In this episode, we are joined by Dr Martin Reeves, CEO at Oxfordshire County Council. Martin shares his experiences of driving mutli stakeholder partnerships that delivered transformational changes. We discuss how to deal with trust in long term infrastructure alliances, how to identify and mitigate early risks and where those red lines may exist that cannot be crossed!

“In a trusted relationship, you are able to call it out, agree it or not, put in mitigations and move on. The things that get us into trouble, are the things that are unsaid”

This is an exciting feature where we see the journey of transformational change through trusted partnerships. If you are in a Place based role, this is for you.

Martin Reeves is one of local government’s most respected chief executives, with a track record of using partnership, innovation and evidence-led reform to deliver large-scale transformation.

He led Coventry City Council for 14 years, driving the city’s regeneration, major capital programmes and its successful bid for UK City of Culture 2021, alongside pioneering work on health inequalities.

His earlier roles include Chief Executive of Bedfordshire County Council and Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority, where he played a key role in establishing devolved governance and enabling the region’s first elected mayor.

Martin has held a number of influential roles, including President of SOLACE, Honorary President of LARIA (Local Area Research & Intelligence Association) , trustee of the Coventry City of Culture Trust, and a board member at the Centre for Cities, as well as holding the role of governor at Coventry University.

His impact has been widely recognised, including an honorary doctorate and repeated inclusion in the Local Government Chronicle’s 50 most influential people.

Now Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, he brings deep experience of rebuilding places through trusted partnerships to one of the UK’s most high-profile local authorities.

Find out more :

• Oxfordshire County Council - https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/

• SOLACE – https://solace.org.uk/

• LARIA - https://www.laria.org.uk/

• Coventry City Council - https://www.coventry.gov.uk/

Contact Us: admin@xtpmedia.co.uk

Please leave us a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your podcast-playing app.

About XTP

XTP helps organisations build trusted partnerships that work. We work with leadership and growth teams to navigate complex procurement environments, align commercial intent and establish partnerships that deliver long-term value rather than short-term transactions.

Operating across both public and private sectors, XTP specialises in bridging the gap between buyers and suppliers, bringing private-sector pace, clarity, and commercial discipline to public sector challenges, while helping private-sector organisations succeed within highly regulated procurement frameworks.

Our work focuses on trust by design: shaping behaviours, governance models and decision-making structures that enable partnerships to thrive in complex, high-value ecosystems.

XTPMedia.co.uk

Ep 01 Show Notes

Guest: Stuart Cairns

 “It’s not enough to say partnership, collaboration and transparency matter; you need to do it and live it so it’s not a sound bite, but an absolute commitment.”

 In this, our launch episode, we are delighted to be joined by Stuart Cairns.

Stuart is a London-based partner at Bird & Bird, focusing on public sector and utilities procurement, particularly in infrastructure. He has worked extensively with government and regulated bodies both nationally and internationally. He is one of the co-heads of our International Projects and Procurement Group and leads on international airports' initiatives.

Stuart and the Bird & Bird team generously supported the launch of the XTP white paper ‘Trusted Partnerships – Unlocking The Value In Strategic Alliances'. 

In this episode, Stuart shares his experience building trusted partnerships, as well as the approach taken to procure them on behalf of his clients.

 If you are in procurement, a buyer or supplier in infrastructure and other complex sectors, like defence, aviation, technology, or energy, particularly in the public sector, you will greatly benefit from listening to Stuart’s advice.

He gives sound advice on how to position yourself for building successful alliances and partnerships.

 You can find Stuart and Bird and Bird.

·       https://www.twobirds.com/en/people/s/stuart-cairns

·       https://www.linkedin.com/company/318488

Please leave us a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your podcast-playing app.

About XTP

XTP helps organisations build trusted partnerships that work. We focus on trust by design: shaping behaviours, governance models and decision-making structures that enable partnerships to thrive in complex, high-value ecosystems.We work with leadership and growth teams to navigate complex procurement environments, align commercial intent and establish partnerships that deliver long-term value rather than short-term transactions.

Operating across both public and private sectors, XTP specialises in bridging the gap between buyers and suppliers, bringing private-sector pace, clarity, and commercial discipline to public-sector challenges, while helping private-sector organisations succeed within highly regulatedprocurement frameworks.

Email : admin@xtpmedia.co.uk

XTP Website : https://xtpmedia.co.uk/

Welcome to The Partnership Edge Podcast: Trust in Strategic Alliances - This podcast unlocks the secrets of successful partnerships. Drawing from the Trusted Partnerships white paper, discover lessons from leaders who've mastered trust in complex ecosystems. Hear how top alliance leads apply the Six Trust Behaviours, Trust Clock and Trusted Partnership Charter principles to transform relationships and drive outcomes.

Listen, learn and adopt proven strategies from experienced guest speakers.

Enjoy the overview and see you soon in Episode 1

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