Peer Networks: Invitation to tender

Peer Networks is a national peer-to-peer networking initiative for SMEs that will be delivered locally through Dorset LEP and its growth hub, Dorset Gateway. The programme is funded by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) in response to a commitment made in the 2019 Business Productivity Review (BPR).  

We are seeking tenders from organisations able to deliver key elements of the Peer Network programme and support the growth of at least 120 participants from SMEs across the Dorset LEP area. 

Background

The UK's overall future productivity growth will, in large part, be determined by the performance of individual businesses. While the UK has some of the most productive businesses in the world, we also have many low productivity businesses. 

The BPR - part of the government’s Industrial Strategy - found that those businesses adopting formal management practices are more likely to achieve higher turnover, employment levels and productivity growth. There is a broad base of evidence that suggests that businesses that seek external advice or undertake formal training are more likely to improve their overall business performance.

Evidence supplied to the review by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicates that businesses often prefer to take advice from trusted sources, and they look to their existing networks, such as their peers or their accountants, when taking advice. Businesses also usually take advice at trigger points, such as when faced with challenges requiring change, including both competitive pressures and opportunities.

Proposal

Dorset LEP is seeking to appoint a provider(s) to deliver key elements of the Peer Network programme. This is expected to support the growth of at least 120 participants from SMEs, through the provisions of cohort groups, across the Dorset LEP area.

The programme will see the creation of a series of peer networks (cohorts), with each group consisting of between 8-11 owners or managers from the SME business community participating in each network. Led by an experienced facilitator, these peer networks will typically meet fortnightly as part of delivering 18 hours of action learning through two-to-three hour sessions. 

How to apply

Full details can be found in our formal tender document: Peer Networks: Invitation to tender.

This document was updated on 02 September to include three annexes which can be found from page 13 onwards in the tender document. Dorset LEP will commission up to 11 individual cohorts/peer networks and we invite applications from those who are able to deliver between 1 and 11 cohorts.

The budget allocated is up to £14,000 per cohort (excluding VAT) - as a result, the contract value is between £14,000 and £154,000 (excluding VAT). 

The tender deadline is 18:00, Tuesday 8 September 2020.