Consultant for Digital Dairy Chain in Cumbria

Tender description

The Digital Dairy Chain is looking for a supplier/s to drive industry engagement and support businesses from across the Cumbria region to access funding , knowledge, research and development facilities and expertise from Strathclyde University, University of West of Scotland and SRUC with the aim of increasing industrial engagement in research and development activity. The Digital Dairy Chain project is embedded in a unique region and aims to establish SW Scotland and Cumbria as a leader in advanced, sustainable and high-value dairy processing to catalyse business growth and deliver an uplift in economic prosperity and resilience. Current R&D activity in the milk processing chain is thin and fragmented. The project objectives are to: -Increase opportunities for, and investment in, industry focused research and development (R&D) innovation -Grow the exploitation of digital technologies and advanced manufacturing processes -Facilitate a pipeline of talent coming into advanced dairying and technology development The DDC is looking for a supplier/s to undertake a role which will cover the Cumbria region and will drive industry engagement and support businesses from across the Cumbria region to access funding , knowledge, R&D facilities and expertise from Strathclyde University, University of West of Scotland and SRUC with the aim of increasing industrial engagement in R&D activity. A key focus of the work required will be to facilitate cross-over between the technology and dairy sectors. Innovation vouchers will be used to support this initiative and drive industry co-investment in R&D activity. List of service elements and key processes or activities to be carried out by the Supplier: -Experience of working with the industrial, public sector or SME community in Cumbria, connected to the digital technology sector -Build on already developed networks and relationships in Cumbria- with funders, partners and stakeholders -Create and execute a business engagement strategy within the Cumbria region with focus on the diary sector -Manage and research a portfolio of companies within Cumbria, understanding their business and potential customer base relevant to them, identifying opportunities for development and growth, ensuring companies are advised appropriately to maximise development and growth opportunities -Collaborate with DDC marketing to create targeted campaigns and messages to Cumbria region to promote and stimulate interest in DDC -Work with DDC Innovation Brokerage project manager to manage innovation voucher projects: development, approval, submission through to the completion of final reports, case studies and other activities -Identify opportunities for funding bids and build consortiums and have a good understanding of the current funding landscape -Provide regular reporting and updates on all delivery and operations for applications and projects List the expected outputs from the supplier (within 12 months) -12 x DDC Innovation Voucher Projects funded -Support provided for bids into DDC R&D call (expected April 2024) DDC partners include Strathclyde University, University of West of Scotland, SRUC, Kendal Nutricare Ltd, First Milk Limited, Lactalis McClelland Limited, Cows & Co Group Limited, SmartStems, National Milk Records Plc and CENSIS Approx Term of Contract 12 months (from January 2023) with option to extend for a further up to 12 months. Location of Service Delivery Cumbria region (Cumberland, Westmoreland & Furness)