BERNARD LEACH (ST IVES) TRUST LIMITED

```json { "overview": "The Bernard Leach Trust in Cornwall is hiring a specialist contractor to design and install museum exhibition displays and lighting across their pottery heritage site as part of a £10 million redevelopment. The contract is worth £375,000–£400,000 and you'll be responsible for making and installing display cases, graphics, lighting, and 3D elements across historic and new buildings, working closely with architects and designers.", "requirements": [ "Must be suitably experienced in interpretation/exhibition fit-out works", "Must act as Principal Designer and Principal Contractor (you take full responsibility for health & safety design and site management)", "Must complete compulsory site visit between 28 April – 28 May 2026 before submitting a bid", "Must hold valid Public Liability Insurance and Employer's Liability Insurance as specified in tender documents", "Must provide evidence of required certifications and policies (to be confirmed in full ITT)", "Must have experience manufacturing and installing display showcases to Government Indemnity Scheme standards (museum-quality cases)", "Must have experience with exhibition lighting design and installation", "Must be able to work in listed buildings (Grade II) and comply with heritage conservation requirements", "Must demonstrate ability to coordinate with multiple parties: client, architects (Dow Jones), designers (Extended Studio), and separate AV contractor", "Must be able to programme and deliver works between March–May 2027" ], "key_tasks": [ "Design and manufacture four main exhibition packages: setworks and 3D sculptural elements; museum-standard display showcases; graphics and 2D wall/floor elements; and exhibition lighting systems", "Supply and install all manufactured items across multiple spaces: historic Grade II listed pottery buildings, 2008 extensions, new Learning studios, reception areas, outdoor spaces, and cross-site wayfinding signage", "Act as Principal Designer — manage health & safety design from the start, produce safety documentation, and ensure compliance with building regulations in a listed heritage building", "Act as Principal Contractor — manage the installation site from 22 March – 31 May 2027, coordinate trades, manage safety on site, and achieve Practical Completion by 4 June 2027", "Liaise daily with the client (Bernard Leach Trust), base build contractor (Dow Jones Architects), interpretive designers (Extended Studio), and the separately appointed AV contractor to ensure displays integrate with their systems", "Produce a detailed programme of works showing sequencing, resource allocation, and risk management" ], "how_to_read": [ "This is a 'design and build' contract under JCT Intermediate Building Contract with Contractor's Design 2024 — you're not just installing someone else's design; you're also responsible for detailed design, safety planning, and site management. Understand your obligations as both designer and contractor before bidding.", "The '65% quality / 35% price' evaluation weighting means the client cares more about your experience and approach than lowest cost — focus your tender on demonstrating relevant past projects, team expertise, and how you'll manage the coordination challenges, not just undercutting competitors.", "This is a heritage site (Grade II listed). Expect planning and conservation constraints — the tender documents will detail what's permitted in listed buildings. Factor in longer lead times for approvals and specialist heritage skills into your programme and costs.", "You must visit the site in person between 28 April – 28 May 2026 — this is compulsory and non-negotiable. Use this visit to understand the building layout, access constraints, existing conditions, and logistics. Don't skip this or your bid will likely be rejected.", "The five quality questions in the ITT are where you win or lose — they'll test your understanding of the project complexity. Get the full ITT document immediately and answer each question thoroughly with relevant case studies and named team members, not generic statements.", "AV hardware and software are out of scope — you coordinate with the AV contractor but don't supply or install their equipment. Be clear on the interface between your work and theirs to avoid scope creep or disputes." ], "sme_tips": [ "This is a £375k–£400k contract with tight timelines and multiple stakeholders — consider forming a small consortium with a heritage fit-out specialist (if you're strong on logistics/coordination) or a lighting designer (if you're strong on displays/cases). A partnership can strengthen your quality score and reduce your delivery risk.", "The 'Principal Contractor' role means you're liable for site safety and management — factor in professional indemnity and contractor's liability insurance costs, plus a site manager's salary for March–May 2027. Many small contractors underestimate these 'soft costs' and lose money. Build in 10–15% contingency for a heritage site.", "Social value and local employment often score points in public/heritage sector tenders — highlight if you'll hire local apprentices, work with Cornish suppliers, or support community access during installation. Check the ITT for social value criteria and address them explicitly in your tender response.", "The submission deadline is noon, Friday, 12 June 2026 — submit at least 2 hours early to avoid system failures.