As chief executives and senior managers head to Coventry for the SOLACE summit, Heather Jameson, speaks to incoming chairman and Coventry City Council chief executive, Martin Reeves, while Michael Burton talks to new chair of the board and Essex CC chief, Joanna Killian.

While some lesser optimists in the sector find themselves facing the economic gloom with dread, Coventry City Council chief executive Martin Reeves is buzzing with ideas for the challenges ahead.