Introduction
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
Brunel Co-Innovate Journeys is jointly funded by Brunel University London, the GLA and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with a delivery end date of June 2023 providing free support for eligible SMEs.
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.
Specification
Brunel University is seeking to appoint Business Support providers (individuals and/or consortia) to recruit and deliver support to SMEs to achieve C1 support of 12 hours. The areas of support that consultants would be required to cover include:
• Business Growth
• Product Development
• Digital Marketing
• Market Research
• Pitching
• Planning Proposition
• Design & Innovation
• Investment Readiness
The minimum of 12 hours support can be provided via - workshops and 1-2-1 support and can be delivered either online or face to face. (Brunel University can be used as the venue for delivery if rooms available on booking)
The provider would:
• Work with the Operations Manager/Project Manager to schedule a programme of delivery of the 12 hours
• Recruit 100 new to Co-Innovate Journeys eligible SMEs to the Project (All SME’s must be a registered London business, either with UTR or companies house registration)
• Complete relevant documentation, supported by the Project Team, for SMEs to register
• Provide supporting evidence of the 12 hour delivery that is compliant with ERDF guidance
• Design and deliver workshops as required
• Liaise with the Operations Manager/Project Manager to ensure that Co-Innovate project documentation is used with relevant logos to meet ERDF publicity/branding compliance.
• Attend Project meetings as required.
• Provide a monthly report to the Operations Manager/Project Manager with an update of each SME and no of hours delivered The successful provider must demonstrate:
• Experience and knowledge of delivery of their area of expertise
• ERDF or other project delivery experience
• An ability to meet deadlines and adapt to a flexible approach to the demands of the project
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 information and documentation:
• Name, Business Name, Address, Contact Telephone Number, Email Address
• Tender document describing your expertise in any topics you would be delivering, background in business support (specifically ERDF), along with any examples of previous delivery
• A copy of up to date CV(s) of any person delivering the support.
• A prepared quote including and excluding VAT for the overall provision with a breakdown to cover the 12 hours support and how this would be delivered i.e. workshops and 1-2-1, both in person and online, with a proposed schedule
• Your availability of a start date, and availability to until the end of June 2023
• 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 and/or a copy of an official document with this.
• 2 x business references. (can we contact them Yes/No)
Please confirm you are aware this work is ad hoc YES/NO
Budget & pricing
The maximum budget available for this ERDF procured service is £24,900 inclusive of VAT. Please note that submitting a quote is not a guarantee of work and if successful that you will be responsible for your own Tax and NI payments.
Invoicing
The successful applicant will be required to complete supplier documentation to be set up on the university finance system. Payment will be made in arrears upon the receipt of an invoice and provision of signed supporting documentation for each 12 hours completed which is compliant with ERDF requirements. Invoicing will be monthly.
Duration of contract
This provision will be required to be provided as soon as the contract is agreed and will need to be completed by 23rd June 2023 at the latest.
Application Process
The following application process will be used:
Stage 1 – Receipt of Tender. Please note that your tender can only be considered if all the required documentation is supplied by the Closing Date, Closing date 30th March 2023 by 5pm.
Stage 2 – A short list will be drawn up and applicants invited for Interview by 5th April 2023
Stage 3 – Shortlisted applicant meetings will take place on 6th April 2023 with intention of final decision being made and the successful provider informed by 7th April 2023.
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 Journeys Business Support Tender - Confidential".
If you have any queries please submit in writing by 27th March 2023 also to Rhona Denness.