Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has a requirement for independent final evaluation reports for the last ERDF supported Cumbria Business Growth Hub and BSUS projects. These will form part of their Summative Assessments.

The ERDF Growth Hub project supports businesses throughout Cumbria looking to grow and enhance their competitiveness.  It is a partnership project with Lancaster University Management School, led by the Chamber as accountable body.

The BSUS project supports individuals throughout Cumbria looking to start-up in business and young businesses in their early years of trading.

The reports will need to consider the impact of the final ERDF projects as they approach their ends looking at project performance, suggest lessons learned, good practice and opportunities which should be taken forward in subsequent future delivery. Both ERDF projects cease delivery on 30^th June 2023.

The evaluations should cover the following key aspects:

The evaluations should cover the points set out under questions 1-6 in the attached Summative Assessment report template, with the summary comments for the Summative Assessment report supported by more detailed information and comments where appropriate.

You will be provided with copies of the Logic Models and relevant performance data, as well as other relevant supporting information and the opportunity to interview relevant members of the project delivery teams.

Provided with this brief is a copy of the Summative Assessment report template and ERDF Summative Assessment Guidance notes and appendices.

Proposals should set out:

• How you would deliver our requirement, including mechanisms, processes and reporting
• Demonstration of sufficient staff resources and the requisite experience, including CVs of key personnel who would be involved in the work
• Your track record and experience
• Availability to complete the work within the required timescales
• Pricing
• Two relevant references

Proposals will be assessed according to the following criteria:

• Delivery of our requirement, including mechanisms, processes and reporting
• Demonstrable relevant experience and track record
• Capacity to deliver within the required timescales
• Value for money

Budgets:

A budget of up to £5,000 including VAT is available for the Growth Hub report.

A budget of up to £5,000 including VAT is available for the BSUS report.

Timescales:

For both projects the draft report must be provided by Wednesday 31^st May 2023, with the final report to be agreed by Friday 23^rd June 2023.

Submitting your proposal:

Proposals must be sent by email to Lesley Robinson, Head of Business Support  lesleyr@cumbriachamber.co.uk, to be received by noon on Friday 24^th March 2023.