In April 2022, government launched the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), to replace the European Union funded structural funds. The primary goal of the UKSPF is to build pride in place and increase life chances across the UK. This aligns with the Levelling Up White Paper missions. Funding is targeted where it is needed most: building pride in place, supporting high quality skills training, supporting pay, employment and productivity growth and increasing life chances. The council has been allocated £7,545,330 to be spent between 2022 and 2025, of which, £903,194 is for ‘Multiply’ adult numeracy support which is subject to a separate decision. Government announced approval of the Investment Plan on the 5 December 2022, and Cabinet took the decision to accept and spend these funds on 15th December, 2022
https://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=9216
The Visitor Economy project aimed at:
? Promoting and developing the tourism industry in Herefordshire.
? Supporting the Herefordshire tourism industry in order to make it competitive in the national stage.
A procurement process was conducted in line with the high value process
as set out in the council’s Contracts Procedure Rules to deliver the Visitor Economy project.
An Invitation to Tender (ITT) was issued to all suppliers via the council’s e-tendering portal on 2nd October 2023, with a closing date of 24th October 2023 at 12.00pm. The winning bidder was:
Provider Score (%)
1. Herefordshire County BID
58.60%
The following outcomes and outputs for this project must be achieved by the provider by 31 March 2025:
Outputs
? Number of businesses receiving non-financial support (numerical value): 30
? Number of people reached: 800
? Number of local events or activities supported: 8
Outcomes:
? Jobs created: 3
? Jobs Safeguarded: 6
? 10% increase in visitor numbers attracted to Herefordshire as a result of provider’s marketing campaigns
? 10 % increase per annum in visitors’ spend in Herefordshire economy through marketing campaigns.
Quarterly reports and claims: The service provider will submit quarterly reports and claims. These will be accompanied by necessary documents to evidence claims and demonstrate outputs and outcomes are delivered. During the contract set-up, the service provider and the Council will agree template(s) to be used for all management reports which satisfy the Council’s needs.
Communication and governance routes: The service provider will hold a quarterly meeting with relevant Herefordshire Officer to discuss progress and address issues which may arise from programme management.
UKSPF requirements: The service provider should abide by the all UKSPF guidance e.g. branding and publicity, procurement, etc.