Tenders

Invitation to tender for The Development of a Technical Feasibility and investment model for the strategic implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) within the Weaver Gowy Catchment

ECW are looking to appoint a consultant(s) to work with ECW and partners across Cheshire to develop a feasibility study which will examine the strategic interventions within the Weaver-Gowy catchment for Nature Based Solutions (NbS) to deliver water availability and a range of co-benefits that can be brought from such nature-based solutions (e.g. carbon sequestration, water quality, biodiversity net gain), as well as the development of an investment model from a high-quality provider that delivers a service on behalf of ECW and partners.

The consultant(s) is expected to carry out consultation and engagement with key stakeholders including the abstractors themselves, Defra and other Government bodies, NGOs, Local Authorities among others, where appropriate. This consultation will inform the production of the study, focusing primarily on water abstracting businesses, as well as informing the investment model recommendation(s).  The consultant(s) will, secondarily, consider other potential investors into the fund/scheme this could include, for example, angel capital investment, private capital via insurance companies, business rates, and philanthropic donations. This will include where these investments could be combined.

This ITT sets out the information which is required in order to assess the suitability of bidders in terms of their technical knowledge and expertise, quality assurance processes, relationship management and value for money to meet the requirements of ECW for the Development of a Technical Feasibility and investment model for the strategic implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) within the Weaver Gowy Catchment.

The successful bidder will be required to deliver services in accordance with all tender documents and the contract to be placed with the successful bidder. Tenderers are requested to study the specification in detail and ensure that the specified requirements can be met and thus your understanding of our requirements is reflected in your Pricing Schedule return.

The contract is expected to commence Tuesday 12^th August with the exact dates to be agreed depending on the agreement between the successful provider and ECW.

The Contract will be awarded for approximately six months and the appointed consultant(s) will be assessed for satisfactory performance through continuous monitoring and performance review. In line with grant funding conditions, we expect the consultant(s) to produce an interim report before producing a draft report by December 2025, with an exact date to be confirmed by ECW.

The basis of the contract will therefore include: 

• A developed evidence base and feasibility study report which will identify strategic locations to implement NbS to improve water availability, whilst delivering co-benefits using assessment of different interventions and mapping exercises. 

• The feasibility of creating an investable proposition to reduce water availability risks through nature-based solutions in the catchment
• The best delivery model and investment vehicle do this. 

The closing date and time for the receipt of submissions and all requested documentation relating to this stage is 09:00 hours (9am) on Tuesday 5th August 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Submissions will only be accepted if they are returned via email to tenders@cheshireandwarrington.com Bidders should not send their completed submissions to/copy in any other email address.

Tenderers are advised that it is compulsory to complete and return all of the following documents in the format provided as per the instructions of this ITT. All questions must be answered, where a question does not apply please state “Not applicable”.  Failure to complete the documents in full and/or provide all documentation will result in a non-compliant tender submission and will mean that your tender is not considered.

Invitation to Quote for the Development of a Feasibility Study to Assess EV Refuelling across Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Warrington

Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington (ECW), in partnership with the three local authorities (Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East, and Warrington), is commissioning a feasibility study to explore the potential for electric vehicle (EV) charging on Council-owned land. As each local authority are progressing towards their respective Net Zero targets, there is an increasing need to understand how best to support the electrification of Council fleets and freight vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). These sites all present strategic importance, all within close proximity to major road networks, nearby to service stations, and areas with high business activity. This feasibility will therefore seek to support the Local Authorities in their ambition to expand the EV charging infrastructure availability in the subregion to expand EV usage.

The purpose of this study is to assess the technical and practical viability of EV charging infrastructure across the pre-identified sites, considering space requirements, grid capacity and necessary infrastructure, planning constraints, wider operational needs and forecast demand patterns within the individual sites. In doing so, the outcome will be a robust strategic evidence base with a set of recommendations to inform future investment decisions, ensuring that infrastructure development is aligned with local transport strategies and net zero goals.

This work builds on current EV project and local authority climate and EV strategies. These projects include the delivery of LEVI and ZEBRA funding to accelerate uptake of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). These existing initiatives have supported the installation of public charging points and fleet electrification, such as the ZEBRA-funded Warrington Own Buses which are now operational.

ECW are therefore looking to appoint consultants to collaborate with Local Authority partners to support further EV development across the subregion. Consultants will be expected to draw on existing data and conduct additional research to recommend an appropriate mix of chargers that meets both current and anticipated needs across the identified sites.

Funding has been provided by a successful bid as part of the SPARK grant programme and subject to ECW receiving the funds and the Grant Funding Agreement (GFA).

We envision that the programme of work will be committed by August 2025, with a draft / interim report available by Friday 31^st October 2025, with project close out by end of November 2025.

Tender contact:

Anna Parker

Net Zero and Economic Programme Officer

07398 430 024

anna.parker@cheshireandwarrington.com

Submissions should be sent via email, stating in the email subject which tender the submission relates to. Completed submissions should be sent to the tender contact stated above, copying in tenders@cheshireandwarrington.com and must be submitted by the deadline for submissions. Submissions sent by other means may not be accepted at the discretion of ECW.