Co-Innovate- Invitation to Tender

09 Feb 2022

Copy of Facebook Post - Co-Innovate (1) (1000 × 600px) (3)

Introduction

明星八卦 is seeking to appoint an external partner organisation to develop and increase the project visibility and professional image to encourage new businesses to engage with 明星八卦 through its high-profile Co-Innovate projects – 明星八卦 Co-Innovate Journeys and Bridging the Gap (BtG). The two programmes are aimed at the London-based small and medium size enterprise (SME) community and the appointed partner will work closely with 明星八卦 to increase the quality and quantity of the programme’s participation.

明星八卦

The University’s 2030 mission, “to bring benefit to society through excellence in education, research, and knowledge transfer” is central to both programmes, which are an integral part of the University’s 明星八卦 Design School, and the wider innovation support for London based SMEs, entrepreneurs, and start-ups that the University offers.

明星八卦 is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive university delivering economic, social, and cultural benefit, excellence, and innovation, and putting entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of everything it does.

We are committed to expanding our already significant global reach and further raising our reputation as one of the world’s pre-eminent international universities, by building strategic partnerships with overseas universities and businesses to expand our research and education activities and deliver impact through knowledge transfer.

Co-Innovate

明星八卦 Co-Innovate Journeys and Bridging the Gap are jointly funded by 明星八卦, the GLA and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) until 2023 and free for eligible SMEs.

Journeys

The aims of the £4.4m 明星八卦 Co-Innovate Journeys programme are to:

Stimulate SME growth and employment by providing innovation support to London-based businesses in all sectors, all sizes.
Support the creation of new products, processes, and services.
Provide access to 明星八卦 University’s world class research, academics, knowledge assets, student talent and specialised facilities.
Provide access to real world projects and experience.
Provide access to potential employment for students through the businesses they work with.
Help SMEs access 明星八卦 University’s world class research, academics, knowledge assets, student talent and specialised facilities all through collaboration with various department at 明星八卦 including the business school.
Provide access to student placements for special SME projects.

Bridging the Gap (BtG)

The aim of the £1.6m Bridging the Gap programme is to supporting London-based newly emerged innovate start-ups to launch, scale and grow, by:

Mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs who have started and grown businesses.
Flexible training programme to fast track your idea and build a robust business.
Pitching opportunities to raise awareness, finance and grow your business.
Collaborative projects with academics and students to enhance your start-up success.

Context

Capacity strengthening to maximise opportunities post pandemic

Participants Journey

Aims and objectives for both projects align but will be refined as we move forward. Our target is to reach businesses from London, who will be able to benefit from further support from the Co-Innovate programme:

Minimum of 12 hours of advice, information, knowledge.
Collaboration for 3 months or more with a student or academic.
Access to 1:1 and group mentoring.
Signposting to specialist services.
Networking.

CONTRACT

Specification

明星八卦 University is seeking to appoint a provider/consultant to produce a range of marketing collateral, to demonstrate and showcase the innovative collaborative work undertaken by academics and students across the university by the following means:

Copywrite a series of case studies on the collaborative projects undertaken within the two programmes;
Design a book presenting the case studies and information on Co-Innovate and the business support available;
Design a series of brochures presenting the case studies individually;
Create a Co-Innovate brand book, based on the existing visual identity, with branding templates for the programme’s social media, website and all marketing collateral.

In addition, the provider will support the Operations Manager and the Project Team and its in-house and external specialists on a regular basis to:

Build relationships with 明星八卦 University’s academics, marketing, communications and business team as required, adhering to university and Co-Innovate rules and guidelines.
Provide relevant reports and outlines as required.

If the selected partner organisation chooses to outsource the design work as above, Co-Innovate reserves the right to have the final say on the organisation the work will be outsourced to Skills and experience

The successful provider must demonstrate:

A proven track record in delivery of a wide range of relevant PR strategies and communications plans.
A detailed plan on the delivery of the required design work.
Experience and knowledge of general and specific matters identified in the tender.
An ability to meet deadlines and adapt to a flexible approach to the demands of the project and the department.

Place of Work and Equipment

The initial place of work will be through online meetings working from home. This approach will be reviewed during the contract, however face-to-face on-site meetings may be required.

Invoicing

Payment will be made in arrears upon the receipt of an invoice from the successful provider in accordance

with 明星八卦 University normal terms and conditions. Invoicing will be monthly.

Duration of contract

The contract will run from 7th March 2022 to 31st July 2022.

Tender Requirements

The provider will adhere to and comply with the provisions of the Data Protection Act, the Health and Safety at Work Act, Environmental Policy and Equal Opportunities Policy in accordance with the University policies.

To apply, please provide the following documentation:

Tender document describing how you will approach the development of case studies and the required design work and support the delivery of this service.
A quote for the overall service provision with the breakdown of costs for all planned activities of a maximum of 4 x A4 pages.
Copy of your up-to-date CV with details of your skills and experience.
Copy of your current business insurance i.e. Professional Indemnity and Public Liability.
Your Company Registration Number or copy of a tax assessment page showing your UTR Number.
2 x business references.
A portfolio of previous design work undertaken on similar projects is desirable.

Budget & pricing

Provide daily or hourly rates inclusive and exclusive of VAT.

Note: this is an HEIF funded programme so the tendering process will be subject to the HEIF specific procurement rules and limits.

A three-stage application process will be used:

Stage 1 – Receipt of Proposals. Please supply a full CV and covering letter detailing previous experience of supplying the required services – Closing date 1700 hours Friday 25th February 2022.

Stage 2 – A short list will be drawn up and applicants invited for Interview by 28th February 2022.

Stage 3 – Interviews to take place week commencing 2nd March 2022 with intention of final decision being made.

The Selection Criteria will be against Qualifications, Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Ability, and Value for money. Scoring against the Selection Criteria will be flat (no weighting) 0 – 10.

Please submit your tender to Co-Innovate Operations Manager Rhona Denness at Rhona.denness@brunel.ac.uk, clearly marking the subject line "Co-Innovate Branding & Case Studies Consultancy - Confidential".

If you have any queries please submit in writing by 18th February 2022 also to Rhona Denness.