INVITATION TO TENDER (ITT) FOR FORESTRY BUSINESS SUPPORT

Tender description

The Forestry Commission is inviting tenders for business support to forestry enterprises in England considering Rural Development funding the Countryside Productivity Scheme (CPS), LEADER, and/or Growth Funds via Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) to grow their business. Such support may include, but not limited to: • Interpretation of grant scheme rules and regulations • Guidance and training on business models, business planning and financial management • One to one support on potential partnership agreements, setting up legal structures, machinery rings, co-ops, marketing agreements, profit share, marketing and standards etc • Technical guidance on appropriate capital investments options • Recommendations of preferred potential grant schemes and applicant/project eligibility. • Guidance on accessing matched funding • Identify potential collaborative opportunities with other businesses or groups • Drafting of business plans including financial forecasts (where appropriate) • Drafting of grant applications This support will be offered in two ways: Through one-to-one advice with an individual forestry business Through group advice via workshops/master classes, which will take prospective applicants through the detail of applying for a Rural Development grant We strongly encourage that collaborative bids are made between consortia to ensure an appropriate mix of skills, local knowledge and geographical coverage. Please express your interest in this tender to Steve Scott at steve.scott@forestry.gsi.gov.uk by the 19th June, 2015 to allow us to notify you of any questions and answers we may receive.