Scope
Reference
PL0117
Description
Essex County Council (ECC) are seeking to award contract of the Enhanced Growth Hub with Additional Business Support on 1st April 2026.
The service, working closely with the Government funded Growth Hub, will help provide the front door for businesses seeking advice and support in the County, enabling them to have the knowledge necessary to achieve growth and prosperity as well as access to business finance. The area covered by the service will be the Ceremonial County of Essex, including Southend and Thurrock Unitary Authority areas.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,140,000 excluding VAT
- £1,368,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
17 February 2026
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
17 February 2026
Standstill period
- End: 26 February 2026
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
27 February 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- 3 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 66000000 - Financial and insurance services
- 79000000 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security
Contract locations
- UKH3 - Essex
Information about tenders
- 6 tenders received
- 6 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 6 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 5 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Supplier
SMARTER SOCIETY LIMITED
- Companies House: 09874339
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBHL-3297-PYVX
27 Old Gloucester Street
London
WC1N 3AX
United Kingdom
Email: hello@smartersociety.org
Website: https://www.smartersociety.org
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Essex County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWVM-4844-NRQH
County Hall, Market Road
Chelmsford
CM1 1QH
United Kingdom
Region: UKH36 - Heart of Essex
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government