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SME Accelerator Programme

STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

13 Jul 2026 at 09:43

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process initiated by Staffordshire County Council involves an open competition to secure a delivery partner for the SME Accelerator Programme. The programme, launched through the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub, is focused on stimulating sustainable growth among established businesses by enhancing productivity and readiness, and fostering AI adoption over a two-year pilot period. This procurement, categorized under business development consultancy and training programme services, is valued at £150,000. The tender process is currently active and scheduled to close on 3rd August 2026, with the contract period starting on 1st October 2026 and concluding on 30th September 2028. Located in Stafford, UK, the buyer organization’s contact is John Tapsell, reachable at john.tapsell@staffordshire.gov.uk.

This tender presents substantial growth opportunities for consulting firms and training service providers specializing in business development and AI applications within the SME sector. The focus on AI innovation and business scaling is poised to attract SMEs and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) well-versed in these areas. By serving as a delivery partner, businesses can expand their service offerings and establish long-term relationships with a significant regional authority. This opportunity is particularly suitable for enterprises eager to engage in a role that directly contributes to the enhancement of local business ecosystems and the broader economic development of the Staffordshire region. The procurement method employed is conducive to competitive participation from entities prepared to deliver high-intensity and impactful business solutions.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

SME Accelerator Programme

Notice Description

Staffordshire County Council (SCC), via the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub (SSGH), is seeking to procure a specialist delivery partner(s) to design and deliver a high-intensity SME Accelerator Programme supporting established businesses to achieve sustainable growth. The contract will deliver a two-year pilot programme focused on strengthening business readiness, improving productivity, and accelerating scale-up activity, including a key theme of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption to support growth.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c944
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065497-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

80 - Education and training services

CPV Codes

79411100 - Business development consultancy services

80521000 - Training programme services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£150,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£150,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Jul 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
3 Aug 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
STAFFORD
Postcode
ST16 2DH
Post Town
Stoke-on-Trent
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG2 Shropshire and Staffordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG24 Staffordshire CC
Delivery Location
TLG2 Shropshire and Staffordshire
Local Authority
Stafford
Electoral Ward
Forebridge
Westminster Constituency
Stafford

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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