Award

Connect to Work

  • North East Combined Authority

UK6: Contract award notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-048650

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-04e851 (view related notices)

Published 14 August 2025, 10:42am



Scope

Description

A key part of the new Government's mission to kick-start growth is a commitment to building an inclusive and thriving labour market where everyone has the opportunity of good work, and the chance to get on at work. This will improve living standards and ensure funding for vital public services. It is also central to delivering on missions to break down the barriers to opportunity, and to improve the health of the nation.

As part of this mission, the Government has set a long-term ambition to achieve an 80% employment rate. This would place the UK among the highest performing countries in the world, with the equivalent of over two million more people in work.

The recently launched "Get Britain Working" White Paper outlines Government's strategy to invest £240m to support this ambition and help improve workplace health and keep people in work, including trials of combined public services for those out of work due to ill health. The strategy will bring fundamental reform that transforms relationships with local areas and ensures a strong foundation of partnership working to support people into good, sustainable work.

Connect to Work is the first major element of the Get Britain Working Strategy. It will take a collaborative, locally led approach to tackling 'Hidden Unemployment'. It will help connect local work, health and skills support. The funding provides a coherent, systematic and joined up approach to maximise the benefits available for individuals and local communities.

Connect to Work will support the wider development of locally planned systems to drive growth, working jointly with the Government. It will be an important strand in local plans to tackle inactivity and expand employment opportunity. By encouraging join up between health systems and employment support, Connect to Work will support those, primarily, currently outside the workforce and facing greater labour market disadvantages, to stay in work and get back into work. In turn, supporting the Government's ambition for a more inclusive economy, supporting local people to realise their potential and supporting local and national growth.


Contract 1. Connect to Work Lot 1 County Durham

Supplier

Contract value

  • £7,864,878 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

24 July 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

24 July 2025

Earliest date the contract will be signed

18 August 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2028
  • Possible extension to 29 March 2030
  • 4 years, 5 months, 29 days

Description of possible extension:

Extension based on Performance against KPIs and funding from DWP

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 75131000 - Government services
  • 79634000 - Career guidance services
  • 80521000 - Training programme services

Contract locations

  • UKC - North East (England)

Contract 2. Connect to Work Lot 2 Gateshead

Supplier

Contract value

  • £2,667,381 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

24 July 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

24 July 2025

Earliest date the contract will be signed

18 August 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2028
  • Possible extension to 29 March 2030
  • 4 years, 5 months, 29 days

Description of possible extension:

Extension based on Performance against KPIs and funding from DWP

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 75131000 - Government services
  • 79634000 - Career guidance services
  • 80521000 - Training programme services

Contract locations

  • UKC - North East (England)

Contract 3. Connect to Work Lot 3 Newcastle

Supplier

Contract value

  • £4,905,444 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

24 July 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

24 July 2025

Earliest date the contract will be signed

18 August 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2028
  • Possible extension to 29 March 2030
  • 4 years, 5 months, 29 days

Description of possible extension:

Extension based on performance against KPIs and funding from DWP

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 75131000 - Government services
  • 79634000 - Career guidance services
  • 80521000 - Training programme services

Contract locations

  • UKC - North East (England)

Contract 4. Connect to Work Lot 4 North Tyneside

Supplier

Contract value

  • £2,802,596 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

24 July 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

24 July 2025

Earliest date the contract will be signed

18 August 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2028
  • Possible extension to 29 March 2030
  • 4 years, 5 months, 29 days

Description of possible extension:

Extension based on performance against KPIs and funding from DWP

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 75131000 - Government services
  • 79634000 - Career guidance services
  • 80521000 - Training programme services

Contract locations

  • UKC - North East (England)

Contract 5. Connect to Work Lot 5 Northumberland

Supplier

Contract value

  • £4,195,066 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

24 July 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

24 July 2025

Earliest date the contract will be signed

18 August 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2028
  • Possible extension to 29 March 2030
  • 4 years, 5 months, 29 days

Description of possible extension:

Extension based on performance against KPIs and funding from DWP

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 75131000 - Government services
  • 79634000 - Career guidance services
  • 80521000 - Training programme services

Contract locations

  • UKC - North East (England)

Contract 6. Connect to Work Lot 6 South Tyneside

Supplier

Contract value

  • £3,504,344 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

24 July 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

24 July 2025

Earliest date the contract will be signed

18 August 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2028
  • Possible extension to 29 March 2030
  • 4 years, 5 months, 29 days

Description of possible extension:

Extension based on performance against KPIs and funding available from DWP

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 75131000 - Government services
  • 79634000 - Career guidance services
  • 80521000 - Training programme services

Contract locations

  • UKC - North East (England)

Contract 7. Connect to Work Lot 7 Sunderland

Supplier

Contract value

  • £2,667,381 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Award decision date

24 July 2025

Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers

24 July 2025

Earliest date the contract will be signed

18 August 2025

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2028
  • Possible extension to 29 March 2030
  • 4 years, 5 months, 29 days

Description of possible extension:

Extension based on performance against KPIs and funding from DWP

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 75131000 - Government services
  • 79634000 - Career guidance services
  • 80521000 - Training programme services

Contract locations

  • UKC - North East (England)

Information about tenders

  • 50 tenders received
  • 17 tenders assessed in the final stage:
    • 4 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
    • 4 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
  • 4 suppliers awarded contracts
  • 13 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)

Unsuccessful suppliers


Procedure

Procedure type

Open procedure

Special regime

Light touch


Suppliers

BEAM UP LTD

  • Companies House: 10637337
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRGN-1626-TQPN

Senna Building

London

E2 8JF

United Kingdom

Region: UKI41 - Hackney and Newham

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Durham County Council

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMPB-8772-VYWM

Corten House, Dunholme Close

Durham

DH1 5WB

United Kingdom

Region: UKC14 - Durham CC

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Education Development Trust

  • Companies House: 00867944

Highbridge House, 16-18 Duke Street

Reading

RG1 4RU

United Kingdom

Region: UKJ11 - Berkshire

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

ENABLE SCOTLAND (LEADING THE WAY)

  • Companies House: SC145263
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRLL-1841-WVQR

Inspire House 3 Renshaw Place

Lanarkshire

ML1 4UF

United Kingdom

Region: UKM84 - North Lanarkshire

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

EVERYTURN SERVICES LTD

  • Companies House: 04391008
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXPC-7289-JZPT

2 Esh Plaza, Sir Bobby Robson Way

Newcastle Upon Tyne

NE13 9BA

United Kingdom

Region: UKC22 - Tyneside

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): Yes

Fedcap Employment Limited

  • Companies House: 11842787

Boaz House, Massey Road

Thornaby

TS17 6EX

United Kingdom

Region: UKC11 - Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

GROUNDWORK NORTH EAST

  • Companies House: 02702815
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBTC-8461-VXRQ

Unit14, Parsons Court Welbury Way

Newton Aycliffe

DL5 6ZE

United Kingdom

Region: UKC14 - Durham CC

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): Yes

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 3. Connect to Work Lot 3 Newcastle

Contract 4. Connect to Work Lot 4 North Tyneside

INGEUS UK LIMITED

  • Companies House: 04320853
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQWB-9993-TBMX

Second Floor, 66-68 East Smithfield

London

E1W 1AW

United Kingdom

Region: UKI42 - Tower Hamlets

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

MAXIMUS UK SERVICES LIMITED

  • Companies House: 09072343
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTZH-8512-MRCL

18c Meridian East

Leicester

LE19 1WZ

United Kingdom

Region: UKF22 - Leicestershire CC and Rutland

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

NORTHERN RIGHTS SOCIAL ENTERPRISE (TYNE AND WEAR) LIMITED

  • Companies House: 10720439
  • UK Register of Learning Providers (UKPRN number): 10063953

South Shields Business Works

South Shields

NE33 1RF

United Kingdom

Region: UKC22 - Tyneside

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): Yes

Supported employment provider: Yes

Public service mutual: No

Contract 6. Connect to Work Lot 6 South Tyneside

Northumberland County Council

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJJX-1133-JRGV

County Hall

Morpeth

NE61 2EF

United Kingdom

Region: UKC21 - Northumberland

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 5. Connect to Work Lot 5 Northumberland

PEOPLEPLUS GROUP LIMITED

  • Companies House: 05722765
  • UK Register of Learning Providers (UKPRN number): 10036431

The Quorum, Bond Street South

Bristol

BS1 3AE

United Kingdom

Region: UKK11 - Bristol, City of

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

PERTEMPS RECRUITMENT PARTNERSHIP LIMITED

  • Companies House: 01644241
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLZH-3661-DWHL

Meriden Hall

Meriden

CV7 7PT

United Kingdom

Region: UKG32 - Solihull

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

PIONEERING CARE PARTNERSHIP

  • Companies House: 03491237
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGRD-7691-XWGJ

Pioneering Care Centre

Newton Aycliffe

DL5 4SF

United Kingdom

Region: UKC14 - Durham CC

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

REED IN PARTNERSHIP LIMITED

  • Companies House: 00851645
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRBL-7293-HRJP

Academy Court

London

WC2A 1DT

United Kingdom

Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

THE GROWTH COMPANY LIMITED

  • Companies House: 02443911
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLRD-7665-DLPV

Lee House

Manchester

M1 5JW

United Kingdom

Region: UKD33 - Manchester

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): Yes

TRIAGE CENTRAL LIMITED

  • Companies House: SC186908
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGYR-4561-XQMT

Earlsgate House

Stirling

FK8 2HE

United Kingdom

Region: UKM77 - Perth & Kinross and Stirling

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Supported employment provider: No

Public service mutual: No

Contract 1. Connect to Work Lot 1 County Durham

Contract 2. Connect to Work Lot 2 Gateshead

Contract 7. Connect to Work Lot 7 Sunderland


Contracting authority

North East Combined Authority

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJMR-6594-BRGH

The Lumen, St James' Boulevard

Newcastle Upon Tyne

NE4 5BZ

United Kingdom

Region: UKC22 - Tyneside

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government