---
title: "Business Support and Expert Help Services 2025-2029"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-0491dd"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0491dd"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0491dd.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0491dd.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL"
published: "2025-04-02"
---

# Business Support and Expert Help Services 2025-2029

Buyer: NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-0491dd

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## Summary

North Lanarkshire Council, in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council, is seeking to appoint a range of skilled business contractors for their "Business Support and Expert Help Services 2025–2029" framework. This opportunity, classified under the CPV code 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services, is targeted at supporting Lanarkshire-based SMEs. The framework, which spans from 2025 to 2029, aims to provide SMEs with bespoke advice on sustainability, growth, and market expansion. This procurement process is currently at the award stage, with key contracts signed on 6th March 2025. The overall contract value is £1,400,000 and will be executed through various lots, providing targeted support in areas including financial management, business growth, human resources, procurement, marketing, digital technology, energy efficiency, and new market opportunities.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses, particularly SMEs, looking to expand their services within Lanarkshire. With a structured approach to supporting local SMEs in improving processes, introducing new products or services, increasing digital capabilities, and accessing new markets, businesses involved in consultancy, financial management, marketing, IT, and environmental sustainability are well-suited to compete. Participation in this framework can foster business growth, enhance skills, and facilitate increased market reach, ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the Lanarkshire region.

## Notice

North Lanarkshire Council (the "Council") in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) (and collectively known as the "Councils") are seeking to appoint a range of skilled business Contractors across a variety of disciplines to deliver business support and expert help services for Lanarkshire based SME's. The Framework Agreement for Business Support and Expert Help Services 2025 - 2029 shall allow Lanarkshire based SMEs to receive: - between one (1) and five (5) days "Expert Help Support"; - access to various "Training and Support Workshops"; and / or - access to "Specialist Support Surgeries". The main aim of the Framework Agreement is to ensure that suitably qualified consultants are available to provide Lanarkshire based SMEs with bespoke advice and support, focusing on sustainability and growth areas such as: - reviewing existing processes, strategies, policies or plans; - supporting businesses to improve these accordingly or to introduce new processes, strategies, policies or plans as required; - Introduce new products or services; and - Reach new markets The overall objective of the Framework Agreement is to ensure Contractors deliver business support and expert help services which augment the core Business Gateway service and wider business support offerings, and which support businesses throughout Lanarkshire. The overarching aim of what the services are being asked to achieve are: - To support the growth of an entrepreneurial culture within Lanarkshire; - To ensure all businesses are able to access appropriate business support; - To support employment opportunities and inclusive growth; - To support the growth and development of key priority sectors and areas of economic importance; - Deliver an agile service, responsive to business needs that joins seamlessly with Business Gateway services, and other local authority and partner services; and - To support the economic recovery and growth of Lanarkshire The main detailed objectives and outcome targets for the delivery of services via this Framework Agreement which all activities are tailored to deliver are: - Growth in employment, safeguarding existing jobs, and reduction in unemployment, economic inactivity and under-employment; - Increase in equitable opportunities to those from areas of deprivation, women, BAME, disabled persons and young people; - Increase in the skills of the Lanarkshire working population with skills meeting the demands of the jobs market; - Increase growth, businesses and employment in locally important sectors; - Increase in internationalisation of businesses; - Increase in digital capabilities of businesses; - Demonstrable increase in new business support initiatives and partnership working; and -Support and develop supply chains Full details of required services are contained within the procurement documents located on the PCS-Tender System.

### Lot Information

Financial Management

The Financial Management Lot will provide support across a range of areas focussed on the efficient and effective management of business funds. It is anticipated that support will help to equip businesses with the financial skills and knowledge to meet their objectives. Examples of some topics that could be offered under Financial Management are: -Support on how to plan, organise direct and control financial activities; -Helping businesses to prepare and source funding; -Support and Advice on how to improve the financial health of a business including debt Management and mitigating rising costs; -Company Valuation; -Taxation including R&D Tax Credits; and -Preparation of business forecasts e.g. cashflows, P&Ls and balance sheets .

Renewal: The Councils may reprocure this Lot when this Framework ends.

Business Growth and Development

The Business Growth and Development Lot will provide support to help Service Users assess their business, identify areas of improvement, and support the formulation of a plan to help the business reach their strategic goals and objectives. It is anticipated that it will offer support to help the development of new processes, products and/or services to affect positive change, increase sales, enter new markets and/or improve productivity. Examples of some topics that could be offered under Business Growth and Development are: -Strategic review and forward planning; -Change management support; -Support to develop new and/or improved processes, services and/or products and integrate these into the business; -Support to increase productivity; -Business viability and resilience planning; and -Preparation of business plans .

Renewal: The Councils may reprocure this Lot when this Framework ends.

Human Resources, Leadership and Skills

The Human Resources, Leadership and Skills Lot will provide a range of support on human resource matters, leadership, and management. It is anticipated that it will help to provide advice on existing human resource policies and requirements, identification of skills and training needs, support leadership development processes and equip businesses with the tools to promote a positive and productive working environment. Examples of some topics that could be offered under Human Resources, Leadership and Skills are: -Support and advice on employment policies and benefits, fair work practices and other HR related queries; -Support and advice for staff recruitment; -Leadership, management and organisational development support; -Training needs analysis, skills plans and training procedures; and -Workplace Innovation including but not limited to culture, communications, productivity and fair work practices. .

Renewal: The Councils may reprocure this Lot when this Framework ends.

Procurement

The Procurement Lot will provide a range of support to help businesses navigate the procurement procedure. Examples of some topics that could be offered under Procurement are: -Bid / Tender support; -Specification writing; -Public procurement regulations; -Private sector procurement approaches; -Social value, sustainability, and Fair Work First; -Contract Supplier Management (CSM) support1. -Market analysis and understanding 1CSM could include reinforcing the purpose of CSM, what to expect within CSM (performance meetings, scorecards, mitigation / improvement processes etc,), and the potential risks and outcomes of poor performance through CSM i.e. contract termination.; and This Lot seeks to complement and not duplicate the services delivered via the Supplier Development Programme .

Renewal: The Councils may reprocure this Lot when this Framework ends.

Marketing

The Marketing Lot will provide support to help businesses to undertake market research and formulate a plan to support the business in promoting and selling their products and/or services with a view to increasing sales. Examples of some topics that could be covered under Marketing are: -Market analysis and identification of key customers; -Support to develop a sales and marketing strategy; -Support with digital marketing including advice on how to market and retail online. This may cover topics such as social media platforms, website content and design, data analytics and search engine optimisation; -Branding, advertising and promotion; -Content support and copy writing; and -Creating video content. .

Renewal: The Councils may reprocure this Lot when this Framework ends.

Information and Digital Technology

The Information and Digital Technology Lot will provide support for digital projects, building skills and capabilities that increase digital knowledge and help businesses to reach their business goals and objectives. Examples of topics that could be offered under Information and Digital Technology are: -Analysis of the Digital Capabilities of a business and identification of improvements in efficiency and productivity; -IT systems and process advice; -Support to increase productivity and efficiencies through automation and artificial intelligence; -Website and app development; and -Cyber security. .

Renewal: The Councils may reprocure this Lot when this Framework ends.

Energy Efficiencies and Net Zero

The Energy Efficiency and Net Zero Lot will support businesses to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Examples of topics that could be covered under this Lot are: -Energy Audits and action plans, including recommendations on Control and Efficiencies; -Low Energy / Sustainable Production Processes; -Waste Management; -Reviews and Planning; and -Net Zero Carbon Targets .

Renewal: The Councils may reprocure this Lot when this Framework ends.

New Market Opportunities and Internationalisation

The New Market Opportunities and Internationalisation Lot will support businesses to access new geographic markets, including overseas markets, supporting the opportunity to reach a wider customer base and increase sales. Examples of topics that could be covered under this Lot are: -Support for Exporting (outwith the UK); -Market Analysis and Development; -Structuring for Internationalisation; and -Documentation advice for exporting .

Renewal: The Councils may reprocure this Lot when this Framework ends.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/012427-2025 |
| Notice type | Planning Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | SME |
| All stages | Planning, Tender, Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 2 Apr 2025 |
| Submission deadline | 5 Nov 2024 |
| Future notice date | 26 Sep 2024 |
| Award date | 6 Mar 2025 |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | The Councils may re-procure this Framework prior to its expiry. |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £1,400,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £820,000 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Cancelled |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL |
| Additional buyers | SOUTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL |
| Locality | MOTHERWELL |
| Post town | Motherwell |
| Postcode | ML1 1AB |
| Country | Scotland |
| ITL 1 | TLM Scotland |
| ITL 2 | TLM9 Southern Scotland |
| ITL 3 | TLM95 South Lanarkshire |
| Local authority | South Lanarkshire |
| Electoral ward | Hamilton North and East |
| Westminster constituency | Hamilton and Clyde Valley |
| Delivery location | TLM84 North Lanarkshire |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 26 |
| Supplier names | ACCOUNTANTS PLUS. CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS.; ARTHIAN; CALLANN BID SERVICES; CJM PROJECT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT; CONCEPT HR SOLUTIONS; CONNECT THREE SOLUTIONS; COULL COACHING; FP BUSINESS SERVICES; GAP COMMUNICATIONS; INSPIRENT; INTELLIGENS CONSULTING; INTEND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT; J&G3; KEEP SCOTLAND BEAUTIFUL; KL BUSINESS CONSULTING; MANAGED IT EXPERTS; MJM ASSOCIATES (SCOTLAND; MORROW ASSOCIATES; NSDESIGN; SECURE BUSINESS ADVISORS; STIRLING ENTERPRISE; STIRTON CONSULTING; SYNERGIE ENVIRON; TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS; THEMACDOGFACTORY LIMITED TRADING AS BREXEASY; TINTO PROCUREMENT |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 66 - Financial and insurance services
- 71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services
- 72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
- 79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security
- 90 - Sewage, refuse, cleaning and environmental services

### Codes

- 66170000 - Financial consultancy, financial transaction processing and clearing-house services
- 66171000 - Financial consultancy services
- 71314300 - Energy-efficiency consultancy services
- 71800000 - Consulting services for water-supply and waste consultancy
- 72222300 - Information technology services
- 72413000 - World wide web (www) site design services
- 72420000 - Internet development services
- 72500000 - Computer-related services
- 72600000 - Computer support and consultancy services
- 79300000 - Market and economic research; polling and statistics
- 79340000 - Advertising and marketing services
- 79341000 - Advertising services
- 79341100 - Advertising consultancy services
- 79341200 - Advertising management services
- 79342000 - Marketing services
- 79342100 - Direct marketing services
- 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services
- 79410000 - Business and management consultancy services
- 79411000 - General management consultancy services
- 79411100 - Business development consultancy services
- 79412000 - Financial management consultancy services
- 79413000 - Marketing management consultancy services
- 79414000 - Human resources management consultancy services
- 79418000 - Procurement consultancy services
- 79420000 - Management-related services
- 79723000 - Waste analysis services
- 79900000 - Miscellaneous business and business-related services
- 79990000 - Miscellaneous business-related services
- 79996000 - Business organisation services
- 90711000 - Environmental impact assessment other than for construction
- 90711200 - Environmental standards other than for construction
- 90711300 - Environmental indicators analysis other than for construction
- 90713000 - Environmental issues consultancy services

## Release History

- 2 Apr 2025 at 09:25 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/012427-2025
- 4 Oct 2024 at 13:37 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/031914-2024
- 19 Aug 2024 at 15:51 - Planning - Planning Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/026356-2024

## Notice URLs

- http://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk
- https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000778952
- https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00010
- https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00410
- https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0491dd. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0491dd.json.