Scope
Description
The consultant will be required to:
1. Review the current operating model for the Marina Theatre, including:
- Governance and legal structure
- Financial performance and funding arrangements
- Staffing structure
- Key partnerships (including other theatres located in the wider area)
2.Identify and assess alternative operating models, including but not limited to:
- Option 1: No change to current arrangements: the Marina Theatre Trust continues to operate the theatre and receive the current grant from LTC.
Option 1.a: The consultants should consider the effect of retaining the current management model but with the potential for any reduction in the level of annual grant based on a review of generated income.
- Option 2: Bringing the theatre operation in-house under direct Town Council management
- Option 3: Outsourcing to an established external theatre operator or commercial provider
- Option(s) 4+: other options as proposed by the consultant
3. Evaluate each option against a set of agreed criteria, to include:
- Financial sustainability and value for money
- Governance and accountability
- Staff implications and organisational capacity
- Alignment with wider Town Council objectives and operations
4. Produce a final report that includes:
- Summary of findings and insights
- Detailed option appraisals with SWOT analyses and financial implications
- Comparative assessment and scoring against agreed criteria
- Risks and mitigation strategies for each option
- Clear recommendations and rationale
5. Present findings to Council officers and/or elected members
Deliverables
• Draft option appraisal report
• Final option appraisal report with executive summary and recommendations
• Presentation of findings
Total value (estimated)
- £10,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 13 October 2025 to 1 December 2025
- 1 month, 20 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79410000 - Business and management consultancy services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Tender submission deadline
6 October 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Please provide a short proposal, of no more than five pages (A4), that includes:
• A brief overview of your understanding of the brief
• Proposed methodology and approach, including a timeline for delivery
• Fee proposal (including breakdown of costs)
• Relevant experience, including case studies, and summary CVs | profiles for key personnel
• Two references
Submissions should be sent to Sarah Foote, Town Clerk at sarah.foote@lowestofttowncouncil.gov.uk
Tenders may be submitted electronically
No
Award criteria
Award will be made on demonstrable experience, knowledge of theatre operations, and capacity to deliver project timeline.
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Contracting authority
Lowestoft Town Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLRB-8148-CZHY
First Floor, Hamilton House, Battery Green Road
Lowestoft
NR32 1DE
United Kingdom
Region: UKH14 - Suffolk
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government