Welcome Back Fund initiatives supporting local hospitality economy

The Government announced on 20 March 2021 that the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund (RHSFF) has been extended with a new delivery phase up to the end of March 2022 called The Welcome Back Fund (WBF). The WBF is a funding source of eligible activities to better support the reopening of local economies and is the funding source for the scope of activities as outlined within this tender opportunity. The scope of eligible activities has increased significantly to better support the reopening of local economies. As with all activity supported by the European Regional Development Fund programme any investment will need to be compliant with the EU State Aid rules and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) procurement and branding requirements Government guidance confirms that the WBF will continue to support  the four main types of existing RHSSF activities as outlined in the original guidance including:   1. Support to develop an action plan for safe reopening of local economies; 2. Communications and public information; 3. Business-facing awareness raising activities; and 4. Temporary public realm changes to ensure that reopening of local economies can be managed successfully and safely.   The London Borough of Hillingdon (the Council) is looking to engage with a supplier(s) to provide the above support as outlined in the Lots below; LOT 1: 'Welcome Back' themed branding for town centres and local parades LOT 2: Specialist Retail/Town Centre expertise to support small independent businesses within town centres and local parades LOT 3: Rental of temporary street furniture & supporting maintenance to facilitate the safe reopening of High Streets The Council reserves the right to award some, all or none of the Lots.