I-Construct Communications, Marketing and Website Services

Haven Gateway Partnership (HGP) requests tenders to support the development and roll out of the I-Construct project.

The I-Construct project is an exciting new business support programme focused on Essex, Kent and East Sussex, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and led by the Haven Gateway Partnership.

I-Construct stands for Innovation in Construction because we will work with thee sector and its supply chain to help SMEs and new businesses to grow by opening up opportunities to win work in new markets and to profit from innovation trends like the growing use of Building Information Modelling (BIM), off-site construction methods, the growth of renewable energy, smart buildings, new regulations around zero carbon, use of automation and robotics in building and maintenance.

I-CONSTRUCT offers SMEs access to the I-Construct network and a free individual business support and financial grant programme totally focussed on their business development needs. A dedicated I-Construct Innovation Hub in Braintree, Essex is also being developed for companies to use for business development and networking and to try new technologies. The building has been designed to BREEAM excellent standards and will help companies understand how high environmental standards can be achieved and how off-site construction techniques can be incorporated into a building.

Part One: Communications and Marketing

The Haven Gateway Partnership would like to appoint a marketing and communications agency:

• to create communications strategy and launch campaign, including a social media schedule and style guide
• to create a brand identity and guidelines for the I-Construct encompassing the I-Construct Network and the Innovation Hub offer. This will include logo/s and associated imagery which will be applied across the project website, social media and all printed and digital materials formats. There will also an accompanying simple brand guidelines document which will include consideration of tone of voice and key project messages taken from the communications strategy work.
• to develop an initial suite of materials and brand assets to support the launch, working with the I-Construct team on content editorial as well as visuals and design.

Part Two: Website Development

The creation of a new website for the I-Construct project, using the new brand identity and visual assets developed via the delivery of part one of the requirement above. The website is a key engine and virtual hub for the project and needs to be designed to drive membership acquisition and retention, support two-way engagement with members of the I-Construct network, member to member interactions and a sense of community and common purpose around innovation and business growth.

Additional information: Essex County Council is the accountable body for the Haven Gateway Partnership and the I-Construct Project, so all contracts are awarded via Essex County Council systems and processes.

ESIF/ERDF is the main funding body for the I-Construct project, providing 50% of the funding for the project. The 2014-20 European Structural Investment Fund (ESIF) Growth Programme provides investment to projects that improve local innovation and growth, create jobs and promotes social inclusion. ESIF comprises three different funds including European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) which focusses on research and innovation; supporting and promoting small and medium enterprises; and the creation of a low carbon economy.

Form of Response

Companies are invited to return responses for both Part 1 and Part 2 of our requirements or either Part 1 or Part 2 separately. We will award the contract to one company or split the contract between two companies so that if a company tenders for both part one and part two they could be awarded a contract for both parts or just one.

Tender Documents

• Opportunity notice on Contracts Finder → — Tender notice
• Specification for Marketing & Comms RFQ → — Technical specifications