Introduction
Brunel University London is seeking to appoint an external partner organisation to develop and increase the project visibility and professional image to encourage new businesses to engage with Brunel through its high-profile Co-Innovate projects – Brunel Co-Innovate Journeys and Bridging the Gap (BtG). The two programmes are aimed at the London-based small and medium size enterprise (SME) community and the appointed partner will work closely with Brunel to increase the quality and quantity of the programme’s participation
Brunel University London
The University’s 2030 mission, “to bring benefit to society through excellence in education, research, and knowledge transfer” is central to both programmes, which are an integral part of the University’s Brunel Design School, and the wider innovation support for London based SMEs, entrepreneurs, and start-ups that the University offers.
Brunel University London is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive university delivering economic, social, and cultural benefit, excellence, and innovation, and putting entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of everything it does.
We are committed to expanding our already significant global reach and further raising our reputation as one of the world’s pre-eminent international universities, by building strategic partnerships with overseas universities and businesses to expand our research and education activities and deliver impact through knowledge transfer.
Co-Innovate Journeys
The aims of the £4.4m Brunel Co-Innovate Journeys programme are to:
• Stimulate SME growth and employment by providing innovation support to London-based businesses in all sectors, all sizes.
• Support the creation of new products, processes, and services.
• Provide access to Brunel University’s world class research, academics, knowledge assets, student talent and specialised facilities.
• Provide access to real world projects and experience.
• Provide access to potential employment for students through the businesses they work with.
• Help SMEs access Brunel University’s world class research, academics, knowledge assets, student talent and specialised facilities all through collaboration with various department at Brunel University London including the business school.
• Provide access to student placements for special SME projects.
Participants Journey
Our target is to reach businesses from London, who will be able to benefit from further support from the Co-Innovate programme:
• Minimum of 12 hours of advice, information, knowledge.
• Collaboration for 3 months or more with a student or academic.
• Access to 1:1 and group mentoring.
• Signposting to specialist services.
• Networking.
Contract Specifications
Brunel University is seeking to appoint a provider/consultant to demonstrate and showcase Co-Innovate Brunel University London’s work and to encourage new business engagement by:
• Providing active support to the new Business Ambassador community. This will include a regular (minimum monthly) communication (email and LinkedIn), recruitment of new Ambassadors, and the use of Ambassadors in media work where possible.
• To work with the Innovation Directors to identify six new case studies for use in press work and for Co-Innovate evidence of delivery, these should showcase new product and service design specifically. This to include the sourcing of high-quality images, the recording of interviews with the owner manager and (where feasible) with the academic and student. Each case study to be 600 words
• To secure 4 items of media coverage in local London publications such as chamber or Borough publications, small business networks and in two national small business / enterprise publications.
• To provide mentor support to, and supervise where necessary, the marketing associate. This to include the use of a Portfolio of Evidence for him to show future employers.
• To promote the links with enterprise through Co-Innovate to potential and current students of Brunel University London
The provider will support the Operations Manager and the Project Team and its in-house and external specialists on a regular basis to:
• Build relationships with Brunel University’s academics, marketing, communications and business team as required, adhering to university and Co-Innovate rules and guidelines.
• Provide relevant reports and outlines as required.
The successful provider must demonstrate:
• A proven track record in delivery of a wide range of relevant PR strategies and communications plans.
• A detailed plan on the delivery of the required design work.
• Experience and knowledge of general and specific matters identified in the tender.
• An ability to meet deadlines and adapt to a flexible approach to the demands of the project and the department.
Place of Work and Equipment
The initial place of work will be through online meetings working from home. This approach will be reviewed during the contract, however face-to-face on-site meetings may be required.
Invoicing
Payment will be made in arrears upon the receipt of an invoice from the successful provider in accordance with Brunel University normal terms and conditions. Invoicing will be monthly.
Duration of contract
The contract will run from 14th November 2022 to 31 st March 2023.
Tender Requirements
The provider will adhere to and comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act, the Health and Safety at Work Act, Environmental Policy and Equal Opportunities Policy in accordance with the University policies.
To apply, please provide the following documentation:
• Tender document describing how you will approach the development of case studies and the required design work and support the delivery of this service.
• A quote for the overall service provision with the breakdown of costs for all planned activities of a maximum of 4 x A4 pages.
• Copy of your up-to-date CV with details of your skills and experience.
• Copy of your current business insurance i.e. Professional Indemnity and Public Liability.
• Your Company Registration Number or copy of a tax assessment page showing your UTR Number.
• 2 x business references.
• A portfolio of previous design work undertaken on similar projects is desirable.
Budget & Pricing
The maximum budget for this ERDF procured service is £24000 inclusive of VAT.
Provide daily or hourly rates inclusive and exclusive of VAT.
A three-stage application process will be used:
Stage 1 – Receipt of Proposals. Please supply a full CV and covering letter detailing previous experience of supplying the required services – Closing date 1700 hours Friday 4 th November 2022.
Stage 2 – A short list will be drawn up and applicants invited for Interview by 7 th November 2022.
Stage 3 – Interviews to take place week commencing 7 th November 2022 with intention of final decision being made. The Selection Criteria will be against Qualifications, Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Ability, and Value for money. Scoring against the Selection Criteria will be flat (no weighting) 0 – 10.
Please submit your tender to Co-Innovate Operations Manager Rhona Denness Rhona.denness@brunel.ac.uk, clearly marking the subject line "Co-Innovate Promotions Tender - Confidential".
If you have any queries please submit in writing by 31st October 2022 also to Rhona Denness
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