Scope
Reference
EPP0322-R1
Description
Braintree District Council, on behalf of the North Essex Economic Board (NEEB), invites tenders for the provision of business support in relation to SME’s in the North Essex area. This contract aims to support businesses and residents across the NEEB Authorities, which include:
Braintree District Council
Chelmsford City Council
Colchester City Council
Maldon District Council
Tendring District Council
Uttlesford District Council
This project will deliver a coordinated business support service across North Essex, targeting SMEs with tailored interventions to help them grow and sustain growth.
This is a fixed price contract with a budget of £80,000 for the initial period, or £160,000 if the contract is extended - there is no additional funding available. It is a mandatory requirement that the final Specification is delivered within this budget. Bidders are recommended to only bid if they can meet the budget of £80,000 for the initial period and £80,000 for the second year if the contract is extended.
It is mandatory that bidders have strong existing network links within the Essex region, and they can evidence this through previous project examples delivered via these networks.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at:
To respond to this opportunity, please click here:
Total value (estimated)
- £160,000 excluding VAT
- £192,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 15 May 2026 to 31 March 2027
- Possible extension to 31 March 2028
- 1 year, 10 months, 17 days
Description of possible extension:
This project is estimated to run for 10.5 months (2026/27), with an option to extend for another 12 months 2027/28, subject to performance, funding and Local Government Reorganisation.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79990000 - Miscellaneous business-related services
Contract locations
- UKH3 - Essex
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
13 March 2026, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
27 March 2026, 10:00am
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criteria 1 | Team Involved (Exist |
Quality | 30% |
| Criteria 2 | Programme organisati |
Quality | 25% |
| Criteria 3 | Masterclass Topics |
Quality | 20% |
| Criteria 4 | Performance Manageme |
Quality | 20% |
| Criteria 5 | Social Value |
Quality | 5% |
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Contracting authority
Braintree District Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGBP-7262-MJTR
Causeway House, Bocking End
Braintree
CM7 9HB
United Kingdom
Region: UKH34 - Essex Haven Gateway
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government