As part of the new Business Tees Valley service, a procurement process has now been launched to attract delivery partners to offer high-quality support for companies across the region.
A spokesperson said: “The move is a key part of plans to create a more connected business support ecosystem, making it easier for companies to find the help they need, access specialist expertise and navigate support services with confidence.
The new approach will bring together a range of specialist providers under a common operating model, customer journey and referral process, helping to ensure businesses receive a more seamless experience regardless of where they enter the support system.”
Consortia bids are also encouraged in addition to single provider responses.
Seven Lots are available through the process, covering key sectors, communities and areas of specialist support.
They are:
- Foundational Economy
- Advanced Manufacturing & Modern Industrial Technologies
- Digital & Tech
- Creative & Cultural
- Games
- Female Founders
- Specialist Expertise Network
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We know our businesses want an easier system to navigate when accessing support. We want our own local companies to come with us and make sure the new Business Tees Valley system does what it says on the tin. Easier applications, easier to navigate and not applying over and over again for separate packages of support.”
Successful bidders will work alongside Business Tees Valley and other organisations to help firms overcome challenges, unlock opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.
The move is one part of wider plans to create a more connected business support ecosystem.
Sarah Walker, Director of Business Solutions at Tees Valley Combined Authority, added: “This is a fundamentally new approach to business support in Tees Valley that puts businesses at the centre to make it easier to access the help they need. Too often, businesses find the support landscape difficult to navigate. We want Business Tees Valley to create a more connected ecosystem to bring organisations together, remove barriers and help firms access the right expertise at the right time.”
She added: “This is an opportunity to be part of a transformational programme that will help businesses start, strengthen and scale, while supporting economic growth and job creation across Tees Valley.”
To support organisations interested in bidding, a new Supplier Noticeboard has also been launched, providing a space for potential partners – and SMEs in particular – to connect and explore collaboration opportunities ahead of submitting bids.
The framework has been designed to give Business Tees Valley the flexibility to draw on the right expertise at the right time, ensuring businesses can access tailored support to reflect their individual needs and ambitions.
Organisations interested in becoming Delivery Partners can find full details of the opportunities available through the procurement portal here.
Author: Hartlepool Life
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