--- title: "InvestSefton Consultancy Support for Small Businesses" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-069e60" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-069e60" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-069e60.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-069e60.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Tender" buyer: "SEFTON COUNCIL" published: "2026-05-21" --- # InvestSefton Consultancy Support for Small Businesses Buyer: SEFTON COUNCIL Current stage: Tender OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-069e60 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-069e60) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-069e60.json) ## Summary Sefton Council is initiating a public procurement process titled "InvestSefton Consultancy Support for Small Businesses." This active tender is focused on providing business and management consultancy services, categorized under the CPV code 79400000. The procurement process is at the tender stage, with the electronic submission deadline on 22nd June 2026. The services are to be delivered entirely within the UK, specifically in the region of UKD73. The procurement method employed is an open competition, under the legal basis of UK legislation 2023/54. The tender period will commence on 1st October 2026 and conclude by 30th September 2030, with a total framework value of up to £160,000. This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses, particularly SMEs operating in the consultancy, legal, marketing, financial, and IT sectors, to contribute to and benefit from this framework. SMEs equipped with expertise ranging from business diagnostics to cyber security and emotional wellbeing support are encouraged to participate. The framework’s varied lots allow for diverse participation from businesses specializing in relevant consultancy services, enabling them to expand their client base and showcase their competencies across Sefton and beyond. Such involvement not only facilitates business growth but also fosters stronger ties within the business ecosystem, promoting sustained development in skills and service delivery. ## Notice InvestSefton Consultancy Support for Small Businesses - framework ### Lot Information Business Diagnostic Consultant To provide appropriate diagnosis of fundamental, underlying business & management issues using diagnostic tool. Devise an action plan for growth. Complete all required Place Based Business Support Paperwork. Signpost to relevant alternative support outside of the PBBS Marketing and Sales To develop marketing plans, campaigns, branding etc. Provide online marketing advice. Monitor and measure the impact and performance of the marketing activity. Social media and e-marketing Create 360-degree digital marketing strategy, setting up and effectively using social media business accounts, embedding and building a digital brand, building an audience with engaging content and generating sales. Social commerce solutions for retail. Management Consultancy/Strategic Business Planning Business strategy development and implementation, process review, growth plans, financial planning, KPI development, culture change, performance management, leadership and team building, coaching and mentoring and reviewing/devising business proposals. Quality Management Support Conducting Gap Analysis, enhancement of existing systems using appropriate ISO tools, implement any new processes required, conduct a formal check of newly implemented processes, benchmark and identify gaps in quality. Financial Management Provide advice on design and implementation of financial processes, bookkeeping and finance management, budget setting, financial forecasting, credit contract and understanding tax and VAT Tendering and Bid Writing To assist businesses who have potential to win work through a tendering or bid process. Eligible businesses will have limited or unsuccessful experience of winning tenders and bids, Procurement Specific Questionnaires, CDP etc or may require more complex support due to nature of the applications. AI Implementation Improve practical knowledge of low-cost AI solutions suitable for SMEs with measurable productivity benefits, provide advice on data management and responsible use of AI, signpost SMEs to further innovation support and funding opportunities. Culture & Music Industry Support Support SMEs to commercialise their creative output and access new markets, advise on revenue models, monetisation and diversification strategies, provide IP, rights management, royalty and licencing frameworks advice, provide strategic marketing and branding advice and advise on funding bids and grant opportunities Cyber Security Assist Sefton SMEs improve cyber resilience and security awareness whilst reducing risk of cyber attacks, data breaches, and financial loss. To include assessments, recommendation of practical measures and support with implementation, network, device, secure storage security advice and advice on phishing malware, ransomware prevention and backup and disaster-recovery methods. Emotional Wellbeing Assist Sefton SMEs improve emotional wellbeing, resilience and mental health awareness by introducing measures and techniques to reduce management and staff stress, absenteeism and low morale. Including developing or reviewing and updating wellbeing policies, processes and toolkits. Improving stress management and implementing resilience-building techniques, advice on healthy workplace cultures and early identification of wellbeing issues. Providing advice on how to manage workloads, establish boundaries and understand team dynamics. International Trading Strengthen the export capability and readiness of Sefton SME's, support existing exporters to expand into new countries or sectors, assess readiness of business for international trading, advise on routes to market, distribution channels, agents and partnerships. Offer guidance on export regulations, documentation, customs and compliance. Provide support on logistics, tariffs and shipping processes. Investment Readiness Support Sefton SMEs to become investment ready, improving their understanding of external funding opportunities and investor requirements including strengthening financial management and strategic planning, review or support the development of relevant investment materials, provide advice on suitable routes to finance based on maturity and sector and support SMEs to understand risk, due diligence and investor expectations. Legal Advice To provide support and advice (not representation) relating to contracts, terms and conditions, company structure and governance, IP, Data Protection and GDPR, supplier and customer disputes and employment law. Human Resources Provide guidance and support on the production of policies and procedures, employee handbooks, contracts of employment, staff management, performance, appraisals, absence, disciplinary/grievences. ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/046758-2026 | | Notice type | UK4 - Tender Notice | | Procurement type | Standard | | Procurement category | Services | | Procurement method | Open | | Procurement method details | Below threshold - open competition | | Tender suitability | SME | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Tender | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 21 May 2026 | | Submission deadline | 22 Jun 2026 | | Future notice date | Not specified | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 30 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2030 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £128,000 | | Lots value | £128,000 | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Active | | Lots status | Active | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | SEFTON COUNCIL | | Locality | BOOTLE | | Post town | Liverpool | | Postcode | L20 3NJ | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLD North West (England) | | ITL 2 | TLD7 Merseyside | | ITL 3 | TLD73 Sefton | | Local authority | Sefton | | Electoral ward | Derby | | Westminster constituency | Bootle | | Delivery location | TLD73 Sefton | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security ### Codes - 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services ## Release History - 21 May 2026 at 08:03 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/046758-2026 ## Documents - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/046758-2026 21st May 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender ## Notice URLs - http://www.sefton.gov.uk/ - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents ## 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-069e60. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-069e60.json.