SC20066 - Inward Investment

Kent's Interim Strategic Plan, "Setting the Course", places a strong emphasis on the importance of attracting investment, and we encourage locally based agencies to work closely with government agencies to bring new investment into the area. We are looking to consolidate and increase our promotion of Kent and Medway as a UK inward investment gateway, alongside secured commitment from Government and the Department for International Trade (DIT) to match local support for inward investment where it is focused around sectors in which Kent and Medway have particular strengths. Kent County Council is seeking a supplier that can be the inward investment agency for Kent and Medway. The successful supplier must demonstrate an excellent understanding of the key issue's companies face when looking to relocate, an understanding of the industrial and commercial property market in Kent and Medway, how to identify and develop leads, how to support companies during the relocation process, and how to support companies following their relocation. The successful supplier should be able to demonstrate competence in the delivery of inward investment services. The core of the contract will be to provide support to SMEs, in accordance with the requirements of the ESIF Programme, but the successful candidate will also be required to support non-SMEs. This part of the contract will not be funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The successful supplier will be expected to deliver, alongside Kent County Council and Medway Council, specific outcomes that contribute to economic development in Kent and Medway and will work closely with stakeholders in the county and internationally, including DIT and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership. Prospective bidders are required to specify how they will perform this role, and to demonstrate competence in such delivery. The successful supplier will develop innovative and creative solutions to secure inward investment in Kent and Medway. The key features of the service are; Securing external investment into Kent and Medway that creates new jobs; Promoting Kent and Medway to overseas markets; Maintaining close contact with investing businesses through an after-care programme. Prospective bidders are required to specify how they will deliver these. The successful supplier will also demonstrate how it will deliver and contribute to the following economic outcomes for Kent and Medway: More investment opportunities from overseas markets; Increased supply chain benefits for local businesses; More inward investment in Kent and Medway; Raised profile as a destination for inward and foreign direct investment. All Expressions of Interest must be registered via the Kent Business Portal and all interested candidates must submit a Selection Questionnaire via the Kent Business Portal by midday on the 19th April 2021.