Business Wales Delivery 2023-2028

Through Business Wales, the Welsh Government offers business support services to inspire entrepreneurs to help start, sustain and grow businesses in Wales. Business Wales is delivered through a blend of external suppliers, grant awards (third party providers) and ‘in-house’ Welsh Government teams. The Business Wales service encompasses a range of products and services offering information, advice and support online, via phone, virtually or in person in English and Welsh. Certain elements of the Business Wales service are currently delivered by external suppliers, expected to run until 2023. This Prior Information Notice relates to the Welsh Government’s intention to procure suitably skilled supplier(s) to deliver 3 elements of the Business Wales services from April 2023 onwards (the "Services") The Services will consist of three (3) separate Lots. Lot 1 - Business Wales: Supporting Entrepreneurs and Starting a Business, Lot 2 – Business Wales: Business Development; and Lot 3 – Business Wales: Accelerating Business Growth. The anticipated aggregate value of the Services is 15 million GBP per year with significant further contract head room to be specified, to allow additional services during the contract period in response to changing economic needs and policy. The proposed duration of the Services' contracts is for a period of up to 5 years (an initial 2 year period, plus a further 3 years (in 12 month tranches)) agreed annually, at the sole discretion of the Welsh Government, subject always to budget approval. At this stage budget is in place for the next two financial years 23/24 and 24/25 only, aligned to the wider Welsh Government budget position. The overarching aims of Business Wales are: 1. To build confidence and inspire individuals, entrepreneurs and micro / small medium enterprises (SME) businesses to reach their full potential. To work with key stakeholders to develop a cohesive ecosystem that is visible, simple and connected to ensure Wales is a great place to start and grow a business in the foundation or growth economies. 2. To address a key gap by creating the conditions for businesses to start, sustain and grow through the missing middle in inclusive and sustainable ways. 3. To support the productivity, resilience, growth, decarbonising and sustainability of micro and SMEs. To secure their long-term future ownership within Wales cementing their continued contribution to the Welsh economy. The Business Wales service will align and work with other key business support offers from the Welsh Government and the Development Bank of Wales. The ensuing Services' contracts will be managed by Welsh Government officials. Recognising the benefits to the wellbeing, economy or prosperity of Wales, it is expected that all winning bidders will work in a collaborative way across all Lots and with other stakeholders that provide aligned business support to achieve the objectives of the: - Programme for Government: https://gov.wales/programme-for-government-2021-to-2026-html - Wellbeing of Future Generations Act: https://gov.wales/well-being-of-future-generations-wales Business Wales delivery is aligned to the priorities outlined in the Programme for Government and key Welsh Government strategies that address: - Economic Resilience and Reconstruction Mission Businesses compete with confidence and develop strong indigenous businesses An entrepreneurial culture, more start-ups, a vibrant SME sector and innovation driven enterprises Employability and Skills and Young Person’s Guarantee - Social equity Fair working practices Tackling poverty Reducing inequality - Foundational economy Local supply chains Grounded businesses Growth of grounded medium sized businesses - A green Wales Reduction in carbon emissions use of businesses supported Green delivery of business support - Sustainable growth Increase business stock including social enterprises Increase productivity and resilience