Our Director of Commercial Relationships, Hannah Fuller, looks at what a new Labour government means for us, and the wider parking sector.
As the UK votes in a new government, businesses across various sectors are closely monitoring how new policies might shape their industries. Being a leading compliance SaaS company, Unity5 sits in the middle of the industry, connecting enforcers and operators with vendors and tech, supporting local authorities on digital transformation and enabling our clients to grow. This offers us a unique perspective on these potential changes and I’ve explored a few of them.
Maintaining open communication with the UK Labour Government
Firstly, who are we (or am I) to have an opinion on this? Well Unity5 stands out in the parking industry through its cutting-edge enforcement and compliance management products, we build cloud-native SaaS products – which have always innovative and pushing boundaries, while remaining fair and compliant. Our flagship product, Zatpark, exemplifies this innovation with its full cloud-native architecture, making complex enforcement processes simple and efficient without the need for costly installations and software maintenance. Alongside Zatpark, we offer a comprehensive suite of products including Zatpermit, Zatenviro and Unity5 Bay Monitoring. Not to mention add-ons such as Zatmobile, Zatkiosk, and Fleet, all designed to support strategic objectives and enhance enforcement capabilities.
Maintaining open communication with the government through recognised trade bodies and staying abreast of legislative and legal changes is crucial for Unity5. This proactive approach ensures that we are always prepared to adapt to new policies, safeguarding our clients’ operations and compliance.
An opportunity to support tech advancements in car parking
The new Labour government presents an opportunity to further support technological advancements in the parking industry. Parking must be fair and compliant, leveraging modern technologies to achieve these goals. Innovative solutions like Unity5’s Zatpermit can streamline compliance from the outset, reducing the need for enforcement and ticketing. Additionally, addressing Blue Badge fraud, which costs the economy millions annually, can be significantly improved with advanced technologies like ANPR and CCTV.
Unity5 will continue to support clients who require flexible staffing
While changes to zero-hours contracts will have minimal direct impact on Unity5 directly as a software supplier, they could affect our clients who rely on flexible staffing. Seasonal fluctuations, such as increased activity in seaside towns during summer, require adaptable employment solutions. Our role is to support these clients by providing efficient tools that facilitate their operational needs regardless of staffing challenges, encouraging more to invest in solutions like ANPR and Bay Monitoring.
A parking industry that embraces change
Looking ahead, Unity5 envisions a parking industry that embraces change and fosters collaboration between public and private sectors. By aligning more closely, these sectors can drive compliance, reduce risks associated with penalty charge notices (PCNs), and create a more supportive environment for motorists. This collaborative approach will help shift the narrative from parking being perceived as a tax on motorists to a service that supports community well-being and economic growth.
Parking to play a vital role in the UK’s transport strategy
In conclusion, as the new Labour government begins its term, Unity5 remains committed to leveraging its innovative solutions to support and enhance the parking industry. By staying adaptable and forward-thinking, we aim to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring that parking continues to play a vital role in the UK’s transport strategy and economic development.
I’m passionate about collaboration and technology which I combine in my role as Head of Commercial Relationships at Unity5. I also champion diversity and inclusion as co-founder on Women in Parking in the UK and am involved in mentoring female talent in our sector.
