Purpose

In April 2026 Cabinet approved funding in the value of £42,000.00 for the extension of the district wide business support for 2026 – 2027.
A Request for Quotation (RFQ) was completed in line with current procurement rules and regulations. Four business support companies were invited to respond; two submitted completed quotations, while two declined to participate.
A scoring panel was established to assess the two submissions. To ensure impartiality, the panel was independent of the Economic Growth team. Each panel member evaluated the quotations separately and independently. A moderation meeting was then held to review and consolidate scores, and to agree the final scoring.
Following this process, Colbea achieved the highest score of the two quotations received.

Decision

To award £42,000.00 to Colbea for the period 2026/7 under a contract for business support to provide advice to companies and individuals in the Tendring area.

Alternative options considered

N/A