North East Local Enterprise Partnership seeks digital partner… In conversation with Jen Robson, Head of Communications
As a public, private and education partnership set up to drive forward economic growth in the region, having an integrated communications strategy is key to the success of the North East LEP.
Digital communications forms a central part of our strategy. We are about to embark on a procurement process to find a partner who can work with us to deliver best practice digital communications that raises the bar and delivers our objectives. We have a clear ambition for our websites and take evaluation and insight seriously. The world in which we operate can be pretty unique – it’s fast paced, often with a high volume of actions with short deadlines – something we dream will settle, but never quite seems to.
Over the years, we’ve learnt that having an agency, that has a variety of digital-specific, inhouse services and skills, where ideas can be shared, solutions can be found and delivery can be responsive, is critical to achieving our goals. That’s why we’re looking for a supplier who can deliver all of the following services:
- Digital and marketing consultancy and strategy
- Creative, web and UX design
- Web development
- Content production including creative, copy and film
- Digital marketing
- Website management and maintenance
- Website hosting
- Analytics, evaluation of website and digital marketing activities.
The official procurement process will start in November, but we are keen to meet potential partners and share information about our strategies, platforms and ambitions at a ‘Meet the Buyer’ pre-procurement event on Friday 25 October from 10am until 3pm at The Crowne Plaza in Newcastle.
You’ll hear from the team and a former supplier so that you can understand our requirements and what it’s like to work with us – warts and all – before you start with the paperwork. There’ll be an opportunity for question and answers and one-to-ones. It’s a chance to help shape the next steps in our procurement exercise so what we’re asking for is in line with what you can deliver.
Full details of the event are on the NEPO Portal so please do make sure you are registered at www.NEPO.org to access all the information. Hope to see you there.