As part of the wider Town Deal Programme for St Helens Town Centre, and with £60m of funding awarded to the Council by MHCLG; the Council recognised that a town centre digital infrastructure network was essential to deliver growth and modernise business practices. This would help make the Town centre a vibrant place for investment, to do business and for social activities. The DIP ambition was to deliver a town centre full-fibre network connecting over 2000 businesses and creating a backbone for further transformation of council services and investment across the wider Borough. The network would enable transformation of service delivery at each of the Town Investment Sites, such as Glass Futures and the new Health Innovation Hub. The challenge was agreeing a commercial model and procuring a partner to build the network within a short window that ensured grant funding obligations could be met.
Background and Challenges

Our Solution
We were engaged by the Council to advise on procurement and contracting strategy considering wider commercial models which would allow the network and the appointed Supplier to deliver investment and commercial connectivity alongside the wider Growth programme activities. Within a clear governance framework, we developed a suite of procurement documents, engaged the market and managed the tender process to appoint a preferred Supplier. As part of the programme we also advised on a series of use cases and wider digital initiatives, engaging the market in investment discussion and progressing dig-one strategies as part of other town centre works.
Benefits Realised
Within a 12-month period, reporting through a governance board we were able to agree a commercial model, engage the market, manage a complex procurement process using the Competitive process with Negotiation, and appoint a preferred supplier. This supported early mobilisation activities and will ensure the contract is completed to meet funding timescales and deliver immediate benefits for residents and town centre businesses. Additionally we were able to drive significant social value working with Bidders through the tender process, recognising the value that could be achieved through collaborative working.
Can we do the same for you?
Contact the CJ Founds Associates team and see how we can help with your project.