Decision details
BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES: CONTRACT EXTENSION
Decision Maker: Director of Regeneration and Place
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
Purpose:
The current contract for services for delivery
of the Wirral Business Support Service is due to expire on
31.05.20. This report provides an update on contractual performance
to date by supplier Wirral Chamber and outlines proposals for an
extension of contract for the period 01.06.20 to 31.05.21.
A one-year extension is allowable under the contractual terms,
subject to satisfactory performance and confirmation that the
service remains in line with Council priorities.
Contract performance is satisfactory and continuation of frontline
support to Wirral businesses is key to delivery of Wirral’s
significant programme of growth.
Decision:
The Director of Regeneration & Place
Resolved - That:
1. a 12-month extension of the current contract for services with
Wirral Chamber in delivery of the Wirral Business Support Service
be approved
2. contractual finance and output schedules in line with those
proposed in the report be concluded.
Alternative options considered:
Option 1 - Closure of service: the supplier
has met the conditions of contract deemed suitable for progression
of the +1 extension namely, achievement of satisfactory performance
and continued strategic alignment with Council requirements.
Provision of frontline business growth support remains critical to
the growth ambitions for the borough.
Option 2 - Full reconfiguration of proposed budget: annual savings
were designed into the original contract specification, with a 5%
budget reduction levied each year. Through implementation of a
robust commercialisation plan, the supplier has successfully
achieved the fine balance of driving income generation to deliver
more for less, whilst maintaining an effective, universal service
for Wirral businesses. The 5% reduction requirement is deemed
achievable and recommended for continuation; the application of
further savings would adversely impact on service reach and
performance.
Option 3 - Full reconfiguration of proposed outputs: contractual
targets were reviewed and revised at Year 2 end to maintain stretch
in areas of overperformance. The selected outputs remain relevant
to delivery of the services required to meet business
priorities.
Publication date: 27/02/2020
Date of decision: 27/02/2020
Effective from: 06/03/2020
Accompanying Documents: