CONTRACT NOTICE – NATIONAL

1 Authority Details

1.1

Authority Name and Address

1.2

Address from which documentation may be obtained

1.3

Completed documents must be returned to:

2 Contract Details

2.1

Title

Register for the provision of specialist business advice

2.2

Description of the goods or services required

Invitation to Register for the provision of Specialist Business Advice for the Business Gateway Service in Highland and Moray.

From April 2012, Highland Opportunity Limited (HOL) will be delivering under a new contract from Highland Council, the Business Gateway service in Highland and Moray. This provides a comprehensive package of advice, training, direction, European connections, enterprise agency connections and access to finance for local businesses who wish to start, develop and grow.

The provision of one to one specialist business advice will be a key part of the Business Gateway service. It is intended to enter into a framework agreement for an initial period of 3 years with suitable suppliers who will be available on a discretionary call-off basis to deliver advice to Business Gateway clients as a support service to HOL’s core Business Gateway team.

Interested suppliers should request a registration questionnaire by writing to;

Business Gateway

81 Castle Street

Inverness

IV2 3EA

Or by telephone to 01463 725940

Or by email to Bgateway@highland-opportunity.com

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=222222.

The awarding authority has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via a ‘Tender Submission Postbox’ facility. Further details of this facility are available at http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/PostBox/Postbox_Explain.aspx?ID=222222.

Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems. The postbox closes precisely at the time stated.

2.3

Notice Coding and Classification

a) Commodity Codes

b) Delivery Location/Area

2.4

Total quantity or scope of tender

£56,000 per annum in total

3 Conditions for Participation

3.1

Minimum standards and qualification required

Suppliers should show evidence of relevant professional experience in the business specialism(s) stated, including references, recognised industry qualifications where appropriate. Business Adviser accreditation would also be advantageous.

4 Administrative Information

4.1

Type of Procedure

Dual stage – Candidates must first pass a selection procedure before being invited to tender or negotiate.

4.2

Reference number attributed to the notice by the contracting authority

N/a

4.3

Time Limits

c) Estimated award date  05-04-2012

4.5

Language or languages in which tenders or requests to participate can be drawn up

EN 

4.6

Tender Submission Postbox

The awarding authority has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via the Tender Submission Postbox facility. Further details are available at http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/PostBox/Postbox_Explain.aspx?ID=222222

5 Other Information

5.1

Additional Information

(SC Ref:222222)

5.2

Additional Documentation

5.3

Publication date of this notice

02-03-2012