the Budget prioritised fiscal repair over economic growthWhat the Fingleton Review reveals about regulatory reform and infrastructure deliveryWhether the government’s fiscal headroom strategy is sustainableThe pressure points facing sectors such as NHS pharmaceuticals and energyWhether “temporary” taxes like the Energy Profits Levy ever truly remain temporaryThe strategic importance of the new Local Growth Fund and mayoral investment powersDespite significant tax measures, the Budget left many business leaders questioning the UK’s growth strategy. This episode explores how fiscal policy, regulatory reform and political constraints shape the environment for companies engaging with government. If you operate in a regulated sector or face sector-specific tax risk, this episode explains how to interpret Budget signals — and how to respond strategically. About the Podcast Negotient is the expert adviser in managing negotiations between the public and private sectors; we advise clients in both sectors how to get the best results from their negotiations. This podcast explores the strategies and behind-the-scenes mechanics that shape successful negotiations, and the factors that drive the interests of both sides. Our aim is to help those involved in public sector negotiations understand the challenges they face — and how to overcome them to deliver better results for the public.

    How the UK Budget Affects Business: Pharma, Energy, Oil and Regional Growth Strategy
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About

Negotiating Government is the podcast about how to negotiate with government, influence public sector decisions, and understand how power, policy and fiscal strategy shape outcomes. Hosted by former Cabinet Ministers, Treasury officials and senior public sector negotiators, the show provides an insider perspective on how the UK government really makes decisions — and what that means for business leaders, advisers and organisations engaging with Whitehall. Each episode explores: How the UK Budget process works inside HM Treasury What the Spending Review reveals about government priorities How fiscal rules and the Office for Budget Responsibility shape policy Public sector negotiation strategy and government contracts Industrial action, strikes and collective bargaining Trade deals, regulatory reform and sector-specific tax risk Whether you are negotiating with the Treasury, responding to a government consultation, managing industrial relations, or operating in a regulated sector, Negotiating Government explains the institutional dynamics and political pressures that determine real-world outcomes. If you want to understand how to negotiate with government more effectively — and anticipate the forces shaping UK public policy — this podcast provides practical insight grounded in first-hand experience at the highest levels of government.

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