Business Support and Expert Help Services 2023 – 2025

Tender description

North Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council have secured funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to provide Business Support and Expert Help Services that supplement existing services through Business Gateway Lanarkshire. Services required include business support and expert help to businesses within Lanarkshire covering themes such as: -Financial Management; -Human Resources Leadership and Skills; -Procurement; -Marketing; -Information and Digital Technology; -Legal Support; -Energy Efficiencies and Net Zero; -Business Development; and -New Market Opportunities and Internationalisation This opportunity is being presented as a multi-lot framework agreement. The main purpose of the framework agreement is to support Lanarkshire businesses to grow; thus providing employment opportunities, growth in key sectors and inclusive growth. This will be achieved by providing support to businesses on specific topics which will help their understanding, skills and capabilities; highlight potential areas for improvement; signposting service users to further support that helps and agree an action plan with some identified next steps to implement to help the business meet their objectives. The Framework Agreement of expert help consultancy support shall allow SMEs to receive between one (1) day (7 hours) and five (5) days (35 hours) of fully funded consultancy support. The main aim of the expert help is to ensure that suitably qualified consultants provide businesses with bespoke advice and support, focusing on sustainability and growth areas such as: -reviewing existing processes, strategies, policies or plans; -supporting businesses to improve these accordingly or to introduce new -processes, strategies, policies or plans as required; -Introduce new products or services; and -Reach new markets Full details of the framework agreement structure and the services required can be found within the ITT Document located in the PCS-Tender system. Lot 1: Financial Management The Business Financial Management Lot will provide support across a range of areas focussed on the efficient and effective management of business funds. Support will help to equip businesses with the financial skills and knowledge to meet their objectives. Examples of some topics that are offered under Business Financial Management are: -Support on how to plan, organise direct and control financial activities; -Helping businesses to prepare and source funding; -Support and Advice on how to improve the financial health of a business including debt Management and mitigating rising costs; -Company Valuation; and -Taxation including R&D Tax Credits Lot 2: Business Development The Business Development and Strategy Lot will provide support to help Service Users assess their business, identify areas of improvement, and support the formulation of a plan to help the business reach their strategic goals and objectives. It will of offer support to help the development of new processes, products and/or services to affect positive change, increase sales, enter new markets and/or improve productivity. Examples of some topics that are offered under Business Development and Strategy are: -Strategic review and forward planning; -Change management support; -Support to develop new and/or improved processes, services and/or products and integrate these into the business; -Support to increase productivity; and -Business viability and resilience planning Lot 3: Human Resources, Leadership and Skills The Human Resources, Leadership and Skills Lot will provide a range of support on human resource matters, leadership, and management. It will help to provide advice on existing human resource policies and requirements, support leadership development processes and equip businesses with the tools to promote a positive and productive working environment. Examples of some topics that are offered under Human Resources, Leadership and Skills are: -Support and advice on employment policies and benefits, fair work practices and other HR related queries; -Support and advice for staff recruitment; -Leadership, management and organisational development support; -Training analysis and training procedures; and -Workplace Innovation including but not limited to culture, communications, productivity and fair work practices. Lot 4: Procurement The Procurement Lot will provide a range of support to help businesses navigate the procurement process. Examples of some topics that are offered under Procurement are: -Bid / Tender support; -Procurement regulations and legal advice; -Contract supplier management support; -Market analysis and understanding; and -Staff training on procurement (multiple attendees) Lot 5: Marketing The Marketing Lot will provide support to help businesses to undertake market research and formulate a plan to support the business in promoting and selling their products and/or services with a view to increasing sales. Examples of some topics that are covered under Marketing are: -Market analysis and identification of key customers; -Support to develop a sales and marketing strategy; -Support with digital marketing including advice on how to market and retail online. This may cover topics such as social media platforms, website content and design, data analytics and search engine optimisation; -Branding, advertising and promotion; and -Content support and copy writing. Lot 6: Information and Digital Technology The Information and Digital Technology Lot will provide support for digital projects, building skills and capabilities that increase digital knowledge and help businesses to reach their business goals and objectives. Examples of topics that are offered under Information and Digital Technology are: -Analysis of the Digital Capabilities of a business and identification of improvements in efficiency and productivity; -IT systems and process advice; -Support to increase productivity and efficiencies through automation and artificial intelligence; -Website and app development; and -Cyber security. Lot 7: Legal Support The Legal Support Lot will provide comprehensive support on Legal factors that may affect a business. Support shall allow businesses to understand and navigate these factors and achieve business objectives. Examples of topics covered under Legal Support are: -Business Law and Business Contracts; -Intellectual Property (IP); -Franchising; -Mergers and Acquisitions; and -Legal Future Business Planning including, Employee Ownership and Succession Planning Lot 8: Energy Efficiencies and Net Zero The Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development Lot will support businesses to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Examples of topics covered under Low Carbon Support are: -Energy Audits and action plans, including recommendations on Control and Efficiencies; -Low Energy / Sustainable Production Processes; -Waste Management; -Reviews and Planning; and -Net Zero Carbon Targets Lot 9: New Market Opportunities and Internationalisation The Internationalisation Lot will support businesses to access overseas markets, supporting the opportunity to reach a wider customer base and increase sales. Examples of topics covered under Internationalisation are: -Support for Exporting (out with the UK); -Market Analysis and Development; -Structuring for Internationalisation; and -Documentation advice for exporting