Business development consultancy services

Tender description

Orkney Islands Council wishes to engage up to 2 contractors with the competence, capability and capacity to deliver business support services for the Business Gateway Service in Orkney, and additionally elements of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funded Business Improvement and Growth Service (‘BIG Service’). This includes business advisory services and practical support to both start up and existing businesses across a range of business disciplines such as (but not limited to) business planning, sales and marketing, finance, innovation, leadership, intellectual property, strategy, procurement, human resource support. Lot 1 — Core Programme of Business Gateway Services comprising of support for start-ups as well as existing and growing businesses. Key to this requirement is the delivery of 1-to-1 advisory services and one-to-many events and training workshops. Lot 2 — Enhanced business growth support services funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Supporting existing business and growth is a core Business Gateway service, but to build upon this support Orkney Islands Council has the ability to draw down ERDF funding for the provision of enhanced, complementary support, designed to accelerate business growth and in turn employment and economic growth in Orkney's economy. Key to this requirement is the delivery of: — 1-to-1 specialist consultancy to help with specific issues relating to growth plans; — Clinics, specialist workshops and master-classes on topics supporting growth; and — Events and activities that provide key sector/entrepreneurial support. Lot 3 comprises Lot 1 and Lot 2 combined the same renewals options are applicable for Lot 1 and Lot 2 separately i.e. Lot 1 — up to 277 500 GBP exclusive of VAT over the initial term of the contract (36 months) and including the potential contract extensions (two periods of 12 months). For Lot 2 — up to 106 000 GBP exclusive of VAT over the initial term of the contract (13 months). A further extension (18 months), with a budget of up to 140 000 GBP is dependent on confirmation of funding from the Scottish Government.