---
title: "SME Accelerator Programme"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-06c944"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06c944"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06c944.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06c944.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL"
published: "2026-07-13"
---

# SME Accelerator Programme

Buyer: STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-06c944

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## Summary

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.

## Notice

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.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065497-2026 |
| Notice type | UK4 - Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Below threshold - open competition |
| Tender suitability | SME, VCSE |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 13 Jul 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 3 Aug 2026 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 30 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2028 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £150,000 |
| Lots value | £150,000 |
| 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 | STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL |
| Locality | STAFFORD |
| Post town | Stoke-on-Trent |
| Postcode | ST16 2DH |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLG West Midlands (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLG2 Shropshire and Staffordshire |
| ITL 3 | TLG24 Staffordshire CC |
| Local authority | Stafford |
| Electoral ward | Forebridge |
| Westminster constituency | Stafford |
| Delivery location | TLG2 Shropshire and Staffordshire |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

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

### Codes

- 79411100 - Business development consultancy services
- 80521000 - Training programme services

## Release History

- 13 Jul 2026 at 09:43 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065497-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065497-2026
  13th July 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender
- https://supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/Account/Login

## Notice URLs

- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
- https://www.staffordshire.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-06c944. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06c944.json.