BEST Growth Hub Business Support Workshops

The BEST Growth Hub’ is a new initiative that aims to create a central repository of information, advice and support for businesses across the Essex, Southend and Thurrock area.

Delivery of the project is being managed by a collective of Local Authorities, led by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

Successful Bidders will be awarded a contract which will enable them to charge a pre-determined fee for providing a set of courses for businesses according to the instructions laid down in the specification attached.

The specification will be split into two lots therefore two contracts are available. Providers can bid for either individual lot or both lots. Each lot requires its own response. We reserve the right to appoint one company both contracts if they are able to evidence that they could provide an excellent service and maximise the use of public money.

The first lot is for a Business support workshop programme for existing businesses. The contract total value is a maximum of £60,000 to cover the geographical area of Essex, inclusive of fees, expenses and disbursements but exclusive of VAT.

The second lot is for a Business support workshop programme for start-up businesses. The contract total value is a maximum of £14,000 to cover the geographical area of Essex inclusive of fees, expenses and disbursements but exclusive of VAT.

The contract will start no later than Monday 16th November 2015. The contract will conclude when the proposal has been fulfilled no later than the 31st March 2016.

This work will be commissioned through a single stage quote process. Please submit bid submission to georgiasearle@southend.gov.uk with the heading ‘BEST Workshop Programme Support Initiative’ and the ‘Lot’ you are bidding for, no later than 17:00 Monday 26th October, 2015. Bids received will be evaluated by the client group using the evaluation criteria detailed in the attachment.