Cheshire and Warrington: Strategic Economic Plan refresh SEPTEMBER Introduction

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1 Cheshire and Warrington: Strategic Economic Plan refresh SEPTEMBER Introduction 1.1 Background and Summary of Requirements Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership is looking to refresh its Strategic Economic Plan to reflect the revised growth ambitions associated with a potential Devolution Growth Deal and the emergence of a number of new sub-national bodies and initiatives since the original SEP was developed in Whilst it is anticipated that the majority of the drafting work for the refresh will be undertaken in house, the LEP is seeking to appoint suitably qualified and experienced consultants work with the LEP during the process to provide technical and professional capacity in refreshing the supporting evidence base (much of which dates back to 2013 or earlier), assisting in the high level development of policy interventions to achieve the desired level of growth and providing external challenge to our economic aspirations and supporting narrative. 2. APPROACH 2.1 Detail of requirements Cheshire and Warrington is already the most successful economy outside of the south east of England (in terms of GVA per head. The LEP s Strategic Economic Plan, submitted to Government in December 2013 set out the strategic priorities and key interventions to support the development of a 35 billion economy by There have been a number of new sub-nation bodies and initiatives which have emerged since 2013 and which will impact on the shape and focus of the LEP s key priorities. These include: - Emergence of the Northern Powerhouse Creation of Transport for the North Securing of Enterprise Zone status for sites within the Cheshire Science Corridor Potential for revised sub-regional governance arrangements (Combined Authority) LEP Strategy work on Quality of Place, Energy Sector and Science and Innovation In addition, the decision to exit from the EU following the Referendum on 23 rd June 2016 and the subsequent commitment from Government to develop a new Industrial Strategy which emphasises the importance of place will impact on the way in which the LEP works with its local authority partners to develop appropriate policy interventions.

2 In light of these developments, and supported by the ongoing discussions with Government over a potential Devolution-linked Growth Deal, the LEP has revised its growth ambition to target delivery of a 50 billion economy by The SEP refresh therefore needs to consider the policies and interventions necessary to achieve that higher growth target, whilst providing continuity with previous strategies. Whilst it is anticipated that the majority of the drafting work for the refresh will be undertaken in house, the LEP is seeking to appoint suitably qualified and experienced consultants to work with the Board, Strategy Committee and Executive Team and provide technical and professional capacity in refreshing the supporting evidence base (much of which dates back to 2013 or earlier), assisting in the high level development of policy interventions to achieve the desired level of growth and providing external challenge to our economic aspirations and supporting narrative. Under the commission the Consultants will: a) Synthesise available current reports and data to present an updated economic profile of Cheshire and Warrington economy, including its comparative economic performance and growth potential, covering the data requirements set out in Annex A; b) Examine a number of potential growth scenarios (maximum of four) including a baseline projection using standard Treasury or OBR assumptions, including identification of potential interventions to achieve or accelerate growth within these scenarios. Scenarios to be agreed in conjunction with the appointed consultant(s); c) Develop an initial think piece for the LEP on potential approaches to developing a more proactive, place-based industrial strategy for Cheshire and Warrington; d) Work with the LEP and its key stakeholders to translate headline priorities into workable and deliverable interventions and investments, aligned to the work previously undertaken in relation to devolution and to local and national priorities; e) Engage with local authority partners (including relevant Place Teams ) to review their growth strategies and how they can align to and underpin the LEP s strategic ambitions. f) Development of supporting presentation material related to key economic, growth and sectoral messages. The Consultants should also make allowance for attendance at two half day stakeholder engagement sessions (to be organised by the LEP), including preparation of presentational materials. 2.2 Deliverables The main deliverables of this commission will be a series of short stand-alone reports and accompanying presentational material. These will be agreed in conjunction with the appointed consultant(s) 2.3 The Team The successful consultants will need to demonstrate extensive experience of economic analysis, developing growth strategies, scenario testing, sector analysis and sector propositions. They will need to demonstrate the ability to field a team with relevant expertise, deployed appropriately and in line with the work programme. Consortium bids are acceptable provided there is a clear division of roles and responsibilities, and confirmation of which party will be the nominated lead.

3 2.4 Programme Management Arrangements Day to day project management will be provided by Andy Hulme, the LEP s Policy and Strategy Manager 2.5 Timescales An outline timetable for delivery of the study is set out below: Activity Timescale Issue ITT w/c 5 th September 2016 Deadline for returns 26 th September 2016 Selection and Appointment w/c 26 th September 2016 Inception Meeting w/c 3 rd October 2016 Draft reports Early November 2016 Final reports w/c 21 st November 2016 The successful consultant will be expected to attend up to four progress meetings during the course of the commission and liaison via telephone and with officers and key stakeholders as necessary. 3. RESPONDING TO THIS SPECIFICATION Tenders must address all the requirements and be in the format requested below. Tenders not in this format will not be considered. Tenderers are requested to provide core information in summary form with detail in appendices. 3.1 The following must be supplied: General Organisation identity including name, address, telephone number, address, company registration number, VAT registration number and website address (if applicable) Details of the main point of contact within the organisation for this tender Name, address, telephone number and address of any third parties involved in this tender A list of all key personnel to be deployed on the project and details of their previous relevant experience Details of recent experience of delivering similar commissions together with details of at least one relevant referee.

4 3.2 Proposals A response on a point by point basis outlining how the requirements specified in section 2 will be met and demonstrating experience in the successful delivery of similar projects. Process and work-programme diagrams can be included. 3.3 Pricing The cost associated with delivering the work programme. All prices must be fixed and firm, quoted in pounds sterling and exclusive of VAT. Tenderers should detail any ancillary costs and expenses included in the price. Note that the budget for this work is in the range 30k - 40k (plus VAT if applicable). Submission 3.4 Tenders must be completed in accordance with the format specified above. Tenders which are incomplete will not be evaluated. 3.5 Tenders should be submitted in Word or PDF format by be sent to andy.hulme@871candwep.co.uk no later than 5pm on Monday 26 th September Tenders delivered after this time will not be accepted. 4. EXAMINATION AND EVALUATION OF TENDERS 4.1 Tenders will be assessed initially by reference to the following pass / fail criteria: (i) Completeness of proposals and tender documentation as specified in Sections 2 (Approach) and 3 (Responding to this Specification) of this document; (ii) Stated ability of the Tenderer to meet all of the requirements specified in Section 2 of this document; 4.2 Award Criteria Proposals will be scored against the following criteria, from a maximum of 100 marks weighted as indicated; In depth knowledge of economic analysis, policy development, scenario 20 development and testing Experience of successfully delivering similar studies 25 Cost 20 Content, delivery and originality 25 Staff experience 10

5 4.3 Clarification During the evaluation period clarification may be sought in writing (or via ) from Tenderers. Responses to requests for clarification may not materially change any of the elements of the tenders submitted. The LEP may choose to invite a number of the most competitive Tenderers to make presentations on their proposals for the purpose of elaboration, clarification and / or aiding mutual understanding. Presentations would be held on Friday 30 th September 2016 with a view to making an award by Monday 3 rd October GENERAL INFORMATION 5.1 Financial Arrangements Payments for services covered by this invitation to tender will be on submission of appropriate invoices, subject to Cheshire and Warrington LEP s standard payment terms, and which will be based on agreed deliverables. Invoicing arrangements will be agreed with the successful provider, following the award of contract. 5.2 Contract A contract will be awarded to the Tenderer whose proposal is deemed to be the most economically advantageous subject to agreement on conditions of that contract. Please note that the LEP reserves the right to cancel the Tender process at any time prior to a contract being entered into. The LEP is not bound to accept the lowest price, or any tender submitted. 5.3 Further Information and Queries Any clarifications to information contained in this document must be submitted by no later than Friday 16 th September Any additional information provided will be made available to all potential Tenderers via the LEP website, Name: Andy Hulme andy.hulme@871candwep.co.uk

6 ANNEX A Table below sets out the main data sets that the consultant would be expected to provide as part of the Commission. Final details would be agreed on appointment in discussion with the LEP. Jobs and Employment Employment density Employment by sector Growth sectors / declining sectors (review and forecast) Employment change and growth scenarios Private vs public sector employment Changes in employment levels and trends Commuting patterns / Travel to Work Area data Business Understanding the makeup of our business base Start-ups / business deaths / net rise and fall over time Size of business (turnover and employment) Spotlight on manufacturing Relative performance of our businesses Research and development activity Top employers Exporting activity Economy GVA growth / comparative performance Productivity / change over time and comparative performance Areas of specialisation and differentiation (growth sectors) Key sectors Skills (To be x-referenced with ABR Skills Statement) Qualification profile Occupational profile Trends Employment / employability Spotlight on high level skills Skills needs vs business base vs sectors Demography Population (including trends) Labour market Economic and social inclusion / exclusion Health and Well Being indicators Other House prices / affordability