Business Support Consultancy Panel

The expectation is to deliver 2 workshops in each financial year of the contract – these workshops will form part of a mini programme of support that consist of a half day workshop that leads into 1-2-1 support for each of the businesses taking part. The workshop will address a specific need, and the content will likely need to be developed to address the business need.

This category is in place for businesses who have expressed a desire to grow or improve their practices but do not neatly fit into a specific support specialism.      Consultants applying to deliver this Lot will need to have a wide-ranging knowledge across all areas of the business and do a level of diagnostic work to see what is needed. Support activities could include business planning, high level financial planning (non-accountancy accredited) e.g. looking at pricing, existing financial forecasts and budget. As well as sales and marketing strategy and other operational areas of the business.

Financial planning support provided under this Lot would be from certified Accountants to offer specialist financial advice and guidance on detailed forecasting and budgeting, also implementing new financial processes/systems (non-IT)

Consultant that specialises in Social Enterprises and CICs – support could include; Providing advice and guidance to an existing trading business that wants to set up as a Social Enterprise or CIC Providing guidance on sources of finance open to Social Enterprises and CICs Helping business owners understand more about what it means to be a social business.

Advice and guidance on the creation of new websites or improvement of existing Digital marketing and social media                                                                            Advice on the creation of apps or similar                                                                   Advice and guidance on implementing CRMS, new stock control systems or other relevant digital systems Advice and guidance on implementing new digital processes e.g. AI

Advice and guidance on the implementation of relevant new processes and systems to increase efficiency and effectiveness.                                      This activity may specifically support effective Supply Chain Management for example when the new process and systems relate to the flow of goods, data, and finances related to a product or service, from the procurement of raw materials to the delivery of the product at its final destination.

Advice and guidance on improved sales techniques to increase turnover        Advice and guidance on marketing practices                                                            Creation of sales and marketing strategies Please note that all activities delivered through this Lot must upskill the business owner and isn’t hours of time to deliver specific marketing work or campaign

Helping businesses reduce their environmental impact and work towards being carbon neutral.                                                                        Specific activities could include;                    Provision of an environmental action plan consisting of short and long-term goals Analysis of the initial environmental action plan and research further optional solutions (guidance, funding, other support channels).                               1-2-1 support on how to get started with the environmental action plan.