Framework Agreement for Specialist Consultants for the ERDF Funded Liverpool City Region Integrated Business Support Programme

1.1 Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council (KMBC) is a delivery partner in the Liverpool City Region Integrated Business Support Programme (LCRIBS). The programme is being commissioned by the Department for Communities and Local Government. 1.2 The programme will be funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). 1.3 It will be positioned between pre-start/start-up support delivered by others programmes and more specialist or bespoke support delivered by the private sector and/or national provision. 1.4 The whole programme will be delivered in Knowsley (to eligible SMEs only) by a series of individual business interventions. 1.5 There are currently 3700 businesses in Knowsley, 79% of which employ less than 10 people. 16% employ between 10 and 49 people.

Medium and large businesses (employing 50 or more people) representing 5% of businesses in the Borough. Business sectors represented include manufacturing, construction, transportation and storage, energy and low carbon and the service sector. 2 Overview 2.1 KMBC is looking to set up a Framework agreement for consultants to assist in the ERDF funded Liverpool City Region Integrated Business Support Programme.

It is anticipated that the programme will benefit over 200 of the SME businesses based in Knowsley. 2.2 Please note that this opportunity is subject to ERDF funding approval ? the funding announcement is expected early 2016. 2.3 The framework agreement will be for up to 3 years with the option to extend a further 12 month subject to a programme extension. 3.1 KMBC is currently seeking to set up a Framework for consultancy support for the programme in 9 specialist areas. Consultants can bid for work in one or more specialist areas (lots on this Framework.

The lots will be broken down in the following areas of support; ? All tender documentation and correspondence will be issued electronically via this portal.