Scope
Description
The new Create Talent Programme will be an innovative, industry led skills programme to support the North East's thriving creative sector, focusing on the music, arts, writing and publishing and the screen industry. The programme will play a key part in delivering the Mayor and Cabinet's mission 'Home to a growing and vibrant economy for all', providing our workforce with the right skills and training to build an inclusive and competitive economy.
The programme will provide sector-leading, inclusive and needs-led pathways for aspiring creatives, encouraging people of all ages from diverse backgrounds to aspire to a career in the creative sector. Alongside this, it will support freelancers and enterprises to develop high-level skills in creative practices. By focusing on identified skills needs and transferable skills, it will equip our freelance community with the fundamental skills to build, sustain and grow their practice as effective freelancers employed in the creative sector.
Total value (estimated)
- £4,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 6 February 2026 to 31 March 2029
- 3 years, 1 month, 23 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80400000 - Adult and other education services
- 80500000 - Training services
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
Engagement
Engagement deadline
26 November 2025
Engagement process description
We are pleased to invite you to a market engagement webinar introducing the upcoming Create Talent tender - a programme designed to inspire, engage, and upskill people across the North East, opening doors to opportunities in the creative sector.
What's on the agenda:
✔ Overview of the Create Talent programme
✔ Details of the upcoming tender opportunity
✔ Q&A with the commissioning team
Who should attend:
• Potential bidders and delivery partners
• Community organisations
• Sector specialists
• Creative sector employers
• Anyone passionate about supporting creative skills and employment
To register follow the link below:
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
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