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Prior Information Notice

Glasgow Business Growth Programme- Phase 4 Framework

  • First published: 18 July 2026
  • Last modified: 18 July 2026
  • Version: N/A
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To record your interest or obtain additional information or documents please find instructions within the Full Notice Text. (NOTE: Contract Award Notices and Prior Information Notices do not normally require a response)

Contents

Summary

OCID:
Published by:
Glasgow City Council
Authority ID:
AA20167
Publication date:
18 July 2026
Deadline date:
-
Notice type:
Prior Information Notice
Has documents:
No
Has SPD:
No
Has Carbon Reduction Plan:
N/A

Abstract

Glasgow City Council (GCC) manages a framework for the delivery of consultancy services in the area of Business Growth. The consultancy services are delivered to SMEs with growth potential across the city, to help deliver sustainable and inclusive growth and improve business start-up and survival rates in the city. With the current framework concluding in March 2027, GCC is now looking to establish a new framework.

These services are delivered under a multi-Lot framework, through a mix of 1-2-1, both face to face and online, and group consultancy sessions related to an anticipated 10 specific specialist areas.

The council encourage bids from businesses of all sizes, including sole traders, and encourage a diverse and competitive supplier base. The procurement process has been designed to be proportionate, transparent and accessible, with requirements focused on capability and delivery rather than organisational size. Sole traders are encouraged to engage where they can demonstrate their ability to meet the specified requirements.

Full notice text

Prior information notice

This notice is for prior information only

Section I: Contracting authority

I.1) Name and addresses

Glasgow City Council

Chief Executives Department, City Chambers

Glasgow

G2 1DU

UK

Contact person: Heather Mooty

E-mail: CorporateProcurement@glasgow.gov.uk

NUTS: UKM82

Internet address(es)

Main address: www.glasgow.gov.uk

Address of the buyer profile: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00196

I.3) Communication

Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address


I.4) Type of the contracting authority

Regional or local authority

I.5) Main activity

General public services

Section II: Object

II.1) Scope of the procurement

II.1.1) Title

Glasgow Business Growth Programme- Phase 4 Framework

Reference number: GCC006583CPU

II.1.2) Main CPV code

79410000

 

II.1.3) Type of contract

Services

II.1.4) Short description

Glasgow City Council (GCC) manages a framework for the delivery of consultancy services in the area of Business Growth. The consultancy services are delivered to SMEs with growth potential across the city, to help deliver sustainable and inclusive growth and improve business start-up and survival rates in the city. With the current framework concluding in March 2027, GCC is now looking to establish a new framework.

These services are delivered under a multi-Lot framework, through a mix of 1-2-1, both face to face and online, and group consultancy sessions related to an anticipated 10 specific specialist areas.

The council encourage bids from businesses of all sizes, including sole traders, and encourage a diverse and competitive supplier base. The procurement process has been designed to be proportionate, transparent and accessible, with requirements focused on capability and delivery rather than organisational size. Sole traders are encouraged to engage where they can demonstrate their ability to meet the specified requirements.

II.1.5) Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: 1 900 000.00  GBP

II.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: Yes

II.2) Description

Lot No: 1

II.2.1) Title

Business Structuring Business Governance, Legal and IP

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

71317210

66519310

72221000

72224000

79400000

79341100

79413000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM82

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

The Business Governance, Legal and IP Lot will provide support to help determine the assignment and coordination of roles, power and responsibilities within a business. It also defines how information flows between the different levels of management. Introducing a formal organisational structure can help put your business in a better position to achieve its objectives.

Services for this Lot should include, but not be limited to, the following:

Board Development

Company Structuring

Franchising

Business Succession

Company Governance

Ethical Management

Intellectual Property

Lot No: 2

II.2.1) Title

Business Growth, Sustainable Growth and Productivity

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

72221000

72224000

79411000

79411100

79400000

79410000

79418000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM82

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

The Sustainable Growth and Productivity lot will provide support to identify areas of improvement processes which help with improving some measure of an enterprise's success.

Business growth can be achieved either by boosting the top line or revenue of the business with greater product sales or service income, or

by increasing the bottom line or profitability of the operation by minimizing costs. Business growth is a function of the business lifecycle and can be influenced by industry growth trends.

Services for this Lot should include, but not be limited to, the following:

Strategic Planning

Sales & Marketing

Change Management

Pitching & Procurement

Procurement

Operations Management

Turnaround

Mergers & Acquisitions

Lot No: 3

II.2.1) Title

Upskilling, Leadership and Resources

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

79414000

79411100

79411000

79410000

79400000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM82

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

The Upskilling, Leadership and resources lot will provide support to involve reviewing existing Leadership Development processes and preparing a report on their future suitability and/or making recommendations for future actions. It will also provide a range of support across leadership and management as well as capacity building and comprehensive HR support.

Services for this Lot should include, but not be limited to, the following:

Organisational Development and Succession Planning

Leadership and Management

Capacity Building and HR Support

Lot No: 4

II.2.1) Title

Financial Readiness and Planning

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

66170000

66171000

79412000

79411000

79410000

79400000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM82

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

The Finance Lot will allow support to be provided across a range of areas which will help with the efficient and effective management of money / funds in such a manner as to accomplish the objectives of the organisation. Strategic financial management not only manages a company's finances but allows them to be managed with the intention to succeed.

Services for this Lot should include, but not be limited to, the following:

Financial Management

Financial Readiness

Preparing for Investment

Alternative Finance

Company Valuation

Taxation

Lot No: 5

II.2.1) Title

Design and System processing

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

79400000

79410000

79411000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM82

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

The Design and System Processing Lot will integrate design thinking principles into a range of organisations across different industry sectors.

Promoting the use of design principles and educating SMEs on the benefits directly linked to innovation, sustainability and resilience, this Lot will see an increase in available support that creates design-led companies who can improve effective strategy and product/service development and manage organisational change.

Services for this Lot should include, but not be limited to, the following:

Problem Solving

Development

Testing and validation

Lot No: 6

II.2.1) Title

Sales and Digital Marketing

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

79410000

79400000

79411000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM82

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

Sales and marketing share two key roles within businesses: attracting more customers and developing and retaining the existing customer base. They also share the collective underlying goal of bringing in more revenue. When sales and marketing work together a substantial improvement is seen on important performance metrics. Variations persist between Business to Consumer (B2C) and Business to Business (B2B) and as a result of differing routes to market (particularly considering the impact of digital) but the above holds fairly true irrespective of the business model.

Expert services under this Sales and Digital Marketing Lot assist businesses with the practical approach to marketing, including writing a marketing plan and establishing a marketing communications plan for integrating traditional and digital communications. It will also offer support with developing a marketing and/ or sales strategy, with pricing and market penetration strategies

Services for this Lot fall under the following sub-categories;

Digital Sales:

Marketing Strategies:

Branding:

SEO Maximisation including Social Media and website

Lot No: 7

II.2.1) Title

Preparing for Global Growth

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

79413000

79412000

79411100

79411000

79410000

79400000

72221000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM82

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

The Internationalisation Lot will support businesses access overseas markets, offering an opportunity to increase sales to a much wider customer base. Exporting can be profitable for businesses of all sizes and lead to new job opportunities. Scottish businesses trading internationally have high productivity rates and are often more competitive, with research suggesting that SMEs who export perform better financially and grow more than twice as fast as those that do not.

There is already a comprehensive support structure nationally through SDI for exporting support, therefore this Lot aims to fill the gaps in expertise or support businesses unable to leverage other public sector support.

Services for this Lot should include, but not be limited to, the following:

Support for Exporting , including tariffs and taxes

Market Analysis and Development

Structuring for Internationalisation

Lot No: 8

II.2.1) Title

Digital Transformation

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

79411100

79411000

79410000

79400000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM82

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

The Digital Lot will provide support to businesses to use technology to benefit to its internal and external operations. The types of digital support will be varied but will allow businesses to use Technology solutions to help their business to the next level.

Services for this Lot should include, but not be limited to, the following:

Social Media

eCommerce Support

Data Analytics

Mobile or internet technologies

Customisation of software or App development

Cloud Computing

AI

Digital Strategy

Cyber Security

Lot No: 9

II.2.1) Title

Sustainable and Net Zero support

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

79412000

79411100

79411000

79410000

79400000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM82

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

Sustainability expert support topics span core pillars like environmental compliance, carbon accounting, circularity, and ESG reporting. They also encompass strategic organisational needs, including Leadership & Culture, Carbon Accounting & Carbon Baseline Assessment, Supply Chain Engagement and Regulatory Compliance & Climate Risk

Services for this Lot should include, but not be limited to, the following:

Leadership and Culture

Carbon Accounting and Carbon Baseline Assessment

Regulatory Compliance and Climate Risk

Sustainability and Sustainable Marketing

Circular Economy

Lot No: 10

II.2.1) Title

Business Acceleration

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

79412000

79411100

79411000

79410000

79400000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM82

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

This Lot will provide support in a different, shorter, more targeted, and innovative way for organisations at various stages of growth. Since the pandemic feedback from businesses has shown that most are now looking for shorter, sharper more focussed interventions. These interventions could focus on emerging themes and could target the key and emerging sectors. It is envisaged that these interventions will be demand driven and will be required on an as needed basis. They could combine traditional teaching methodologies with guidance and mentorship.

These programmes could include expert support from Lots 1-9 Business Growth; Business Structuring; Leadership and Skills; Financial Management; Design Thinking and Innovation; Sales and Marketing; Internationalisation; Digital Development and Innovation and Green Business Support.

Suppliers will be contacted by the Council when a specific intervention is required,

Evidence suggests that organisations who engage with business accelerators benefit from the opportunity presented, leading to greater collaboration with other entrepreneurs and businesses that can yield benefits that allow the business to grow at an accelerated rate.

An overview of the objections and intentions of Accelerator programmes is;

Acceleration: Learning-by-doing is vital to the process of scaling any venture, and the point of any type of acceleration programme is to accelerate that process. In this way, businesses are able to compress a large amount of learning into a shorter period of time. Our Accelerator programmes will deliver relevant, accessible and practical learning for the leaders of ambitious businesses in the city looking to scale up. It will equip participants with the skills and tools to shape their own learning. It could encourage participants to take ownership of their own development and assume responsibility for coaching their own management teams to embed learning throughout the organisation. It may also help to address organisational, operational, and strategic challenges that the business may face It could also include access to experienced entrepreneurs and mentors, business model refinement, advice on start-up capital, and the opportunity to pitch to potential investors.

Any Accelerator programmes required under this Lot will require to be delivered over a specified period. Most programmes will accommodate between 12 – 15 eligible organisations, with a maximum of 15 participating in any programme. Smaller cohorts may be required on occasion.

II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:

05/10/2026

Section IV: Procedure

IV.1) Description

IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes

Section VI: Complementary information

VI.3) Additional information

Glasgow’s Economic Strategy 2022 – 2030 outlines the aim of having the most productive city economy in the UK by 2030. The Glasgow Economic Strategy 2022-2030 addresses our most pressing challenges and opportunities. It sets out the clearly defined actions we will take to deliver an inclusive, sustainable and more productive economy for our city Underpinning a range of early actions are nine key themes, one of which is growing our economy. For Glasgow to further realise it’s ambition and build on current progress, the continued growth of businesses, in particular SMEs, remains a key contributing factor.

The council therefore intends to run a tender exercise later in 2026 for the Glasgow Business Growth Programme – Phase 4 Framework. A high-level description of the Lots and services that may be required as part of this Framework are detailed in this Prior Information Notice (PIN). Prior to any publication, the council is undertaking market research to inform the procurement and to ensure industry feedback is used to shape, as appropriate, the overall strategy.

In conjunction with the Supplier Development Programme all interested organisations are encouraged to participate in the sessions offered to support the bidding process.

To help develop the next tender please complete the form on the link below to register you're interested in this project.

Please Copy and Paste into your address browser: https://forms.office.com/e/vW0k03HeVY

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=837481.

(SC Ref:837481)

VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice

17/07/2026

Coding

Commodity categories

ID Title Parent category
79341100 Advertising consultancy services Advertising services
72221000 Business analysis consultancy services Systems and technical consultancy services
79400000 Business and management consultancy and related services Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security
79410000 Business and management consultancy services Business and management consultancy and related services
79411100 Business development consultancy services General management consultancy services
66171000 Financial consultancy services Financial consultancy, financial transaction processing and clearing-house services
66170000 Financial consultancy, financial transaction processing and clearing-house services Banking and investment services
79412000 Financial management consultancy services Business and management consultancy services
79411000 General management consultancy services Business and management consultancy services
71317210 Health and safety consultancy services Hazard protection and control consultancy services
79414000 Human resources management consultancy services Business and management consultancy services
66519310 Insurance consultancy services Engineering, auxiliary, average, loss, actuarial and salvage insurance services
79413000 Marketing management consultancy services Business and management consultancy services
79418000 Procurement consultancy services Business and management consultancy services
72224000 Project management consultancy services Systems and technical consultancy services

Delivery locations

ID Description
100 UK - All

Alert region restrictions

The buyer has restricted the alert for this notice to suppliers based in the following regions.

ID Description
There are no alert restrictions for this notice.

About the buyer

Main contact:
CorporateProcurement@glasgow.gov.uk
Admin contact:
N/a
Technical contact:
N/a
Other contact:
N/a

Further information

Date Details
No further information has been uploaded.

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