Purpose

1. Expertise and Experience: Oxford Innovation
has demonstrated significant expertise and experience in delivering
digital transformation and road mapping services, making them a
suitable proven partner for the Made Smarter East Midlands
programme. They were awarded a contract in October 22 to deliver
this service for the period to March 25. The contract has been
fulfilled with all targets being met.

2.Alignment with Programme Objectives: The company’s approach
aligns well with the objectives of the Made Smarter East Midlands
programme, including promoting economic growth, supporting SMEs and
focusing on sustainability and digital readiness.

3. Efficiency and Timeliness: A direct award allows for a more
efficient and timely commencement of meeting current unmet demand
for Road Mapping services, ensuring that the programme can exceed
its target within available budget. It enables us to progress unmet
demand in the current programme for 25 businesses.

4.Quality of Delivery: The company has a proven track 2025 record
of high-quality delivery through their procured delivery for the
period October 22 to February 25, which is crucial for the success
of the programme and the satisfaction of the beneficiaries. We have
an established positive relationship through the existing
programme.

5.Continuation and Demand: The current programme is not yet
complete, and there is unmet demand for roadmaps, with 25
businesses currently awaiting a roadmap. By direct awarding the
programme now, we can increase the uptake of the service and ensure
that the demand is met promptly. From a beneficiary perspective it
provides strong continuity in delivery where they can access
roadmap services now that will lead them into other support
provision within the new programme. The road map provision is key
to the success of the programme as it sets out business need and
provides recommendation for further support within the
programme.

Decision

To make a direct award for the provision of
Made Smarter Road Mapping Services to Oxford Innovation.

• This decision involves selecting Oxford Innovation as the
supplier to deliver current unmet demand on Road Mapping services
for the Made Smarter East Midlands programme, based on their
history of delivery from October 22, expertise and ability to meet
the programme’s requirements and objectives.

•The direct contract award would be to the value of
£70,100(including Vat) and would commence March
2025.