Ian Large

Ian Large is Head of Highways and Traffic at Blackpool Council, with nearly four decades of experience in local government highways, transport and infrastructure delivery. He provides strategic leadership across asset management, network operations and major capital programmes, with a strong focus on governance, risk and value-led decision-making.

Alongside his council role, Ian is Chair of the LCRIG Infrastructure Innovation Board and a member of the LCRIG Advisory Board, where he champions practical innovation and stronger collaboration between the public sector and industry.

Ian is a passionate advocate for unlocking access to public sector markets, particularly for SMEs with innovative products and services. He has extensive experience in shaping procurement approaches and frameworks that balance assurance with agility, enabling local authorities to adopt new solutions while managing risk. His work is driven by a belief that better outcomes are achieved when procurement supports innovation, competition and long-term partnerships.