The Appointment of a Managing Agent for Sunderland City Council Business Centres

Description

This procurement description outlines the context and requirements for Sunderland City Council ("the Council") for the appointment of a Managing Agent to provide a range of key services at the Council's Business Centres ("the Centres") namely, Evolve Business Centre, Sunderland Software Centre, and Washington Business Centre. The Council previously procured the construction and delivery of the Centres over the period from 2006 to 2014 (drawing on resources secured through the European Regional Development Fund ("ERDF") alongside the Council's own resources) to support the economic development of the city, creating facilities for businesses to start up and grow within the city. All of the Centres have been managed throughout their lifetime directly by the Council and together, as at end July 2025, are home to 75 businesses, collectively employing a total of 363 people. It is now considered that external expertise is required from a Managing Agent to provide a combination of strategic and operational leadership and management services to work alongside the Council in order to drive optimum performance from the Centres, both in terms of securing operational efficiencies and maximising economic impact (considered to be the dual objectives). It is proposed that the Managing Agent would be required to deliver the following core services on behalf of the Council as the owner of the Centres: • Strategic management of the Centres including targeted improvement of operational practices - with responsibility for procuring and appointing all contractors and with day-to-day supervision of the Council's retained staff operations. • Marketing and letting of vacant spaces. • Integrated culture of business development / support to stimulate business growth and expansion. • ICT Managed Service Provision available to businesses on an opt in / opt out basis and • Delivery of repairs and maintenance.