Delivery of R&D support to manufacturing SMEs in the West of England (ERDF-funded)

Tender description

Financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and delivered by UWE Bristol, the Innovation Enterprise Programme (IEP) supports research and development focused SMEs in the West of England (Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire). It helps these enterprises to develop innovative products, technologies, processes and services through the part-financing of R&D projects, the delivery of one-to-one R&D support or, in the case of graduate start-ups, access to incubation services. UWE Bristol is looking to contract a specialist consultant to deliver IEP support to SMEs in the manufacturing sector. We know there are many regional manufacturing companies that would benefit from engaging with IEP, and are keen to increase support delivered to SMEs in this sector. Specifically, UWE Bristol is looking for a consultant to deliver the following two targets, with the pipeline of SME interest being generated by direct approach and via UWE Bristol referrals: - By 31 August 2018 - 20 x 'business assists', defined as a minimum of 12 hours of R&D-related consultancy delivered to eligible beneficiaries. The specific format of delivery is flexible, but the content must be in line with the general purpose of the wider IEP programme. The successful applicant will be responsible for collecting evidence of this output (a fully completed, compliant form signed by the SME). - By mid-July 2018 (exact date TBC) - at least 10 applications by eligible beneficiaries to IEP's R&D grant funding programme (Innovation 4 Growth). These can be submitted by SMEs that have also received enough support to qualify for a business assist, or by additional enterprises that do not hit the 12 hour minimum threshold. Applicants should demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing sector and have experience of delivering bespoke R&D/innovation support to SMEs. They should also have an understanding of ERDF (or similar) funding, eligibility and compliance, and have experience of writing or supporting grant funding bids for SMEs. Please submit details of your relevant experience (in the form of a CV or similar). Please also provide us with your proposed fee for delivery of the above contract.