Scope
Reference
EPP0322
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 an annual budget of £98,000, or £196,000 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 £98,000 for the first year and £98,000 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.
To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/respond/TEW3GEW477
Access code TEW3GEW477
To view this notice, please click here:
https://www.delta-esourcing.com/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=999007503
Total value (estimated)
- £196,000 excluding VAT
- £235,200 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
- Possible extension to 31 March 2028
- 2 years
Description of possible extension:
This project is estimated to run for twelve (12) months 2026/27, with an option to extend for another 12 months 2027/28 if funding is approved.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79990000 - Miscellaneous business-related services
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
9 January 2026, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
21 January 2026, 10:00am
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
12 February 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Team involved | Quality | 25% |
| Performance Management and Risk Mitigation | Quality | 20% |
| Communications and engagement strategy | Quality | 20% |
| Programme organisation | Quality | 15% |
| Masterclass Topics | Quality | 15% |
| Social Value | Quality | 5% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
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