Content

To enter into a contract with Sittwell Ltd for
the provision of specialist advisory service to the Golden Valley
Development and the wider security and technology cluster in
Cheltenham and Gloucestershire.

Reasons for the decision

Golden Valley Development (GVD) next to GCHQ
in West Cheltenham, and the wider growth of the innovation,
security and technology cluster, is of critical importance.

It is a key priority for Cheltenham Borough Council’s
corporate plan and the Gloucestershire Local Growth plan. In
addition, GVD forms part of the National Industrial Strategy
delivery plan published by government. Central to GVD is the
construction of the National Cyber Innovation Centre which
represents the first phase of the development which aims to be
completed during 2027.

In advance of delivery of the first buildings, it is vital that
support is provided to GVD and to Gloucestershire’s
technology cluster. This support aims to build on the existing
economic competitive advantage to harness the full potential of GVD
and Gloucestershire to create jobs, deliver inclusive growth and
maintain the county’s position as a key part of UK’s
technology and national security industry.

As such £315k of funding was secured from the county-wide
strategic economic development fund (SEDF) to undertake the
following work packages:

1. Narrative and proposition development
2. Development of an action plan
3. Creation of overarching governance

This report is to commission specialist consultant and advisory
support to progress these work packages. Specifically, to review
the narrative and proposition development and the development of an
effective and successful governance through the creation and
establishment of an advisory board.

Due to the unique and specialist advice to support the work set out
above a contract waiver has been used. This decision notices
provides the relevant authority to enter in the relevant contract
with Sittwell Ltd.

Alternative options considered

Due to the unique and specialist advice and
consultancy required no other options were considered.