GB-Cambourne: Business Support Workshop Programme

South Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire District Councils are seeking to tender a joint contract for the provision of a programme of tailored Business Support Workshops.

The estimated contract value is £0 to £30k for the first year, 2nd and 3rd year is budget dependent.

The engagement is expected to start in the winter of 2015 and be completed by 30 April 2016.

Introduction

To underpin their respective economies and promote and facilitate their continued economic prosperity, the two Council wish to provide resident businesses with a series of quality and well delivered business support workshops.

Research consistently identifies the need for face to face support and guidance for new and existing businesses as they grow and develop. Specialist areas such as business planning, financial considerations, social media, improving profit and staying ahead of the competition are common areas every business needs to address.

This Programme will complement existing business support provision - both locally and nationally. We are keen to instil within the chosen candidate the need to work in tandem with other providers to ensure a comprehensive package of support is in place including an effective signposting service to relevant providers / agencies – as appropriate.

As such, capture & disclosure of qualified referrals to Partner organisations will be a key required output of the Programme and a listing of potential providers will be discussed at a Planning Day to be held with the chosen candidate.

Regular contact with HDC and SCDC’s contract managers will be required throughout the contract, which may take the form of telephone, face to face or email. HDC and SCDC will need named contacts with the successful organisation and an escalation route.

Tender end date and time is: 30/10/2015 no later than 16:00 Hours.

Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.