Sector development framework

The MCA needs to understand better the role that MCA-led sector development activities can play in the success and growth of the LGP Priority and Key Sectors because they are significant levers for delivery of the West of England Strategic Framework and the LGP itself. What works, how does it work, and what are the opportunities for and barriers to effective sector development activity in the West of England that have not yet been deployed or overcome? This will then help the MCA to clearly identify and structure the Economy & Skills Directorate's sector development and inward investment activities and inform the strategic/economic case within a forthcoming business case to establish a redesigned sector development service.

The MCA wishes to commission expert(s) with demonstrable knowledge of our LGP Priority and Key Sectors and experience in sector development/support. This is to undertake work that gives the MCA a greater understanding of the way it can support nationally significant sector growth and delivery of our regional priorities for residents and businesses through a targeted and effective sector development service. As such, the commission is a discrete piece of work to inform the Economy & Skills' Directorate's internal planning of its economic development services.

The piece of work being commissioned will identify existing or desirable support systems and interventions for the growth of our regional Priority and Key Sectors (regardless of by whom these are (to be) delivered). It will explore and recommend the role the MCA 's sector development service can play in improving or accelerating such support, including grasping opportunities and overcoming barriers identified. While this will differ from sector to sector, we seek to design a high level 'sector development blueprint' that outlines the high-impact, repeatable interventions applicable across sectors.

Sector development interventions identified might include addressing funding gaps, commercial infrastructure, trade and inward investment, supply chain development, skills need, comms, or business support, as well as more general cluster support components such as governance structures, stakeholder involvement, sector leadership and broad sector development programmes. Proposals will need to be achievable alongside expected resource availability. Reference should be made to best practice in place in the West of England and elsewhere, nationally and internationally. A clear connection should be made at all times between the Priority and Key Sector support and its impact on high economic growth and delivery of our regional priorities. The work should identify key failure mechanisms of sector development activities to aid risk management and planning.

Interested parties can find more information at

https://weca-atamis.my.site.com/s/Welcome