My 2p
A call is essential
Stephen, I think you are best placed to determine if this is a 1:1 or larger call.
These are the things at
the forefront of my mind
The plan: Esb
members, individually and collectively, invest their time,
resources and most importantly reputation into IOTSF
activity. We need to understand the resourcing situation,
and the vision.
a. How are we going to
support existing activity. (how to we avert a car crash)
b. What is the vision
going forward (why should we continue to invest our efforts)
Resources
What is the honest
situation
Techworks has been
running a £100k deficit for past few years (public accounts)
- not great...
If they are trimming staff,
then there must have been a further dip. Dip in revenue?
Increase in spend ?
How bad is it? What is the
trend? Can it be shifted? Hard numbers?
Has the board trimmed the
right resources?
A non profit
collective (ie Techworks) is a delicate balance of
individual relationships.
Especially one as
long lasting and niche as Techworks
Are they confident
they are pulling out the right Jenga brick.
And do they
understand the consequences if they have got it wrong
(tower falls down)
I think these are
legitimate questions for the entire board
I also want to make
sure the board understands we (nquiringminds) have secured
approx. £900k over the past few years for Techworks.
We are defacto
(probably) the single biggest financial stakeholder
We want to understand
what happened Contrariwise can can demonstrably help, but we need facts.
Immediate dilemma
The last point is specific to
NQM, but maybe not relevant for the immediate call.
Currently we (NQM) hold all the
essential IP on both the TAIBOM specs https://aibom.org/
and the assurance framework publishing
pipeline.(https://af.iotsf.org/)
These assets need to be
transferred into an organization representing the collective
good
This was supposed to be
Techworks.
Clearly, it would be
highly irresponsible to do the transfer until we understand
Techworks viability
But we need to move
fast, so either we can resolve the key concerns OR we need
to find another home for these assets.
But as a say, just my
2p
Cheers
Nick
On Fri, 30 Jan 2026 at
18:28, Stephen Pattison <stephen.d.pattison@icloud.com>
wrote:
The reply from Luke. I think I should talk to him and suggest he talks also to ESB.What do you think?_______________________________________________
Stephen
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Luke Ibbetson, Vodafone" <luke.ibbetson@vodafone.com>
Subject: RE: Techworks/IOTSF - IN CONFIDENCE
Date: 30 January 2026 at 12:05:32 GMT
To: Stephen Pattison <stephen.d.pattison@icloud.com>
Dear StephenCONFIDENTIALThank you for your note, I’m glad you contacted me.I’d like to put your mind at rest regarding TechWorks continued commitment to IOTSF and to serving its membership in the best possible way. It would not be appropriate for me to discuss the circumstances around John’s exit from the organisation, but I regret the unfortunate way this has been messaged to the IOTSF Steering Board.I can reassure you that TechWorks is financially stable and being actively managed to remain so. In common with all other trade associations, we are operating in a challenging economic environment and need to remain sharp, competitive, and fully engaged with the different communities which form our foundation. After reflecting on events and developments over the past year, I am making some leadership changes designed to improve efficiency of the organisation. I’d be more than happy to take you through once complete. As Executive Chair of TechWorks (and company director), I am taking personal accountability for management and support of the leadership team as we make these changes, which will strengthen the company’s ability to execute its mission and deliver meaningful value to our entire membership.I fully agree with the need for well structured, well thought through comms regarding John’s departure. This is being addressed as a matter of urgency. In the meantime, I’d personally appreciate your support in handling this matter with discretion – I recognise the unnecessary damage it may cause if handled poorly. John has been an outstanding asset to the organisation over many years and commands tremendous respect.I’d be very happy to discuss further if you’d like to have a call next week.Kind regards,Luke+44 7775 683111From: Stephen Pattison <stephen.d.pattison@icloud.com>
Sent: 29 January 2026 16:06
To: Luke Ibbetson, Vodafone <luke.ibbetson@vodafone.com>
Subject: Techworks/IOTSF
I am writing on behalf of the members of the IOTSF Steering Board about recent developments at Techworks and how they impact the work of IOTSF.
At our meeting on 28 January, John Moor announced he would be leaving IOTSF and Techworks in order primarily to relieve the sudden financial pressures on Techworks. All of the Board Members were shocked and disappointed. John’s role in IOTSF has been crucial to its success for many years.
A number of questions arise:
- How has this disastrous situation come about? Why wasn’t the financial position of Techworks monitored by the Board more closely and more competently?
- The decision to release John casts doubt on the Techwork Board’s commitment to IOTSF and its work going forward. How can IOTSF members be assured of Techworks’s continued support of it? And of much better financial management in the future?
In our discussion members stressed the unique value IOTSF provides as a forum for bringing together industrial, commercial, academic, regulatory and policy viewpoints. We strongly believe there is a demand for an organisation like this, whether as part of Techworks or not.
Apart from the fundamental questions above, the Board is worried about the public handling of John’s departure and its significance. There is a risk that members may leave the organisation if this is not done carefully. We need as a minimum a well thought out comms strategy.
The Board would welcome a session with you in the next couple of weeks to hear your views on these issues and discuss them with you.
Many ThanksStephenStephen PattisonChair IOTSF ESB
C2 General
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