Business development consultancy services

Tender description

Growth Hubs are locally based, Government-backed services linked to the national business support helpline. They enable businesses to access local and national business support. Government funding for Growth Hubs is made available via the 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) covers Kent and Medway, Essex, Southend, Thurrock and East Sussex. It is the largest LEP in England. The SELEP (via Essex County Council as its accountable body) receives funding from Government for a Growth Hub. The SELEP operates a federal model, with local partnerships for each economic area within the LEP. For Kent and Medway, this is the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership (KMEP). The Growth Hub for the SELEP area reflects this federal model, with separately procured and managed services in Kent and Medway, Essex and East Sussex. The current Kent and Medway Growth Hub service can be accessed at www.kentandmedwaygrowthhub.org.uk Procurement of enhanced Growth Hub service in accordance with funding recently granted to the Council by SELEP, including: (a) more proactive market penetration and on a greater scale; (b) offer a wider range of expertise to meet business demand; and (c) stronger links to support initiatives provided by local authorities.