INVITATION TO TENDER

INVITATION TO TENDER

BUSINESS LINK NORTHWEST

PROCUREMENT OF MARKETING SERVICES

BLNW002MS

PREPARED BY: ALASTAIR MARSDEN

DATE: 8TH February 2008

Invitation to Tender of 49Version 1Issue date

8th February 2008

Dear Sirs

INVITATION TO TENDERTITLE OF TENDER: MARKETING SERVICESBLNW REF: BLNW002MS

You are hereby invited by Business Link Northwest (BLNW) to submit a tender for the above goods / services.

Any contract awarded following your tender will commence on the date of acceptance and is subject to the conditions of contract.

Tender Timetable

Tenderers’ clarification questions to be submitted by 24/3/2008The return date for this tender is 10.00 o’clock 31/3/2008The anticipated contract award date is w/c 12/5/2008

Documentation

You are required to return three original hardcopy proposals of the response to the Invitation to Tender Document, clearly marked as such.

Tenders must be returned to the address below in accordance with the ‘Instructions to Tenderers’ in particular point 6, to:

TENDER BOARD BLNW002MSBusiness Link NorthwestBuilding 2City Office ParkBluebell WayPrestonPR2 5PZ

Whilst Tenderers are preparing their responses, questions will inevitably arise. It is requested that all queries be referred in writing to Alastair Marsden, Procurement Officer (telephone 01772 790495, email: [email protected]) at the above address. In order to allow BLNW time to offer appropriate answers, Tenderers must submit any queries in writing to Alastair Marsden by the date specified in the table above.

If BLNW considers any question or request for clarification to be of material significance, both the query and the response will be posted on the BLNW website at


www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest/tender in an anonymous form. It is the responsibility of the Tenderers party to check this website periodically before the tender return date to check for any updates and to incorporate these updates into its tender submission.

We look forward to receiving your tender response.

Yours faithfully

Alastair MarsdenProcurement Officer


http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest/tender

CONTENTS

1. Instructions to Tenderers

2. Invitation to Tender

2.1 Background Information2.2 Specification and Scope2.3 Evaluation Criteria

3. Tender Documents

3.1 Structure of Proposal3.2 Response3.3 General Supplier Details 3.4 Subcontractor Arrangements3.5 Form of Tender (this form must be signed and returned)3.6 Pricing Preambles3.7 Pricing Schedule 3.8 References 3.9 Disputes3.10 Financial Information3.11 Conflict of Interest

4. Description of Lots 1 to 14


1. INSTRUCTIONS TO TENDERERS

1. Tenders must be submitted in accordance with these instructions and any further instructions contained in other documentation issued by BLNW.

2. Alterations: The Tenderer may not alter this document. Any proposed alteration is to be given in a separate letter accompanying the tender.

3. Non-compliant or incomplete tenders: Tenders may not be considered if any of the requested information is not supplied with the tender.

4. Tenderers must submit a compliant bid based on the structure as outlined in this document. However, if Tenderers wish to submit a variant proposal, they should do so separately and this must be in addition to a compliant bid.

5. Envelopes/packages should be plain and must not show any reference to the Tenderer’s identity. Tenderers should note that this also applies to any tenders sent via courier. Tenders in envelopes, which in any way identify the Tenderer, may be rejected.

6. The date and time for return of tenders is 10.00am on Monday 31st March 2008. Tenders will be received up to this time and date. It is the Tenderers’ responsibility to ensure that their tender is received on time. BLNW does not undertake to consider tenders received after that time unless clear evidence of posting via the Post Office is available (ie a clear black postmark and/or certificate of posting). Late tenders franked with the Tenderers’ own franking machine will automatically be rejected, as will late tenders dispatched by methods other than via the Post Office.

7. Facsimile, e-mail, and telephone: Tenders will not be considered if sent by these methods. Hand delivery of envelopes will be accepted.

8. BLNW does not issue acknowledgement of receipt of tender documents and accepts no responsibility for loss or non-receipt of applications.

9. The tender should be completed legibly in black ink, black ballpoint or clearly typed.

10. BLNW expressly reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this procurement process and it shall not be liable for any costs incurred by Tenderers. BLNW also reserves the right to accept all or any part of a tender.

11. Prices shown should be exclusive of VAT.

12. Confidentiality of tenders: The Tenderer must not inform anyone else of their tendered price. The only exception is if the Tenderer is required to obtain an insurance quotation to calculate the tender price then the Tenderer may give details of their bid to the insurance company or brokers, if requested.

13. The Tenderer must not try to obtain any information about any other party’s tender or proposed tender before the contract is awarded.


14. The Tenderer must not arrange with any other party the submission of a tender, except in the circumstances where sub-contracting and/or joint ventures are applicable.

15. Trading names/invoicing: Where invoices will be rendered by, or payments made to, an entity whose title differs in any respect from the title in which the tender is submitted, full details must be provided in a letter accompanying the tender. Successful Tenderers who fail to provide this may experience delays in payment or non payment of their invoices.

16. Tenders must be returned to Business Link Northwest, City Office Park, Bluebell Way, Preston, Lancashire PR2 5PZ not later than 10.00am as per date stated at the front of this Invitation to Tender document. Tenders must be delivered either by post or by hand to the reception desk, ensuring that a member of staff notes the time and date of receipt, as tenders delivered otherwise may not arrive on time.

17. Except where BLNW considers that questions are not material to the procurement process and the fullest understanding of its objectives, such questions and their subsequent replies will be disseminated to all Tenderers. Tenderers should note in relation to all responses to questions in connection with this Invitation to Tender that BLNW makes no guarantee that such information in response to questions will be made available and are not warranting its accuracy.

18. Tenderers should note that during this tender process they should not contact any of BLNW respective Board Members, Executive Directors, employees or advisers or any third parties connected to BLNW or any advisers to this procurement, outside of the process outlined within this section and elsewhere within this document.

19. All responses to this Invitation to Tender must be in English.

20. BLNW reserves the right, at its discretion, to request clarification in writing, or further relevant information, from any Tenderer post submission of the tender response by such Tenderer.

21. Eligibility of prospective Contractors: Any change that is considered material by BLNW as to the identity or control of a Tenderer, or in the eligibility of a Tenderer, happening before or after the Tenderer has submitted its response to the Invitation to Tender, will lead to its disqualification. Where the Tenderer is a consortium, the lead consortium member must remain the same as when originally shortlisted. The full consortium membership must be disclosed and set at the time of submission of the Invitation to Tender response and there must be no material changes in the consortium after the tender submission. BLNW must be advised of any change in the consortium membership or in the principal relationships between members of the consortium. Any change which is considered material will lead to the Tenderer’s disqualification.


22. Freedom of Information Legislation

1. BLNW may be obliged to disclose information provided by Tenderers in response to this Invitation to Tender under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, all subordinate legislation made under this and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (“the Freedom of Information Legislation”).

2. Tenderers should be aware that the information they provide could be disclosed in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Legislation. BLNW will proceed on the basis of disclosure unless an appropriate exemption applies. Tenderers should be aware that despite the availability of some exemptions, information may still be disclosed if the public interest in its disclosure outweighs the public interest in maintaining the exemption. No response to this Tender should be covered by a general statement regarding its overall confidentiality; instead any specific areas of confidential information should be highlighted in accordance with paragraph 3 below. BLNW accepts no liability (including for negligence) for loss as a result of any information disclosed in response to a request under the Freedom of Information legislation.

3. Tenderers should highlight information in their responses which they consider to be commercially sensitive or confidential in nature, and should state the precise reasons why they consider this.

4. BLNW will use reasonable endeavours to consult with Tenderers over the release of information which is highlighted by them as commercially sensitive or confidential.

23. Tenderers are required to agree to BLNW’s Terms and Conditions of Contract. Any proposed amendments regarding the Terms and Conditions must be documented in the Tenderer’s bid and submitted by the tender return date. BLNW will then determine whether the proposed amendments reflect a compliant bid.

24. In addition to this Invitation to Tender are BLNW’s Standard Terms and Conditions of Contract for Goods / services. These can be downloaded from the www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest/tender page.

Please do not email your Tender response unless requested to do so.


http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest/tender

2. INVITATION TO TENDER

2.1 Background Information

Business Link Northwest is here to help by providing impartial, expert support to North West businesses. We offer a complete resource incorporating a business support and information service to help your business find the right solutions. The service is government-funded and is completely free to use. Our aim is simple. We want to help your business flourish and grow, and in turn, contribute to the competitiveness and prosperity of the North West.

For further details of the BLNW’s role and activities visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest


http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest

2.2 Specification and Scope

BLNW wishes to procure a range of marketing services.

This range of services is broken down into Lots. Tenderers may bid for one lot, several lots or all lots.

Lot Number Description Lot 1 Marketing support servicesLot 2 Market research servicesLot 3 Mailing service suppliersLot 4 Promotional goods suppliersLot 5 Event management servicesLot 6 Photographic servicesLot 7 Printing servicesLot 8 Print ManagementLot 9 Telemarketing servicesLot 10 Web design & development servicesLot 11 E-marketing servicesLot 12 Public Relations servicesLot 13 TV advertisingLot 14 Media booking servicesLot 15 Design services

A detailed specification for each Lot is available in section 4.


2.3 Evaluation Criteria

BLNW will evaluate all Tenders on the basis of the “most economically advantageous tender”.

The overall evaluation process will be conducted in a fair and equitable manner, so that BLNW is able to consider the value for money of each proposal. This means that different clarification/information may be sought from different Tenderers.

BLNW will take up references and reserves the right to pay due heed to the Tenderer’s performance elsewhere and any past experience from BLNW or its staff.

Each Lot tendered for will be the subject of a separate evaluation. It is possible, therefore, that Tenderers will be either ‘wholly successful’, ‘partially successful’ or ‘unsuccessful’.

The evaluation criteria described in this Invitation to Tender document will be used to inform the final decision as to which Tenderers will be awarded a Contract / appointed to a framework panel. ( A framework panel is a list of approved suppliers )

Evaluation of tenders is split between the criteria listed in the table below. Each section has an overall weighting reflecting the relative importance of each section to BLNW. The sub-total of marks for each section will be added together to produce a final score for each Tenderer.

Evaluation Criteria Criteria Weighting

1. Cost and value for money offered 302. Quality of work and samples provided 303. Ability to deliver innovative, creative & high quality results 104. Policy’s, procedures, accreditations 155. Reliability 56. Experience of account team 57. Ability to meet deadlines / delivery timescales 58. Compliance with BLNW Terms & Conditions In / Out9. Financial Status In / Out

In/Out – perceived as mission-critical requirements and thus will not attract a score or weighting, but will determine whether a Tenderer remains in the process.

BLNW reserves the right to take into account any other relevant considerations that, in its absolute discretion, it may deem are appropriate.


3. TENDER DOCUMENTS

3.1 Structure of Proposal

The proposal should be structured as follows:

Introduction/covering letter Response to Section 3.2, questions (a) - (c). General Supplier Details 3.3 – completion of questionnaire Response to Section 3.4, Subcontractor Arrangements Completed Form of Tender 3.5 Pricing Schedule 3.7 Completed form of References 3.8 Disputes 3.9 Financial Information 3.10 Conflict of interest declaration Confirmation of acceptance of Terms and Conditions (see Instructions for Tenderers,

point 24). Response to each Lot

3.2 Response

Tenderers must ensure that their Tender response is submitted in the format described in this document.

Please reply to each point, stating ‘Noted’ or ‘Agreed’, as appropriate, where no specific response is required.

Where responses are not offered or further information (eg an attachment) is missing, an evaluation rating of zero may be recorded.

All tenders must be complete and should offer the most economically advantageous bid available to BLNW.

Please provide no more than one page of narrative in response to questions (a) - (c) below. If you wish, you may provide additional information, eg copies of policies etc, in an Appendix.

General Response

(a) Tenderers must provide their plans for complying with the provision of the proposed goods and services with regard to equal opportunities, discrimination, health and safety, race relations and any other legal requirements.

(b) Tenderers should provide a copy of their Environmental policy

Customer Related Requirements


(c) Tenderers must have policies, procedures and resources for dealing with customer dissatisfaction and/or complaints. Tenderers should describe their procedures in this respect (including escalation procedures).

3.3 GENERAL SUPPLIER DETAILS


Name of CompanyAddress

Post Code

Contact NameTelephone Numbere-mail address

1 Is your organisation: i) a public limited company?

Yes/No

ii) a limited company? Yes/Noiii) a sole trader? Yes/Noiv) a partnership? Yes/No

2 Is your company a subsidiary of another company?

Yes/No

3 Name of holding or parent company

4 Name of ultimate parent company (if applicable)

5. Has your organisation made any application for third party funding – including State Aid assistance – in relation to the goods and services you are intending to provide?

Yes/No

6. Is your organisation registered under the Data Protection Act 1998?

Yes/No

7. If yes, registration number:

8. Please advise if your invoice address is different from the above:

9. Please provide details of any quality assurance certification that your company holds e.g. IS0 9000 or equivalent standard. Please include a copy of any certificate.

If no accreditation held, please attach an outline of your quality assurance policy.


3.4 Subcontractor Arrangements

BLNW intends to enter into a contract with the successful tenderer(s). If the Tenderer intends to sub-contract any of the Goods or Services, full details must be disclosed with the tender.

The Tenderer shall not sub-contract any of the Goods or Services without the previous consent in writing of BLNW. Any such consent, if given, may be subject to any conditions which BLNW considers appropriate. Such conditions will include a requirement that the Tenderer must comply with all applicable European procurement legislation in connection with the procurement of any of the Goods or Services and the Tenderer will promptly provide to BLNW any information which BLNW may request in order to satisfy itself that the Tenderer has done so.

1. Please tick the box below which applies

a) We are bidding to provide all the Goods and services required, without the use of subcontractors

b) We are bidding in the role of Prime Contractor and intend to use subcontractors to provide some goods or services

2. If the answer to question 1 is (b) please identify intended subcontractors for the bid (if currently known) below:

Organisation name Organisation address and contact details Service provision responsibility


3.5 Form of Tender

To be returned by 10.00am on Monday 31st March 2008 to the address indicated on page 2 of this Invitation to Tender Document.

TENDER FOR: BLNW002MS

1. I/We agree and/or certify that this offer and any Framework Agreement or Contract arising from it shall be bound by the Invitation to Tender Documentation

Yes/No*

2. I/We agree and/or certify to supply goods/services of the exact quality, sort and price specified in the Pricing Schedule(s) in such quantities and to such extent and at such times and locations as Business Link Northwest may direct;

Yes/No*

3. I/We agree and/or certify that this offer is made in good faith and that we have not fixed or adjusted the amount of the offer by or under or in accordance with any agreement or arrangement with any other person;

Yes/No*

4. I/We agree and/or certify that we will not communicate to any person other than the person inviting these offers the (or approximate amount of) offer, except where the disclosure, in confidence of the approximate amount of the offer was necessary to obtain quotations required for the preparation of the offer, for insurance purposes or for a contract guarantee bond;

Yes/No*

5. I/We agree and/or certify that we will not enter in to any arrangement or agreement with any other person that s/he shall refrain from making an offer or as to the amount of any offer to be submitted;

Yes/No*

6. I/We agree and/or certify that we will not pay, give, offer or agree to pay or to give any sum of money or other valuable considerable directly or indirectly to any person for doing or having done or causing or having caused to be done in relation to any offer or proposed offer for the goods/services any act or thing of the sort described in 3, 4, or 5 above.

Yes/No*

7. I/We acknowledge that if I/we have acted or shall act in contravention of this Form of Tender, BLNW will be entitled to cancel the contract and to recover from ourselves the amount of any loss and expense resulting from such a cancellation.

Yes/No*


8. I/We agree that this tender and any contract which may result from it shall be based on this Form of Tender, Terms and Conditions, Specification / Brief attached, Pricing Schedule attached, and our response to this invitation to tender (to the extent to which BLNW may determine in accepting the tender).

Yes/No*

9. I/We agree that any other terms and conditions of contract or any general reservations, which may be printed on any correspondence, issued by us shall not be applicable to any contract resulting from this tender.

Yes/No*

* Please delete one

NoteIn this Form of Tender, the word 'person' includes any person and any body or association, corporate or unincorporated; 'any agreement or arrangement' includes any transaction, formal or informal and whether legally binding or not.

TENDERERS MUST RESPOND TO ALL QUESTIONS IN THIS FORM OF TENDER, OTHERWISE THE TENDER RESPONSE WILL BE CONSIDERED INVALID.

Signed _________________________________________________________

Full Name (print)_________________________________________________

On Behalf of_____________________________________________________

Position in Company______________________________________________

Date___________________________________________________________


3.6 Pricing Preambles

1. The Pricing Schedule contains the Tenderer’s tendered rates.

2. All prices quoted shall be fixed and firm and shall apply during the whole of the Contract period.

3. The prices in the Pricing Schedule shall include for all goods and services shown or described in the Contract as a whole and for all goods or services not described but apparent as being necessary for the complete and proper execution of the provision of the goods and services.

4. No quantity or continuity of work is guaranteed to the successful Contractor and this should be taken into account when completing the Pricing Schedule. Unless expressly stated to the contrary, any quantities given in the Pricing Schedule are for information only.

5. Each item in the Pricing Schedule must be fully priced, with insertions for each item. If any item is unpriced (whether by leaving the rate and/or amount space blank or by entering “included” or otherwise), that item shall be deemed to be priced at “nil”.

6. Applications for payment shall be made in accordance with the procedures described in BLNW’s Conditions of Contract.

7. All prices quoted shall be exclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT).

8. All prices shall be carriage paid, including packaging and labeling. For services additional costs for mileage and accommodation should be stated. Subsequent invoices for additional charges that were not declared in the tender response will be rejected.

9. Figures inserted into the Schedule of Rates must be a single figure and not a range of figures.


3.7 Pricing Schedule

1. Please give details in the Pricing Schedule Table below. Please insert Not Applicable for any lots that are not being tendered for. Please extend the text boxes if you require more space.

2. Demonstrate how the proposed rates offer value for money to BLNW.(ie stating standard rate and discount offered to BLNW).

Lot Number

Pricing Details

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.


10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

3. Please confirm that the rates provided shall be held firm for the full duration of the contract period.

CONFIRM YES/NO* *Delete as appropriate


3.8 References

1. Is your organisation an approved supplier under any OGC approved framework agreement?

Yes/No

2. Details of three major recent private sector contracts you have been awarded for the provision of services similar to those required by BLNW

Customer name and address

Contact name and Telephone number

Date contract awarded

Contract reference and brief description of service undertaken

Names of subcontractors and/ or consortium members and their role

1.

2.

3.

3. Details of any major recent contracts you have been awarded by organisations in the wider public sector (e.g. government departments, local authorities, NHS trusts, RDAs) for the provision of services similar to those required by BLNW

Customer name and address

Contact name and Telephone number

Date contract awarded

Contract reference and brief description of service undertaken

Names of subcontractors and/ or consortium members and their role

1.

2.

3.


3.9 DISPUTES

1. Please provide details if during the last 3 years, there have been any contracts where there has been a failure to complete the contract on time or at all, or where there have been claims for damages, or where damages have been deducted or recovered.

2. Details of any contracts which have been terminated during the last 3 years.

3. Are there any court actions and/ or significant employment tribunal hearings outstanding against your organisation?If yes, please provide details

Yes/No

4. Has your organisation been involved in any court action and/ or significant employment tribunal over the last 3 years?If yes, please provide details

Yes/No

3.10 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

1) A copy of the most recent audited accounts for your organisation must be provided that cover the last two years of trading or for the period that is available if trading for less than two years.

2) A statement of the organisation’s turnover, Profit & Loss and cash flow position for the most recent full year of trading (or part year if full year not applicable) and an end period balance sheet, where this information is not available in an audited form at (1).

3) Where (2) cannot be provided, a statement of the organisation’s cash flow forecast for the current year and a bank letter outlining the current cash and credit facility position.

Note: Where a consortium or association is proposed, the information is requested for each member company.

If your company is a subsidiary of another company, parent company and/or other guarantees of performance and financial standing may be required if considered appropriate.


3.11 CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Where there is any indication that a conflict of interest exists or may arise, then it shall be the responsibility of the Tenderer to inform BLNW, detailing the conflict in writing as an attachment to this tender.

BLNW will be the final arbiter in cases of potential conflicts of interest. Failure to notify BLNW of any potential conflict of interest will invalidate any verbal or written agreement.

*A Conflict of interest is where a person who is involved in the procurement has or may be perceived to have a personal interest in ensuring that a particular tenderer is successful. Actual and potential conflicts of interest must be declared by a person involved in a tender process.

Are you aware of any conflict of interest between your company and BLNW Y / N*


4.1 LOT 1 Marketing Support Services

Business Link Northwest is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers to support its day to day marketing remit, for the next three years, in order to fulfil its marketing brief.

The successful applicant will work alongside Business Link Northwest’s internal marketing department and other associated service suppliers where applicable.

Interested parties must be able to demonstrate a full range of marketing services, either provided by a full-service agency, or in partnership with named associates.

Business Link Northwest is looking for optimum cost effectiveness and will seek a supplier who can protect and maintain its corporate identity, and deliver its campaigns in an informed manner. It will expect the successful tenderer to continuously improve the quality, service levels and costs of such a provision to mutual benefit.

The contract will cover Business Link’s broad marketing brief to include, among others;

the development of external marketing campaigns the generation of an online profile on leading networking sites advertising website internal and external newsletters consultancy services

Tenderers must demonstrate a strong understanding of the target market and how they would seek to secure appropriate marketing channels, set measurement criteria and evaluate the success of campaigns.

Business Link Northwest is seeking a creative, dynamic agency, or equivalent, who can provide an innovative, resourceful and inspired approach to their business.

Organisational Background

Applicants will detail how the account will be managed and the personnel proposed to handle this account, noting how they will maintain their reliability, quality of service, pricing structure and adherence to deadlines.

Applicants should give details of both their own staff and any associates who would be contributing towards the delivery of an awarded contract. Please note personal and client experience, individual expertise and availability within the team, also detailing the sectors of interest which are currently covered.


Please forward summary CVs of the proposed account team.

It will benefit your application if you detail proposed procedures and processes in managing this account, including client liaison, project management planning, progress reporting and other relative monitoring procedures.

Candidates are asked to give examples of public sector work, or equivalent experience, with samples where possible, and to provide references from at least two previous or current clients.

Tenderers should provide an overview of both theirs and any associates’ current day rates.

Exercise

Business Link Northwest knows that companies are aware, now, more than ever, of the importance of green issues. Its brokerage service can provide a wide range of support and information on such issues and you are asked to design and develop a campaign to raise awareness within the north west business community, highlighting how Business Link can help and driving enquiries to its helpline.


4.2 LOT 2 Market Research Services

Business Link Northwest is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers to support its day to day marketing remit, for the next three years, in order to fulfil its marketing brief. Specifically it is seeking a supplier of market research services.


Interested parties must be able to demonstrate a full range of market research services, either provided by a full-service agency, or in partnership with named associates, offering a range of techniques.

Information provided will be of both a qualitative and quantitative nature, demonstrating a strong understanding of various techniques in the B2B market. Examples will be sought demonstrating the different approaches to B2B situations including the production of concise, informative reports highlighting recommendations.

Business Link Northwest is looking for optimum cost effectiveness and will seek a supplier who fully understands its markets, so as to be able to deliver its campaigns in an informed manner. All campaigns will need to be effectively positioned, targeted and evaluated accordingly.

Business Link will expect the successful tenderer to continuously improve the quality, service levels and costs of such a provision to mutual benefit.

The contract will cover a wide range of market research requirements to include;

devising, conducting, analysing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative research to inform and evaluate marketing activity

devising, conducting, analysing and market testing of campaigns evaluation of campaigns secondary research to inform campaigns detailed research with particular target groups reporting and advising on campaign design and implementation

Business Link Northwest is seeking an experienced, dynamic agency, or equivalent, which can provide an innovative, resourceful and inspired approach to their business.


4.3 Lot 3 Mailing Services

Business Link Northwest is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers to provide a range of mailing services over the next three years in order to fulfil its marketing brief.


The successful applicant must be able to provide a comprehensive selection of mailing services, either all provided in-house, or working in partnership with named associates.

Business Link Northwest is looking for optimum cost effectiveness and will seek a supplier who can provide a proactive service, guiding them and informing their decision making with regard to mailing options. It will expect the successful tenderer to continuously improve the quality, service levels and costs of products to mutual benefit.

The contract will serve to support Business Link Northwest’s marketing activity, working with its own mailing lists on direct marketing campaigns, newsletter distribution and general mailouts as required.

Business Link Northwest has a strict set of corporate branding guidelines which must be adhered to at all times.

Applicants will detail how the account will be managed and the staff responsible for said account management.

They will detail how they will maintain their reliability, quality of service, pricing structure and adherence to deadlines. Please provide examples of such work, completed to date.

Candidates are asked to detail examples of similar work carried out for public sector clients or equivalent. They will be expected to provide a list of services showing costings and economies of scale where appropriate


4.4 LOT 4 Promotional Goods

Business Link Northwest is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers to provide a range of promotional items over the next three years in order to fulfil its marketing brief.

The successful applicant will work alongside Business Link Northwest’s internal marketing department, its appointed public relations and graphic design agencies and other associated service suppliers where applicable.

The successful applicant must be able to source a wide range of goods in both small and larger volumes, and to provide advice and guidance on suitable products for particular events and campaigns.

Business Link Northwest is looking for optimum cost effectiveness and will seek a supplier who can protect and maintain its corporate (visual) identity. It will expect the successful tenderer to continuously improve the quality, service levels and costs of products to mutual benefit.

The contract will cover Business Link’s internal and external markets for promotional goods, ranging from conferences and events, teaser campaigns, general give-aways and corporate incentives.



They will detail how they will maintain their reliability, quality of service, pricing structure and adherence to deadlines.

Candidates are asked to give examples of public sector work, or equivalent experience with samples where possible.

Applicants should show sample prices for the following incentive products in quantities of 100, 500, 1,000 and 5,000 where the Business Link Northwest logo will be printed in one position in two colours (pantone referenced) with additional information as detailed below.

Lanyards – Printed with logo, web address and phone number, 15mm with hook and safety breakRecycled Pens – with additional logo “Keen to be green?”Delegate Bags – classic meeting bag, handle or strap, 2 pockets


4.5 LOT 5 Event Management

Business Link Northwest is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers to provide a range of event management services over the next three years in order to fulfill its marketing brief. Successful parties will be asked to help with the planning, organisation, running and facilitation of a number of events, providing support services from delegate management, audio visual and technical support to advice on format and the running of the event.

The successful applicant will work alongside Business Link Northwest’s internal marketing department, appointed PR, marketing and graphic design agencies and other associated service suppliers where applicable.

The successful applicant must be able to provide a comprehensive range of event management services, either all provided in-house, or working in partnership with named associates.

Business Link Northwest is looking for optimum cost effectiveness and will seek a supplier who can provide a proactive service, informing their decision making with regard to their event management remit. It will expect the successful tenderer to continuously improve the quality, service levels and costs of products to mutual benefit.

The contract will serve to support Business Link Northwest’s ongoing marketing activity, serving both internal and external markets from staff development workshops to conferences, award ceremonies, corporate hospitality and networking opportunities.



Tenderers are asked to detail examples of similar work carried out for public sector clients or equivalent, demonstrating creativity with both content and cost effectiveness.

Applicants must detail special areas of staff expertise, length of service, professional qualifications and experience.

Exercise

As part of the assessment, Business Link Northwest asks how you would approach an internal event for its own staff. You can assume that the staff comprises 50% office based and 50% remote working brokers. All of the staff are


new appointments and while some might have worked for the former Business Link Operators, the majority is new to the organisation. It will be a half day event, held at a weekend, based on bringing people together and getting to know one another and the organisation, with an introduction to the new Executive Team. Please detail a breakdown of activity and advise on costs. You are asked to highlight outcomes and to consider what issues might be raised.

You are not required to cite venue costs or other variables, however, a detailed financial breakdown of the various, vital areas of event management being used for this task is necessary.


4.6 LOT 6 Photographic Services

Business Link Northwest is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers to provide a range of photographic services over the next three years in order to fulfil its marketing brief.


The successful applicant must be able to provide a comprehensive selection of services, either provided in-house, or working in partnership with named associates.

Business Link Northwest is looking for optimum cost effectiveness and will seek a supplier who can provide a proactive service, guiding them and informing their decision making with regard to the imagery they commission and building a concise image bank to suit all areas of its business.

The contract will serve to support Business Link Northwest’s marketing activity, both internal and external markets as required.



Candidates are asked to detail examples of similar work carried out for public sector clients or equivalent. They will be expected to provide a list of services showing costings and economies of scale where appropriate.

Business Link frequently requires photography for case study information, events and staff shoots, where the images will be required both for use on the web and to a standard suitable for hard copy reproduction. On each occasion a contact sheet would also need to provided. Please provide examples of such work along with any associated costs.

4.7 LOT 7 Printing Services


Business Link Northwest is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers to provide its printing, publishing and related service needs for the next three years in order to fulfil its marketing brief.

The successful applicant will work alongside Business Link Northwest’s internal marketing department, its appointed graphic design agency and other associated service suppliers where applicable.

The successful applicant must be able to fulfil both full colour, low volume short runs and also larger runs where necessary.

Business Link Northwest is looking for optimum cost effectiveness and will seek a supplier who can protect and maintain its corporate (visual) identity. It will expect the successful tenderer to continuously improve the quality, service levels and costs of document production to mutual benefit.

The contract will cover Business Link’s wide and varied printing requirements; corporate stationery poster campaigns flyers reports folders publicity packs display stands booklets newsletters signage conference materials


Applicants will detail how the account will be managed and the staff responsible for said account management. They will detail how they will maintain their reliability, quality of service, pricing structure and adherence to deadlines.

Candidates are asked to give examples of public sector work, or equivalent experience with samples where possible.

Applicants should show sample prices for the following printed items in quantities of 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000.

Postcard


Printed to two sides full colour to both sides, A6, laminated to one side and sealed, 300gsm.

Booklet210 x 210, printed both sides, full colour to both sides, spot UV in one position on the cover, 4 pages, 250gsm matt stock and sealed.

Gusset folderFull colour throughout, die cut forme as supplied by printer, pockets to both front and back cover, each 3mm gutter, assembled and glued, printed to both sides, 200gsm, oversized A4.

4.8 LOT 8 Print Management


Business Link Northwest is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers to provide print management services, for the next three years.


Interested parties must be able to demonstrate a full range of print management services, provided in full either in-house, or in partnership with named associates.

Business Link Northwest is looking for optimum cost effectiveness and will seek a supplier who can provide the most comprehensive, holistic approach to this field of expertise.

The contract will cover Business Link’s needs as follows;

Creative print Prepress Postpress Storage Distribution

Tenderers must demonstrate a strong understanding of Business Link’s requirements, providing close management at all times. It is looking for transparency, technological advancements, print replacement solutions, a continuous improvement of efficiency and, consequently low cost.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate that quality systems relating to these services are in place.









4.9 LOT 9 Telemarketing


Business Link Northwest is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers to provide a range of telemarketing services over the next three years in order to fulfil its marketing brief.



Business Link Northwest is looking for optimum cost effectiveness and will seek a supplier who can provide a proactive service, guiding them and informing their decision making with regard to telemarketing services.

The contract will serve to support Business Link Northwest’s marketing activity, both internal and external markets as required.


Tenderers must demonstrate a strong understanding of Business Link’s target markets and how they would set measurement criteria and evaluate the success of telemarketing campaigns.


Applicants will be expected to provide a list of services showing costings and economies of scale where appropriate.




Candidates are asked to give examples of public sector work, or equivalent experience, and to provide references from at least two previous or current clients.Tenderers should provide an overview of both theirs and any associates’ current day rates.


4.10 LOT 10 Webdeveloper, Design and Solution Services


Business Link Northwest is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers to provide a range of web-related services over the next three years in order to fulfil its marketing brief.

The successful applicant will work alongside Business Link Northwest’s internal marketing department, appointed graphic design and PR agencies, and other associated service suppliers where applicable.


Business Link Northwest is looking for optimum cost effectiveness and will seek a supplier who can provide a proactive service, guiding them and informing their decision making with regard to web development, e-marketing and design services online.

The contract will serve to support Business Link Northwest’s marketing activity, both internal and external markets as required. It will look at your application with regard to website design, marketing and website promotion, search engine optimisation, email marketing and structured internet marketing campaigns.


Tenderers must demonstrate a strong understanding of the target market and how they would seek to secure appropriate e-marketing channels, set measurement criteria and evaluate the success of campaigns.



Applicants will be expected to provide a list of services showing costings and economies of scale where appropriate.








4.11 LOT11 E-marketing Services


Business Link Northwest is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers to support its day to day marketing and public relations remit, for the next three years.

The successful applicant will work alongside Business Link Northwest’s E-business Officer, internal marketing department and other associated service suppliers where applicable.

Interested parties must be able to demonstrate a full range of e-marketing services, either provided by a full-service agency, or in partnership with named associates.

Business Link Northwest is looking for optimum cost effectiveness and will seek a supplier who is capable of planning, creating and delivering successful e-strategies and solutions.

Business Link Northwest is seeking a creative, dynamic supplier who can provide an innovative, resourceful and inspired approach to their business.

Tenderers must demonstrate a strong understanding of the target market and how they would seek to carry out successful campaigns, set measurement criteria and evaluate the successes thereof.

Applicants will demonstrate a proven track record in the following areas:

Email marketing, design, production, distribution and reporting E-newsletters Content, research, development and population SMS marketing Online marketing Search engine optimisation, promotion and positioning Competitor activity Blogging Pay per click campaigns Online advertising Viral campaigns List management Link campaigns E-marketing solutions Lead generation Online surveys and questionnaire Landing page design


4.12 LOT12 Public Relations Services

Business Link Northwest is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers to support its day to day public relations remit, for the next three years, in order to fulfil its PR brief.


Interested parties must be able to demonstrate a full range of public relations services, either provided by a full-service agency, or in partnership with named associates.

Business Link Northwest is looking for optimum cost effectiveness and will seek a supplier who is capable of planning, creating and delivering communication strategies and creative solutions. Applicants will have experience of handling complex issues and a proven track record of performance.


The successful candidate will protect and maintain Business Link Northwest’s corporate identity, and deliver its campaigns in an informed manner to all relevant areas of the press, including maintaining a high online presence.

Tenderers must demonstrate a strong understanding of the target market and how they would seek to secure appropriate media space, set measurement criteria and evaluate the success of campaigns.

The successful applicant will demonstrate a sound understanding and level of wide experience in the areas of;

Public sector, or equivalent, profile raising Media exposure Corporate events Media enquiries Press releases Campaign management Crisis management









Exercise

Business Link Northwest is a young organisation which has been in existence since April 2007.

As it nears completion of its first year you are asked to devise an integrated campaign highlighting Business Link Northwest’s new status and how you would address any unresolved issues arising from its historic status, distancing the new organisation from the old.


4.13 LOT13 TV Services

Business Link Northwest is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers of TV advertising services to support its day to day marketing and public relations activity.


Interested parties must be able to demonstrate a full range of services, either provided by a full-service agency, or in partnership with named associates.

Business Link Northwest is looking for optimum cost effectiveness, return on investment and value for money.

Understanding the nature of Business Link at both local and national level, in terms of ongoing campaigns, is of paramount importance.

Business Link Northwest is seeking a dynamic agency, or equivalent, which can provide an innovative, resourceful and inspired approach to their business.

The successful tenderers will have a proven track record in campaign result efficiency, with a capability to handle all advertising from concept to broadcast and performance analysis.

Applicants will need to explain the various campaigns open to Business Link and how pertinent to the nature of their business, providing full consultancy services to devise and implement the correct approach on each occasion, detailing services including script writing, casting, music and audio facilities.







4.14 LOT 14 Media Buying Tender

Business Link Northwest is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers of media booking services to support its day to day marketing activity.


Business Link Northwest is looking for optimum cost effectiveness and will seek a supplier who can provide a full range of services, either in-house or in association with named suppliers.

Applicants will need to demonstrate an ability to work with the marketing team to ensure that Business Link Northwest’s advertising spend achieves its best potential, building a stronger brand and generating more business.

Applicants will have a proven and demonstrable track record in negotiating advance and short-term rates to guarantee best value in the market place, and what opportunities such savings can bring about where return on investment is the leading factor.

Understanding the nature of Business Link at both local and national level, in terms of ongoing campaigns, is of paramount importance, hence an historic awareness of previous campaigns might benefit applicants.

Tenderers must demonstrate a strong understanding of the target market, where they perceive the gaps in Business Link’s current activity and how those gaps can be filled including creative ideas for the long term.







4.15 LOT 15 Design Services Tender

Business Link Northwest is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified suppliers of design services to support its day to day marketing activity.


Interested parties must be able to demonstrate a full range of design services, either provided by a full-service agency, or in partnership with named associates.

Business Link Northwest is looking for optimum cost effectiveness and will seek a supplier who can protect and maintain its corporate identity, adhere to branding guidelines and deliver its campaigns in an informed, inspired and creative manner.

Applicants will need to demonstrate an ability to work with the marketing team to develop concise design briefs from which to produce a standard choice of three routes per brief.

Understanding the nature of Business Link at both local and national level, in terms of ongoing campaigns, is of paramount importance, hence an historic awareness of previous campaigns might benefit applicants.

Design work will be targeted at both the external and internal markets.

The contract will complement Business Link’s broad marketing brief to include, among others;

the development of internal and external marketing campaigns event management materials advertising website internal and external newsletters

Tenderers must demonstrate a strong understanding of the target market and how they would apply creative solutions to the wide variety of marketing materials demanded by Business Link’s growing design brief.










Exercise

Business Link Northwest is a young organisation reaching the end of its first year in April 2008.

Occupying new premises in one of Preston’s brightest new business parks, staff have little time to explore the surrounding area and its facilities, spending most of their lunch inside the staff lounge. Many staff work remotely and are not in the office on a daily basis while others are desk based onsite.

Applicants are asked to develop a range of marketing tools, targeted towards Business Link’s internal market, making staff aware of where vital services are located….petrol stations, banks, post offices and where they might be able to go and grab a bite to eat at lunch.


INVITATION TO TENDER

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Transcript of INVITATION TO TENDER