End of tech lab Group Shot

TechLab 2025: Young Minds, Real Innovation

From 16th to 20th June 2025, the Cloudy Foundation hosted its latest TechLab Challenge at the vibrant UA92 campus in Manchester –  a week of innovation, creativity and digital ambition, proudly sponsored by Microsoft, TD SYNNEX, and CloudyIT. 

This wasn’t just another school project. It was a real-world brief with real business goals and real-world exposure.

The Challenge 

Students from Eden Boys’ School and Eden Girls’ School were tasked with designing and developing a proof-of-concept AI chatbot agent for TD SYNNEX. Its purpose? To help customers request demo sessions for Microsoft Copilot for M365 or Copilot Studio, capturing key details and storing them securely in SharePoint. 

But this wasn’t just about building technology. 

Each team also had to launch a full marketing campaign — from branding and messaging to a promotional video — that showcased the chatbot to internal stakeholders and the wider public. With just five days to plan, build, and pitch, the students were immersed in the kind of fast-paced, creative pressure found in any digital agency. 

Real Roles, Real Pressure 

Working in structured teams, students took on the roles of designers, marketers, videographers, developers and project managers. They collaborated to negotiate business requirements, manage time effectively, and deliver a complete solution by Friday. 

Throughout the week, they were supported by expert mentors and industry guests, including professionals from Microsoft, Resultful, The Peter Jones Foundation, and Greater Manchester’s Careers Hub. Adding to the inspiration, representatives from Manchester City Council also attended, showing their support for young people shaping the region’s digital future. 

Expo Day and the Winners 

The final day saw the UA92 atrium transformed into a buzzing community expo, where each team presented their chatbot and marketing campaign to local guests, mentors, and a panel of judges. 

The standard was exceptional. But three teams stood out: 

  • TechLab Champions: Aeolus by Eden Girls School – awarded Best Overall Project for its polished design, seamless user experience, and standout campaign strategy.
  • Best App: BookIt by Team Conflict – recognised for technical excellence and an intuitive, user-friendly interface.
  • Best Teamwork: DemoPilot by Team Tension – praised for collaboration, communication and cohesion throughout the project. 

Interested in joining or supporting a future TechLab?

 Contact the Cloudy Foundation → 

Hybrid Meetings Hero

Future-Proofing Council Meetings: Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Hybrid Meeting Technology

Local government is evolving—and so are the expectations for accessibility, transparency, and resilience. Following the UK Government’s latest response to its consultation on remote attendance and proxy voting, the message is clear: hybrid and remote meetings are here to stay. 

For councils of every size, investing in hybrid meeting room systems is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Here’s why this moment represents an ideal opportunity to modernise your meeting spaces, and how CloudyIT can support you with scalable, high-quality solutions. 

Government Response: A Turning Point

In May 2025, the UK Government published its official response to the consultation on enabling remote participation in local authority meetings. The findings reflect broad support across councils and communities for more flexible meeting formats. 

The government recognises the benefits of remote and hybrid models, especially in improving participation and ensuring business continuity. Legislative change is being actively considered to give local authorities the power to hold meetings remotely or in hybrid formats. 

In anticipation of this shift, councils now have a unique opportunity to invest in reliable, user-friendly technology that supports this new way of working. 

The Benefits of Hybrid Meeting Rooms for Councils

  1. Improved Accessibility – Hybrid technology enables remote participation for councillors, officers, and members of the public who might otherwise face barriers – such as caring responsibilities, mobility limitations, or transport challenges. 
  2. Increased Public Engagement – With the option to broadcast meetings online or offer virtual attendance, councils can enhance transparency and make it easier for residents to stay informed and involved. 
  3. Operational Resilience – Whether facing extreme weather, illness, or scheduling challenges, hybrid setups provide the flexibility to ensure meetings go ahead as planned – with minimal disruption. 

Flexible Solutions for Councils of All Sizes 

At CloudyIT, we provide end-to-end hybrid meeting room solutions tailored to your council’s environment, size, and budget. Our systems are ready to install and typically delivered within week – not months. 

Portable & Accessible – Owl Labs 

Ideal for small councils or community halls. These all-in-one, 360° video and audio devices are compact, plug-and-play, and easy to move between spaces. 

Professional & Scalable – Logitech Rally Range 

Perfect for medium to large spaces, including older buildings and council chambers. These modular systems offer high-quality video, smart audio pickup, and seamless integration with your existing setup. 

Advanced & Customised – Bespoke Installations 

For councils with more complex requirements, we design and install fully customised systems with features such as:

  • In-room voice lift 
  • Assisted listening services 
  • Room control integration 

Why Choose CloudyIT? 

We offer a full-service approach – from initial consultation to post-installation support – ensuring your hybrid meeting room is future-ready, reliable, and easy to use. 

Our Service Guarantee Includes: 

  • 2-Year Hardware Warranty* 
  • Free Lifetime Software Updates & System Monitoring* 
  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee* 
  • Free Design and Visual Mock-Up Service 
  • Free Consultation and Demonstration 
  • Full User Training & First Virtual Meeting Support 
  • Free Ongoing Support:

 – 6 months for non-CloudyIT clients* 

– Lifetime for CloudyIT clients 

*Terms apply. 

Prepare Today for Tomorrow’s Meetings

As councils prepare for a more flexible future, equipping your meeting rooms with modern hybrid systems is an investment in resilience, inclusivity, and efficiency. 

Our team is ready to guide you through the process – from first steps to first meetings. 

Get in touch today to book your free consultation. 

Dunstable DisGovery Day

Celebrating Another Brilliant DisGovery Day – This Time in Dunstable!

On Thursday, 15th May, CloudyIT was proud to host its third DisGovery Day, this time with the warm support of the fantastic team at Dunstable Town Council. Following successful events in Taunton and Trowbridge, this latest training day welcomed clerks, council officers, and digital champions from across the Home Counties for a packed agenda of training, discussion, and collaboration. 

The energy, curiosity, and collaboration on display made it another standout event in our DisGovery Day series, with practical demos, fresh ideas, and valuable connections made throughout the day. 

We were also delighted to support Dunstable’s Wear It Green Day, part of Mental Health Awareness Week, proudly backing the important work of the Mental Health Foundation. 

A Day of Practical Learning and New Launches

Our Dunstable event offered a carefully curated mix of hands-on training and future-focused insight: 

  • AI in Action: Engaging sessions led by Steve Walker and Matthew Turnbull showcased the real-world impact of GovAssist AI, with live demonstrations of how it can support grant writing, meeting prep, and efficient decision-making. 
  • GovSuite in Focus: Participants got hands-on experience with our Finance and Meetings tools, learning how these platforms streamline council operations and improve outcomes. 
  • Introducing Our Digital Skills Team: We were delighted to announce the formation of our new Digital Skills Team, headed up by Susan Austin, who will be leading our training strategy going forward. 

With a 4.7 average approval rating from attendees, the day clearly hit the mark.

What Attendees Had to Say:

The feedback was once again overwhelmingly positive, especially around the sessions focused on GovAssist and the power of face-to-face learning.

Additionally, And many attendees praised the range and clarity of the sessions:

Thank You to Our Hosts and Team 

A heartfelt thank you to Paul Hodson and the entire team at Dunstable Town Council for hosting us. Special thanks to the CloudyIT team behind the scenes – Tina Cunnell, Darcey Cunnell, Steve Walker, Matthew Turnbull, and Jonathan Smith – for delivering another smooth and engaging day. 

Join Us at the Next DisGovery Day!

If you’re a current CloudyIT customer – or thinking about becoming one – we’d love to see you at a future DisGovery Day. These free, in-person training sessions are a fantastic way to explore digital tools, get practical help, and connect with fellow council professionals. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Dunstable. We’re already excited for the next one! 

Sign up here: CloudyIT’s DisGovery Days 2025 – Cloudy IT  

Driving Innovation in Local Councils

CloudyIT is committed to supporting the local council sector through: 

  • Sector Digital Champions – Building digital leadership across councils 
  • Comprehensive Training – Online, in-person, and self-paced support 
  • Cutting-Edge Technology – Tools like GovSuite and GovAssist AI 

Not Just all Work and no play!

DisGovery DAy Taunton Featured Imaged

Celebrating the Success of CloudyIT’s Trowbridge DisGovery Day

On Wednesday, 5th March, CloudyIT hosted another successful DisGovery Day, this time at Trowbridge Town Council. Designed to bring council clerks, finance officers, and digital champions together, this event focused on driving council efficiency through cutting-edge technology, hands-on training, and peer collaboration. 

With an impressive 4.71 approval rating, the feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the value of in-person learning experiences tailored to the needs of local councils. 

A Packed Day of Insights and Innovations

The day started with a warm welcome and refreshments, setting the tone for a relaxed yet professional event filled with valuable discussions and training sessions.

Exploring Microsoft Loop and Digital Skills

One of the standout sessions was led by Sue Austin, Head of Digital Skills Training, who provided an in-depth look at Microsoft Loop. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of how this powerful tool can streamline council workflows, enhance collaboration, and improve document management across teams. 

 

Sessions on Finance, AI, and Meeting Efficiency

Throughout the day, we covered a range of critical topics aimed at improving council operations: 

  • Finance Mastery: Best practices in managing council finances efficiently with GovFinance, including invoice processing, document capture, and reconciliation. 
  • AI for Councils: Demonstrating how councils can leverage AI for tasks such as grant applications, budget forecasting, and meeting summarisation. 
  • GovMeetings and Collaboration: Hands-on training on running smooth, effective hybrid meetings using Teams and GovMeetings, ensuring councils can engage remotely while maintaining efficiency. We also explored the latest AI-powered updates within GovMeetings to enhance decision-making and streamline council operations.
 

A Fantastic Atmosphere and Positive Feedback

The event provided an excellent balance of structured learning and informal networking, making it a valuable experience for all attendees. 

Here’s what some of our guests had to say: 

Celebrating Our Prize Winners 

A huge congratulations to the lucky winners of our event prizes! Thank you for taking part, and we hope you enjoy your rewards.

Join Us at Our Next Event in Dunstable! 

If you’re a CloudyIT customer or are considering becoming one, we’d love to see you at our next DisGovery Day in Dunstable this May. 

Sign up here: CloudyIT’s DisGovery Days 2025 – Cloudy IT 

 
Aiden in the office

Aiden McCarthy Work Experience January 2025

Introduction

At CloudyIT, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking IT company, dedicated to helping organisations unlock the potential of technology. Equally important to us is supporting the next generation of talent by offering opportunities for young people to gain valuable experience and insights into the industry. We’ve built a team that includes many former work experience students, and we remain committed to inspiring young minds to pursue their passion for IT. 

When Aiden’s grandmother approached me about the possibility of work experience at CloudyIT, I was delighted to explore the opportunity. After meeting Aiden, a 15-year-old student from Milton Keynes, it was clear he had a genuine passion for IT, with aspirations to study computer science at college or university and build a career in the industry. 

Aidens Impact on Cloudy

Aiden joined us in the office for a week in January and made an immediate impact. He worked on a variety of projects across Cloudy, collaborated seamlessly with colleagues, and played an important role in driving several initiatives forward. Aiden was consistently polite, inquisitive, and well-liked by the entire team. 

It’s always a pleasure to work with talented and motivated young people like Aiden, and our door will always remain open to him for future opportunities. At Cloudy, we are passionate about supporting young people as they take their first steps into the world of IT. 

Below is a diary of Aiden’s work experience journey at CloudyIT, capturing the projects he worked on, the skills he developed, and his reflections on the week. 

If you’re a student interested in gaining work experience at CloudyIT, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to Katie Court at [email protected] to learn more. 

Aidens Work Experience Diary

Monday

Today was good. I got to use different software (Dynamics 365 Customer Insights)  that I have never used before, and I picked it up quite quickly. I was able to get though 2 and a half emails and make a quiz for David for the SLCC.

“I think that the skills that I learnt today will be able to help me in the workplace because when I am older, I want to go into something to do with computers and the work experience can allow me to get the skills needed for a job in the future.”

I think so far if I were to carry on the way I am I would get a lot out of this work experience and impress David with my IT skills and my understanding of computers though out this time at work experience.

Tuesday

Tuesday was good. I did a lot of setting up of computers out of the box as is shown in the photos also I did some work on a pc like putting the RAM in the ram slot and other things to do with setting up computers. This was a challenging process to get in the start because it many steps they take a while to do. But when I got the hand of what to do it was smooth sailing from there.  

Wednesday  

Wednesday was good. I did the same thing as on Monday. I carried on with the emails and other things throughout the day. Wednesday was fun. I improved my skills at using dynamics. I think the skills that I learned on Wednesday and Monday are skills that can be used in the workplace and in IT. The skills that I have toned through my work exp Will help me to prosper in the next step of my life.  

Thursday  

On Thursday I was doing app Devlopment and I was using a software called power apps to create a solution that I had to fix by making an app the app I started working on was a app that allows students to log the attendance and progress of the program they are making I am also making the UI for this app.

Friday

Friday was yet anouther busy day and was a day to wrap up both my weeks tasks and my work experience at Cloudy IT.

And a final word from Aiden:

“This placement has many benefits to me because I will learn lots of things and may be the reason I will get a job in the not so far future.”

Team Photo fpr Practitioners

Welcome to Tina Cunnell’s Clerk Insights Blog 

Introducing Tina Cunnell:

You can connect with Tina on LinkedIn. 

Tina Cunnell is a dedicated and highly experienced Town Clerk with a remarkable career spanning over a decade. Formerly the Town Clerk to Thetford Town Council for eight years, she now clerks for both Brandon Town Council and Northwold & Whittington Council. Beyond her clerk duties, Tina actively contributes to the sector as a member of the Norfolk Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) executive and serves as Chairman of the Brecks Fen Edge Rivers Heritage Landscape Scheme. Her military background, having served in the Royal Air Force, adds a unique perspective to her leadership and organizational approach. 

Transformational Times for Local Councils: Hybrid Meetings & More

January marks a pivotal period for the Local Government sector. County and Unitary councils across the country are deliberating and finalizing strategies on critical topics such as elections, hybrid meetings, and devolution. These discussions are set to shape policies and influence all levels of local councils. At CloudyIT, we’re here to support councils through these transformative decisions by offering tailored digital solutions. 

As councils review their progress and set goals for the upcoming financial year, the focus is shifting toward streamlining operations, boosting productivity, and fostering collaboration. Partnerships and external collaborations are becoming increasingly vital, and with Microsoft 365 tools like Loop and Teams, councils have free, built-in resources to enhance these efforts. CloudyIT’s training webinars can help you unlock the full potential of these apps and drive more effective teamwork. 

Why Hybrid Meetings Matter in 2025

Hybrid meetings have become a cornerstone of modern council operations. By allowing both in-person and remote participation, hybrid meetings offer greater flexibility, inclusivity, and efficiency. Here are some key benefits: 

  1. Increased Accessibility: Councillors and stakeholders can join from any location, ensuring broader participation and reducing travel time. 
  1. Enhanced Engagement: With the right technology, hybrid meetings enable active participation through real-time polls, chat, and document sharing. 
  1. Cost Savings: Councils can reduce expenses related to travel and physical meeting setups. 

To ensure smooth hybrid meetings, councils must invest in reliable technology and proper training. CloudyIT offers end-to-end solutions, from hardware setup to software integration and ongoing support, ensuring that your hybrid meetings run seamlessly. 

Practical Tips for January

Here are some timely reminders and actionable suggestions to help councils kick off the year on the right foot: 

  • Submit Your Precept Demand: If you haven’t already done so, ensure your precept demand is submitted on time to secure necessary funding. 
  • Third-Quarter Finance Review: Assess your council’s financial position. If there is any forecasted underspend, plan how to allocate those funds effectively. 
  • Schedule Annual Meetings: Get all key meeting dates, including annual meetings, into your calendar. Sending out invites early ensures they appear in attendees’ schedules well in advance. 
  • Conduct Property Inspections: With winter weather in full swing, regularly check buildings and outdoor spaces for damage. CloudyIT’s inspection apps can simplify this process. 
  • Community Support: Keep your community informed with practical tips on staying warm, protecting pipes, and accessing available winter funding. 
  • Host Warm Spaces: Consider setting up a warm room for a few hours each evening. Adding craft activities can help foster community spirit and combat loneliness. Collaborating with local businesses to provide hot drinks and snacks can offer much-needed support during the post-Christmas period. 

Make 2025 a Year of Digital Transformation

As councils navigate key decisions and adapt to new ways of working, digital transformation will play a critical role in achieving their goals. CloudyIT is committed to helping councils embrace innovation with comprehensive training, on-demand resources, and hands-on events. From hybrid meeting solutions to tailored digital tools, we’re ready to support your council every step of the way.

Cloudy Team Photo - Celebrating the Success of CloudyIT’s First DisGovery Day

Celebrating the Success of CloudyIT’s First DisGovery Day

On 14th November, CloudyIT proudly hosted its inaugural DisGovery Day at Taunton Town Council’s new offices. Designed as an exclusive in-person training and experience event for our valued customers, the day proved to be a resounding success! Bringing together council clerks, finance officers, and digital champions, this event was all about empowering councils to excel in digital governance and financial management.

A Packed Day of Insights and Innovations

The day began with a warm welcome over coffee and refreshments, setting the stage for an engaging and informative experience.

Morning Sessions: Focus on Decisions and GovFinance

The morning sessions were split into two focused tracks:

Decisions:

Participants explored powerful new features, including converting documents to PDF directly in Decisions, managing meeting series, capturing votes seamlessly, and accessing detailed voting reports. The hybrid meeting demonstrations were particularly well-received, showing how to join remo’s te meetings using the Decisions App and Teams integration.

GovFinance:

Finance professionals dove into the functionalities of GovFinance, covering topics like bank reconciliation, invoice and document capture, and ESG sustainability reporting. Practical guides and one-on-one support ensured attendees left with actionable insights.

Lunch and Leadership

A highlight of the day was a special session on Leadership and Resilience led by the inspiring Fran Borg Wheeler. Fran provided practical strategies for staying effective in challenging times—a vital skill for council officers.

Afternoon Sessions: AI-Powered Governance

In the afternoon, we turned our attention to the future of governance with a hands-on workshop on AI tools:

  • Using GovAssist for grant applications, budget analysis, and forecasting.
  • Insights into leveraging AI-driven data analysis to inform council decisions and improve operational efficiency.

Attendees explored how these cutting-edge technologies can streamline their workflows, save time, and help councils achieve greater transparency and accountability.

Closing Discussions

The day wrapped up with an interactive Q&A session led by our Sector Digital Champions, providing valuable insights and feedback that will shape future events.

Feedback and Moving Forward

The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many highlighted the practical demonstrations of Decisions and GovFinance, as well as the engaging discussions around AI tools. Here are a few comments:

  • “The AI session was incredibly informative. We’ll definitely be making use of these tools.” – Cliff Spong, Teignmouth Town Council
  • “A friendly and informative atmosphere with actionable insights.” – Oli Hendy, Taunton Town Council

Driving Future Events

At CloudyIT, we’re committed to supporting councils through our three pillars:

  1. Sector Digital Champions: Building networks to drive digital innovation.
  2. Comprehensive Training: Offering accessible, impactful online and in-person sessions.
  3. Cutting-Edge Technology: Equipping councils with tools like GovSuite, AI solutions, and tailored IT services.
Cloudy winning a prize!
Neath Council AV

Neath Town Council – Expanding Remote Meeting Capabilities

In 2022, Neath Town Council reached out to CloudyIT to support its move to remote meetings, taking advantage of legislative allowances for virtual sessions in Wales. Their existing system, however, was not designed for a fully integrated remote experience, leaving room for improvement in audio clarity and video quality. 

CloudyIT engineers designed and installed a Logitech Rally system with integrated ceiling microphones, configured to capture crisp audio from every angle while minimising background noise. This configuration enhanced the council’s capacity for remote interactions, providing a high-quality experience for all participants. 

Neath Town Council now has a reliable, sophisticated setup that supports smooth remote meetings and complies with Welsh legislative standards. With enhanced audio and visual clarity, council members and residents can easily follow discussions, boosting engagement and accessibility for the community. 

“Since working with CloudyIT, our virtual meetings have become more inclusive and efficient. The sound quality from the ceiling mics is outstanding, and the seamless integration has made remote meetings a key asset for us.”

 

– Kathryn Charles, Clerk, Neath Town Council 

 

Hear more from Neath Town Council: Watch on YouTube

Useful Links: 

 

Ready to transform your council’s virtual meeting experience? Book a free consultation here.

Taunton  Council Virtual Meetingeeting

Taunton Town Council – Embracing a Modern Meeting Space

Taunton Town Council, a newly established council, recently moved into a dynamic new meeting space. Previously relying on the Owl system, they faced frequent challenges with audio and video quality, limiting the effectiveness of virtual interactions. These technical issues impeded both council operations and resident engagement, creating a need for a high-quality, user-friendly system to support virtual meetings and improve broadcasting quality. 

CloudyIT engineers expertly specified and installed a cutting-edge Logitech Rally Bar system paired with Logitech Sight, seamlessly integrated with three wall-mounted TVs. This robust solution ensured crystal-clear audio and video quality, a significant upgrade from their previous setup. Additionally, they adopted CloudyIT’s GovMeetings platform for comprehensive meeting management and GovAssist AI for an enhanced, interactive virtual experience, allowing councillors and residents to engage efficiently. 

With this new setup, Taunton Town Council achieved a consistent, high-quality virtual meeting and broadcasting experience, fostering greater community participation. The intuitive Logitech Rally Bar and Sight configuration captured every speaker with precision, while the integration with CloudyIT’s GovMeetings and GovAssist enabled streamlined agendas and accurate minutes, optimising council operations. 

“Our new meeting space has been transformed thanks to CloudyIT. The Logitech Rally Bar captures everything perfectly, making it easier for us to engage with our community. CloudyIT’s GovMeetings platform and AI assistance have truly modernised our workflow.” 

 

– Donna Smith, Clerk, Taunton Town Council 

See Taunton’s recent Personnel Committee meeting: Watch on YouTube 

Useful Links: 

Ready to transform your council’s virtual meeting experience? Book a free consultation here.

Sandhurst AV Install

Sandhurst Town Council – Streamlining Virtual Meeting Accessibility

Sandhurst Town Council previously conducted virtual meetings using a laptop, but the setup frequently fell short, limiting resident engagement due to poor audio and video quality. These challenges hindered the council’s ability to connect effectively with the community and to broadcast meetings reliably. As the council prioritised greater transparency and public involvement, a dependable and professional broadcasting solution became essential. 

CloudyIT assessed the council’s needs and implemented a Logitech Rally Bar system, utilising their existing TV to provide a cost-effective, high-quality setup. This streamlined solution delivered significant audio and video improvements, supporting Standhurst Town Council’s goal of broadcasting meetings directly to YouTube. By employing the Logitech Rally Bar, CloudyIT ensured that the council could present a professional, accessible platform for residents to engage with local government activities. 

The new Logitech Rally Bar solution has transformed Standhust Town Council’s virtual meeting capability, ensuring clear audio and visuals for every participant, whether in-person or viewing remotely. Broadcasting directly to YouTube now fosters greater community participation, transparency, and engagement. The cost-effective approach allowed the council to leverage existing resources while achieving a robust upgrade to their digital meeting infrastructure. 

“Thanks to CloudyIT, our virtual meetings are now much more professional and accessible for residents. The Logitech Rally Bar captures audio and visuals excellently, allowing us to connect more effectively with our community. Moving to YouTube for broadcasts has really opened up our engagement.”

 

– Angela Carey, Clerk, Standhust Town Council 

 

Useful Links: 

 

Ready to transform your council’s virtual meeting experience? Book a free consultation here.