Rural Growth Deal (RGD) Business Skills and Leadership Programme

HIE requires a suitably qualified and experienced supplier to deliver a Business Skills and Leadership Programme specifically for Argyll and Bute Council area. This programme is fully funded by the Argyll and Bute Rural Growth Deal (RGD) and will be available to participants within this geographic area. Award of this contract depends on securing RGD funding, which is not yet confirmed. Approval is expected by March 2026, with a potential contract start in April 2026. HIE may cancel the process or not award the contract if funding is not approved. HIE's service requirements are divided into 3 strands. 1 Young and Emerging Leaders Programme; 2. Leadership for Growth/Strategic Leadership Programme and 3. Mentoring Programme. Strands 1 and 2 will be delivered to cohort of participants through a series of modules, delivered via workshops. Delivery should be a hybrid model i.e, a blend of on-line and face-to-face delivery. The mentoring programme will be mainly online apart from the first session that must be face-to-face. It is anticipated that the contract will be let from April 2026 for 3 years unless terminated in accordance with the provisions of the Contract, with HIE having the option to extend for two periods of one year each (3+1+1) together not exceeding 5 years following the Initial Term. The 3-year budget currently available to deliver these services is between GBP 260,000 and GBP 280,000 (excluding VAT). The total estimated contract value for the maximum 5-year contract period is between GBP 390,000 and GBP 474,000, VAT excluded. This is the figure used in the Contract Notice.