The Development of a Technical Feasibility and investment model

Cheshire and Warrington is one of the UK's economic success stories and the most productive economy in the North of England. Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington (ECW), a council-owned organisation, works alongside elected leaders to make the region the healthiest, most sustainable, inclusive, and growing place in the country. We collaborate with the three local councils, industry leaders, and community partners to shape economic and transport strategies, deliver skills training and business support, and ensure that the voice of business is heard in local decision-making.

Through its Marketing Cheshire division, ECW also champions the region as an outstanding place to live, work, invest, study, and visit. Working in collaboration with local government, businesses, educational institutes and other public, private and community sector organisations, we keep Cheshire and Warrington firmly on the map.

ECW are looking to appoint a consultant(s) to work with ECW and partners across Cheshire to develop a feasibility study which will examine the strategic interventions within the Weaver-Gowy catchment for Nature Based Solutions (NbS) to deliver water availability and a range of co-benefits that can be brought from such nature-based solutions (e.g. carbon sequestration, water quality, biodiversity net gain), as well as the development of an investment model from a high-quality provider that delivers a service on behalf of ECW and partners.

The consultant(s) is expected to carry out consultation and engagement with key stakeholders including the abstractors themselves, Defra and other Government bodies, NGOs, Local Authorities among others, where appropriate. This consultation will inform the production of the study, focusing primarily on water abstracting businesses, as well as informing the investment model recommendation(s). The consultant(s) will, secondarily, consider other potential investors into the fund/scheme this could include, for example, angel capital investment, private capital via insurance companies, business rates, and philanthropic donations. This will include where these investments could be combined.

This ITT sets out the information which is required in order to assess the suitability of bidders in terms of their technical knowledge and expertise, quality assurance processes, relationship management and value for money to meet the requirements of ECW for the Development of a Technical Feasibility and investment model for the strategic implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) within the Weaver Gowy Catchment.

The successful bidder will be required to deliver services in accordance with all tender documents and the contract to be placed with the successful bidder. Tenderers are requested to study the specification in detail and ensure that the specified requirements can be met and thus your understanding of our requirements is reflected in your Pricing Schedule return. The contract is expected to commence Tuesday 12th August