Creative and Technology (CAT) in East Sussex
Tender Specification To undertake a research study into the CAT sector in East Sussex Issued by: Locate East Sussex Submission deadline: 17th January 2022 Midday Timescale of project: Jan – May 2022
1. Background
- Locate East Sussex (LES) is the inward investment agency for East Sussex funded by the County Council, Districts and Boroughs which has been running for over a decade. Its main aims are to attract new business to the county; support existing businesses to stay and grow and promote the county as a place to do business to the wider business community regionally, nationally, and internationally.
- As part of this role LES focuses on key sectors to tailor promotion and understand the needs of those sectors. This study will create a research led document that positions East Sussex as a desired destination to establish, grow and develop the creative technology sector and support the sector currently in East Sussex in the post Covid economic environment.
- There are three major filming studios being located within ninety minutes of East Sussex (Maidstone, Pinewood Studios and the newly approved studio site at Ashford), and with its proximity to London and the major advertising agency scene, the creative sector in East Sussex is flourishing and offers fantastic service provision across the wider region. COVID has meant that working locations are more flexible and the “work from home” culture works well within the creative industries making East Sussex a good location for the sector to establish and grow with lower costs and good quality of life benefits.
Overview of the study
- This research will identify the growth potential of the sector locally and nationally. What issues it faces and what support it needs.
- The creative industries sector is broad spanning a wide range of sub-sectors of businesses and freelancers. This study will focus on the sectors that have a greater proportion of businesses and potential for growth rather than those traditionally dominated by freelancers.
- The consultants are required to identify and justify which creative sub-sectors in East Sussex have the greatest potential to grow and create skilled jobs. These circa six to eight subsectors to be the subject of in-depth study.
2. Scope of the work
2.1. To identify and quantify the Creative and Tech sector and sub sectors in East Sussex. The number, size and location of these businesses in the county using a recognised source of data (FAME/ Beauhurst/ MNAI /Companies House) with GVA and employment numbers.
2.2. Compare and analyse the East Sussex creative business demographic with the regional and national ones including info-graphic representations in the report.
2.3. To identify which sub-sectors are most likely to have the greatest impact on the local economy, in particular job creation and GVA with a rational for selection (to include software and gaming development).
2.4. To conduct a survey of a significant sample of businesses in the sub-sectors recommended to identify issues and characteristics including: reasons for business location, support needs, how much training they offer staff, predictions for their and the sector’s post covid and longer term futures.
2.5. Select a smaller sample of businesses in the sub-sectors and along with the umbrella organisations (see below) carry out a more in-depth study (focus groups to be considered) which will feed into the marketing messages to attract more creative / tech businesses to the county and to inform prospective project proposals to support the sector.
2.6. Carry out an audit of creative and TECH courses available in or near East Sussex to identify skill pool and match against skills requirements of the sector.
Sources of data
for employment and GVA in creative industries, 2015-20 – see link below.
Consultants to specify their businesses data sources in the submission.
4. Report and presentation
3.1.To produce a draft report setting out the findings and the marketing and support recommendations to present to the LES Sponsors
3.2.To produce a final report based on comments from LES Sponsors Board in PDF and word format.
3.3.Detailed appendices to include base data including names and addresses of businesses in excel.
Sources for qualitative research:
- CHALK Members www.chalkeastbourne.com
- SECEN members based in East Sussex
- WIRED Sussex www.wiredsussex.com
- Other organisations/individuals involved in the stated sectors
- Educational colleges who are offering technical creative based courses or about to
5. Selection criteria
The consultants are expected to have experience of the sector and similar research which must be referred to in the submission.
The selection will be based on price, methodology and experience.
Consultants will be interviewed either on TEAMS or in-person.
6. Payment terms
30% on inception
70% on successful delivery of research document
Other payment arrangements can be negotiated if required.
Payment will be made by Locate East Sussex on receipt of an invoice agreed with Brett Pearson.
7. Timescales
Appointment and inception meeting: January 2022
Initial findings and draft report to the LES Research group - late March 2022
Draft report to be presented to the LES Sponsors Board for comment– mid April tbc
Final completed report – May 2022
8. Contract Management
The day-to-day manager of the contract will be
Brett Pearson, Locate East Sussex Director.
Brett.pearson@locateeastsussex.org.uk
Direct dial: 01424 205502
Mobile: 07900 784957
Supported by a small working group to oversee and support the study comprising:
Vera Gajic, Economic Projects Manager, East Sussex County Council (Locate East Sussex contract manager)
A representative from the Sponsors Board Research Group (tbc)
9 Tender Submission
The submission to be made by email to Brett Pearson by 17th January 2022 at midday
to include no more than four pages setting out your methodology and approach.
Brett.pearson@locateeastsussex.org.uk
In addition:
Data sources to be used
CVs of staff working on the project and their day rate
Experience of similar projects
References
Fee including expenses
