Request for Quotation Brand Development 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Overview About Arch Arch has been established by Northumberland County Council as a private sector armslength development company with a clear economic focus designed to bring a new, more enterprising and business-like approach to development and regeneration in the county. Arch activities include responsibility for Inward Investment, Strategic Account Management and the commissioning of a range of other business support initiatives and activities including enterprise support for business start-ups and growing businesses. Our mission is to: Attract private sector investment in business and property; Promote enterprise and support business growth; Support the regeneration of disadvantaged places and neighbourhoods; and Help create prosperous, attractive, sustainable communities throughout Northumberland. 1.2 Project Overview The Business Northumberland 2016-19 support programme delivered by Arch Commercial Enterprises Ltd (from here on described as Arch ) will be delivered online and supported by subject specific master classes and seminars as well as 1-2-1 support from consultants and Arch employed Business Growth Advisers. The programme will be delivered within Northumberland to support the growth and sustainability of eligible SME s. The programme will provide tailored packages of support to eligible SMEs in particular, start-ups, businesses with an aspiration to grow and high growth businesses. Objectives: Encourage and promote the growth and sustainability of eligible SME s based in Northumberland, and the wider NE LEP area: o Increase the number of eligible SME s demonstrating growth; o Increase and safeguard employment. Improve digital skills and promote the use of online technologies to drive growth: o Improve the level of digital skills among eligible SME s; o Increase the use and application of online technologies by eligible SME s. Raise the profile of Northumberland, and attract new investment into Northumberland and the wider NE LEP area; o Attract new eligible SME s; o Increase volume of eligible SMEs operating out of Northumberland To deliver these objectives, Arch recently submitted a proposal in response to competitive calls for European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) projects released by DCLG for the 2014-2020 ESIF Programme, with projects running until March 2019. If successful, this 2
funding will strengthen our provision of business support services across Northumberland and beyond. The delivery of support under ERDF requires Arch to comply with ERDF and public procurement guidelines. As a result this tender is designed to enable Arch to demonstrate compliance with these guidelines, ensure value for money and offer the opportunity to deliver the proposed specification for this project in an open and competitive way. 2.0 Specification for Evaluation 2.1 Overview Arch wishes to appoint a single service provider to enter into a Contract for the support for the brand development required by the Business Northumberland 2016-19 programme as set out below. The aim of this project is to appoint a supplier to develop the competitive position of Business Northumberland, in particular the creative application of the concept, and to develop resources for implementation. The brief includes; 1) Develop a professional and engaging brand and logo for the Business Northumberland support programme The brand must be engaging and instantly recognisable to SMEs across the region. The brand will work across both Northumberland and the wider North East LEP region to provide consistency of application that allows sufficient flexibility for use across the North East geography; in particular Northumberland, and that will resonate with a wide base of people and sectors. 2) Develop brand tools Create a set of brand guidelines for the brand which will work across all media, including point of sale materials, website, e-newsletter, other online media, exhibition stands and stationary. The tools will support with both adoption and implementation, and will also facilitate regional engagement but in particular within Northumberland The name Business Northumberland derives from a previous ERDF business support programme delivered by Arch. Although a recognised name the new Business Northumberland brand will replace any existing activity. A complete brand refresh would be required for all Business Northumberland activity to ensure that the new Business Northumberland brand sheds its former ERDF presence and incorporates a unified point of contact for: 1. New Business Starts 2. Growing Established Companies 3. Attracting Inward Investment 4. Supporting and growing high growth businesses 3
2.2 Outputs The brand development should cover: Graphic representation of the new logo Proposed colours and pantone references Supporting typefaces The detailed brand guidelines must set out how the brand will be effectively applied across a range of materials, including: Exhibition Bannerstands Signage Advertising Photography style brief Brochures and supporting literature Website The brand must be sufficiently flexible to work alongside other brands, such as Arch, and others when appropriate. The guidelines must also provide guidance for partner use of the brand. 2.3 Tone and Style The project requires overall design principles which reflect the new ambitious objectives for Business Northumberland during the lifetime of the programme. The brand and logo must be appealing and able attract the full range of future customers. The brand will effectively reflect the projects aims and focus and will be modem and relevant as well as engaging. The Tenderer must develop an overall brand which reflects the ambitious aspirations for Business Northumberland that includes the vibrant and contemporary feel of the Arch brand. The tenderer will ensure all communications are consistent in tone and style and instantly recognisable as Business Northumberland. The branding should be appropriate and attractive to businesses looking for support: Those setting up their own business in Northumberland and the wider NE LEP region (start up) New businesses looking for support in Northumberland and the wider NE LEP region (new businesses) Established Northumberland and the wider NE LEP region based businesses looking for support to grow (growth businesses) Established Northumberland and the wider NE LEP region based businesses with the potential to grow turnover by 20% over 2 years; (high growth businesses) 4
Businesses located outside of Northumberland considering relocating (inward investment) 3. Timescales 3.1 Project Budget The below timescales are indicative only. Arch reserves the right to change these at its discretion. The contract awarded will be valid until 30 th June 2019. This procurement is being carried out in principle - a successful supplier will only be chosen if external funding is approved for the scheme during April 2016. Arch reserves the right to not appoint a supplier if external funding fails to be secured. This is an ERDF funded programme whose activity is due to run until 31 st March 2019 3.2 Project Timescales Stage Deadline for receipt of completed submission Evaluation of submissions completed Notification of result of evaluation to successful and unsuccessful applicants Date/time 11am Tuesday 31 st May 5pm Thursday 2 nd June 5pm Friday 3 rd June 4. Evaluation Criteria/ Submission Requirements Your proposal must include the following information: 1. Breakdown of costs for each element, including VAT, to cover; o Design and production of a brand identity system o preparation of graphic brand concepts o detailed brand and identity design o Detailed brand guidelines, including finished artwork filed of formats of brand for use by client and external partner organisations. 2. Details and experience of the proposed design and account management team. 3. Outline project plan, including timelines. 4. Evidence of relevant design experience and examples of branding work. 5. Contact information for your company project lead. 5
Quotations will be assessed and scored on the following criteria: Cost and Quality Weighting Whilst cost will not be the only determining factor it will be a very significant consideration in the evaluation process, both in terms of actual cost and value for money for the level of service/produce being offered Cost; breakdown of costs including VAT 40% Please provide details on your capability, knowledge and resource capacity to demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the tender brief 20% Evidence of relevant design experience and examples of branding work 20% Outline initial design ideas/concepts 10% Outline project plan, including timelines 10% Score Performance Judgment 5 Exemplary response. Fully comprehensive and appropriate answer. Excellent Response of a high standard. Illustrates a highly appropriate understanding and 4 approach to the requirement. Very Good Response illustrates a good understanding of the requirement. An appropriate 3 response, although would benefit from further detail. Good 2 Response illustrates a basic understanding of the requirement but lacks detail. Satisfactory Very limited response lacking in any relevant detail. Illustrates a very limited 1 understanding of the Poor 0 No quality response submitted. Unacceptable Please also note that this project will be part funded through the European Union ERDF 2014-2020 Programme and applicants should be aware that they may be liable for any penalties received for procurement irregularities, if proven that it was due to advice or support received by the successful tenderer within the contract period. Proposal Format Proposals should clearly demonstrate how you meet each of the requirements set out above and provide access to examples that demonstrate you/your company s ability to meet the requirements. Submission 6
Please provide details of your fee proposal, as a monetary value, for providing the required service to Arch. The stated cost should include any additional services that are offered within the fee beyond the standard procedure. E.g. mileage, travel expenses, printed materials. *Please note all costs towards provision of goods/services must be included in the Total Price To Be Completed By Supplier DESCRIPTION BELOW OF GOODS AND/OR SERVICE QUANTITY UNIT PRICE EX VAT V.A.T. TOTAL UNIT PRICE (INCL V.A.T.) * If you have an alternative pricing structure to provide the required service to Arch please list here: Proposals are required electronically Arch Procurement (tenders@arch-group.co.uk). The contract is expected to commence by Monday 6 th June. 7