Organisations with expertise, industry knowledge and a passion for supporting growth are being urged to help usher in a new era of business support.

As part of the new Business Tees Valley service, a procurement process has now been launched to attract delivery partners to offer high-quality support for firms across our region.

The move is a key part of plans to create a more connected business support ecosystem across the region, making it easier for our firms to find the help they need, access specialist expertise and navigate support services with confidence.

The new approach will bring together a range of specialist providers under a common operating model, customer journey and referral process, helping to ensure businesses receive a more seamless experience regardless of where they enter the support system.

Consortia bids are also encouraged in addition to single provider responses.

Seven Lots are available through the process, covering key sectors, communities and areas of specialist support.

They are:
Foundational Economy

Advanced Manufacturing & Modern Industrial Technologies

Digital & Tech

Creative & Cultural

Games

Female Founders

Specialist Expertise Network

We know our businesses want an easier system to navigate when accessing support.

We want our own local companies to come with us and make sure the new Business Tees Valley system does what it says on the tin.

Easier applications, easier to navigate and not applying over and over again for separate packages of support.

Successful bidders will work alongside Business Tees Valley and other organisations to help firms overcome challenges, unlock opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.

The move is one part of wider plans to create a more connected business support ecosystem.

Sarah Walker, Director of Business Solutions at TVCA, added: "This is a fundamentally new approach to business support in Tees Valley that puts businesses at the centre to make it easier to access the help they need.

"Too often, businesses find the support landscape difficult to navigate.

“We want Business Tees Valley to create a more connected ecosystem to bring organisations together, remove barriers and help firms access the right expertise at the right time.

"This is an opportunity to be part of a transformational programme that will help businesses start, strengthen and scale, while supporting economic growth and job creation across Tees Valley."

To support organisations interested in bidding, a new Supplier Noticeboard has also been launched, providing a space for potential partners – and our SMEs in particular – to connect and explore collaboration opportunities ahead of submitting bids.

The framework has been designed to give Business Tees Valley the flexibility to draw on the right expertise at the right time, ensuring businesses can access tailored support to reflects their individual needs and ambitions.

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, TVCA Cabinet Member for Finance, Organisational Improvement and Business Growth, added: “We want our businesses to spend less time searching and applying for support and more time growing.

"Business Tees Valley will make it easier for firms to access the expertise and guidance they need.

"We want to ensure businesses across our region receive the right support at the right time."

Organisations interested in becoming Delivery Partners can find full details of the opportunities available through the procurement portal here.