This feasibility study will investigate whether there is a market for small-scale growing of local provenance native plant species and pesticide-free pollinator-friendly garden plants, and whether small enterprises and community groups are willing and able to meet this demand.

The contractor will use their existing knowledge as well as understanding gathered during their research for this study, to provide advice to at least three small enterprises developing a business in growing native species and/or pesticide-free pollinator-friendly garden plants. Green Connections staff can help identify these enterprises.

This contract is to:

• Identify and talk to a range of garden centres, SMEs and community enterprises across Powys to establish if locally grown native plants and pesticide-free pollinator garden plants are already being grown and sold. Gauge their interest, practical considerations and understanding of local markets for these plants.
• Establish whether enterprises are using native seed and to what extent it is local provenance. Find out whether peat-free compost is being used and if not, why not.
• Undertake A SWOT-type analysis of the feasibility of enterprises/community groups offering native plants to sell and opportunities within the market to sell plants.
• Identify and provide guidance and individual support to at least 3 SME or community enterprises across Powys interested in developing an enterprise growing native species and/or pesticide-free pollinator garden plants and marketing those products.
• Provide a brief written report quarterly on progress to the Steering Group (April, July and October 2022).
• Provide a Final Report on your findings, provide recommendations for future sustainability of the pilot projects and opportunities to roll out to others.
• Present your report at a project meeting in December 2022, either face to face or online as appropriate.

We are looking for a contractor who has practical experience of growing plants, knowledge about marketing and selling produce, and interest in facilitating SMEs and community enterprises.

The maximum price of this contract is £5000 + VAT. The contract will start in February/March 2022 and finish with a final report in December 2022.

Please explain in your tender:

• Why you are a suitable contractor to deliver this project.
• Your day rate and how you would allocate your time delivering the study.
• A timeline with key delivery milestones through the duration of the contract.
• Any additional costs that make up the tender amount.
• Describe your anticipated approach to this study.
• Any other information to back up this tender.

Staged payment for the service can be agreed in arrears subject to satisfactory progress, with the final part payable after we have received the Final Report. Three members of a working group will assess the tenders and agree a decision.

Please return this tender by: 9am 10th March 2022

Email to Darylle Hardy, Project Manager, Green Connections darylle@rwtwales.org