REI’s creation is the result of over two decades of vision, innovation, and a relentless commitment to solving one of the industry’s most persistent challenges. The story began more than 20 years ago with an ambitious goal: to standardise the varying formats of the CON29 forms used by local authorities. At the time (and still applicable now), every local authority could choose its own format for presenting this data, creating a fragmented system that posed significant challenges for anyone working with it. With over 340 local authorities each using their own format, this was no small dream, but it was an idea that could transform the industry.
Over the years, despite other innovations taking precedence, the vision for a standardised system never faded. We observed the challenges of NLIS, from its initial concept to the eventual delivery, which fell short of the portal initially promised. We also saw the monumental effort behind the Land Registry’s digitisation project (still ongoing). Others in the industry were attempting to address these issues, but we believed a different approach could lead to something transformative.
This idea resurfaced time and again in discussions, always present as a solution the industry needed but wasn’t yet ready for. A decade after the initial concept, the need for such a system became even more apparent as the limitations of existing processes grew increasingly evident. By 2021, the time was finally right, and the long-envisioned REI began its journey to becoming a reality.
By this time, the team had accumulated years of experience working with early versions of AI technology in other parts of the business, such as task automation, internal mailbox management and the creation of of Robbie and Rhea, our own internal AI machine learnt support solutions. With the technological landscape evolving, the time had finally come to start building REI. The project was no small feat; the team had to develop complex algorithms and educate models to handle the intricacies of data from 340 different local authorities. But the dream remained the same: to create structured, standardised data that would streamline how local authority information was accessed and managed.
In January 2024, the breakthrough finally came. With the release of large language modes of open AI, aka ChatGPT, the team’s efforts were supercharged. What had once seemed impossible was now within reach, opening up new possibilities that went beyond the original vision. REI was no longer just about standardising formats—it had evolved into a powerful, exclusive solution that would set a new standard in the industry.
This moment was the culmination of years of hard work, technical expertise, and a clear vision that had remained unchanged for more than two decades. REI’s success was not only a technological achievement but the fulfilment of an idea first conceived 20 years ago. It was a solution that had been patiently waiting for the right time to emerge, and that time had finally arrived.
The team behind REI was not made up of tech start-ups experimenting with new ideas. They were seasoned industry veterans with over a century of combined knowledge and experience. Their deep understanding of the industry’s challenges, combined with their unwavering commitment to delivering a solution, ensured that REI would not only meet the industry’s needs but exceed expectations.
The success of REI is a testament to the importance of perseverance and timing. While the original concept may have been ahead of its time, it was the constant evolution of technology and the team’s ability to adapt that made REI a reality. The team continued to work on the project, patiently waiting for the right advancements to bring their vision to life, never losing sight of their goal.
As REI continues to grow and evolve, its story stands as a powerful reminder that true innovation often requires patience and long-term thinking. The platform represents not just a technological breakthrough, but the result of years of thought, experience, and expertise. It is a solution that has been carefully crafted, with each step of its journey contributing to its success.
Ultimately, REI is more than just a solution—it is the embodiment of a vision that took decades to realise. The team’s dedication, their deep understanding of the industry, and their ability to anticipate the future have created a solution that will shape the future of local authority data management for years to come.
