Join Annertech and Luton Borough Council at Local Government Open Source Week

Open-source software is transforming how local government delivers services, and we’re right at the heart of it. Drupal and LocalGov Drupal are at the core of most of the projects we develop at Annertech, and we’re thrilled to be talking about one of these – Luton Borough Council’s new website, the beta version of which took less than three months to create.

It’s an incredible timeline and at the heart of it is the LocalGov Drupal project, a CMS created by councils for councils. It’s available free to use – and so are all new features and additions to the platform.

Open Source Week

Local Government Open Source Week is dedicated to the tools and communities that are making council services more resilient and cost-effective.

Taking place from 26 to 28 January 2026, this webinar series brings together council leaders and digital practitioners to explore how open source is transforming everything from websites to adult social care.

For local government organisations operating in the UK, open source is more than a technical choice. It’s a way to regain control over critical systems, improve financial resilience and collaborate at scale.

Our session

Title: Annertech and Luton Borough Council: A new, beta platform in 90 days

Date: Thursday 29 January

Time: 10am – 11am

We are particularly excited to be co-presenting a session with our friends at Luton Borough Council. 

Project Manager Sean O’Connell will be joined by Luton’s Strategic Digital Services Manager Jayvik Patel to discuss how they launched a feature-rich beta release of their new platform in 11 weeks.

The session will cover:

• Why Luton chose LocalGov Drupal as their new website platform
• How a focused, collaborative team can accelerate a project’s success
• Practical tips for prioritising key features when working to a tight deadline

The quick turnaround for the Luton beta wasn't just about moving fast; it was about moving smart.

“By leveraging the existing foundations of LocalGov Drupal, we didn't have to reinvent the wheel,“ said Sean.

“It allowed us to focus all our energy on Luton’s specific needs, proving that high-quality digital transformation doesn't have to take years to see results.“

Luton’s new website has entered its public preview phase, with key pages now live for residents to explore.

This initial launch features high-traffic areas like council tax and benefits, while the team continues to roll out additional content and features.

“Working with Annertech showed how fast councils can deliver when we combine open‑source collaboration with the right team,“ said Jayvik.

“Our story proves that with clear priorities and a strong community, councils can make real improvements quickly and confidently.“  

Why you should attend

The week is packed with sessions that prove open source isn't just for "small" projects; it’s being used for heavy-duty, critical council infrastructure.

Whether you are shaping strategy or delivering technology, these webinars offer a clear insight into what works. It is a rare chance to hear real-world case studies and honest lessons from the people on the front lines of digital transformation.