Decision details

In accordance with Contract Standing Orders 8.01 and 8.02, the Assistant Director is requested to approve under their delegated authority, the direct award of the contract for ‘Activist’ to undertake an independent review of a Business Plan being developed by the Selby Trust. The total cost of the commission is £9,875.

Consultant to undertake an independent review of a Business Plan being developed by the Selby Trust to:

• Review the vision and objectives and test alignment with Council policies/objectives.
• Review the evidence base underpinning for socio-economic outcomes
• Review the proposed mix of uses within the centre, commenting on compatibility, floorspace assumptions and viability of uses.
• Test the financial assumptions within the business plan.
• Review the assumptions on the spatial requirements of the building and uses within the building.
• Review the assumptions made in relation to the lease arrangements.

The independent review will provide critical insight for the Council and will help shape the Selby Business Plan so that it best meets the communities’ and Council’s needs and priorities.

The authority could have considered a competitive tender for this piece of work, but upon consideration, it was decided to proceed with a direct appointment given that there is a need to undertake this work within a short time period so that the Selby Trust lease negotiations can progress and their licensees can be given certainty. Activist are well placed to undertake this work to a high quality and at pace, given their previous experience working with the Council and key stakeholders across North Tottenham. It is also the case that this work is under £10k, so multiple quotes are not required under Contract Standing Orders.