Hi3 Network Summative Assessment Call

1. Scope of Project

Hi3 Network is a consortium which consists of five partners: London South Bank University (LSBU), Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), Maidstone Studios, Creative Folkestone, and Screen South.

Hi3 Network supports creative industry entrepreneurs, start-ups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to develop and deliver new innovations in the moving image by connecting them to academic expertise and state-of-the-art facilities across the SELEP region. The programme officially started in July 2020, launched for registrations in the summer of 2021 and is funded until June 2023. The Hi3 Network is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and responds to the UK Industrial Strategy by encouraging the adoption of emerging technologies by SMEs located in England and particularly to stimulate economic growth and wellbeing in the South East of England. The project’s aim is two-fold, firstly to refurbish existing buildings to create three sets of connected studios (‘Hubs’) for the screen industries. Secondly to bring together small to medium-sized businesses with university researchers to explore and generate new to the firm - and demonstrators of potential new to the market - products, services, and experiences.  

The three hubs are strategically located to take advantage of existing clusters of Screen Industry activity at Folkestone, Canterbury, and Maidstone. The project will also provide additional activities in Hastings, Southend, and Eastbourne to extend its reach into Essex and East Sussex.

The main aims of the project are:

• To refurbish existing offices and studios to create three Hubs for the screen industries. Each hub will have a studio, editing facilities and a co-working space.  
• To bring together small to medium-sized businesses with university researchers to explore and generate new to the firm - and potential new to the market - products, services, and experiences.  
• Increase the number of small to medium-sized businesses (SME’s) in the screen industry and moving image technologies, specifically in the SELEP area receiving comprehensive research and innovation support.  

The contracted outputs are:  

• P2 - Public or commercial buildings built or renovated – 548.26 sqm
• C1 - Number of SMEs receiving support – 90
• C4 - Number of SMEs receiving non-financial support – 90
• C5 - Number of new SMEs supported – 14
• C26 - Number of SMEs cooperating with research entities – 66
• C28 - Number of SMEs supported to introduce new to the market products – 12 C29 - Number SMEs supported to introduce new to the firm products – 30

2. Specification of Requirements

The ERDF grant funding Agreement places a requirement on all grant recipients to undertake summative assessment. The summative assessments are intended to provide insights into project performance to enhance implementation through, reliable evidence of efficiency, effectiveness, value for money, insights into what and why interventions work (or not); and lessons for the future.  

The required summative evaluation reports will also provide project level evidence which, when combined with national evidence of progress and impact, will result in stronger evidence of the overall impact and effectiveness of the ERDF operational programme across England.  

While the approach within each summative assessment may vary, all assessments need to cover the following themes: Relevance and consistency, progress, delivery and management, impact and value for money.

Furthermore, the Hi3 Network hopes this evaluation will look at the following questions:  

• What has the project achieved?  
• What benefits has the project delivered and for whom?  
• Are businesses happy with the support provided? If not, why?
• What factors have contributed to the success / failure of the project?
• Are there any negative issues that need to be addressed?
• What wider impact has the project had on SMEs and the creative industry in the SELEP region?  
• Are there any notable examples of good or innovative practice from the project?  
• What has been the impact of the research carried out throughout the projects undertaken?
• Have there been any unexpected outcomes / achievements?

The key stages for the evaluation of this project are:

1. Defining objectives, methodology and schedule of work

2. Data collection and analysis, covering:

• Impact and benefit of the project for all stakeholders
• Lessons learned and how this can inform future activity  
• Economic value and cost effectiveness of the project
• Performance against target outputs to date
• The benefit of the project to the creative industries at local, regional, and national scale

3. Interim report (July 2022)  

4. Final report (June 2023)

For more information, please review the ERDF guidance and documents.

3. Terms and Conditions

This agreement will be governed by London South Bank University’s General Conditions of Contract for Services, which are available on request. Tenderers Terms & Conditions relating to the Software Licenses will be considered for inclusion in any agreed contract.

4. Additional Information  

The Lead Project Manager (who also oversees the Maidstone Hub) and one nominated lead from the Folkestone and Canterbury Hubs will work with the appointed organisation to provide background information and work to agreed deadlines with support from the ERDF Programme Manager.  

5. Supplier Requirements

Suppliers must be able to:  

• Commence delivery as soon as possible
• Present a methodology to carry out the evaluation report that meets ERDF requirements.  
• Consider ERDF guidance and build on the Summative Assessment Plan that the project has already been submitted to the Managing Authority, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLULC)
• Submit the requested documents in order to tender for the work by the deadline of 17:00 on 16 March 2022  

If you have any questions, please email:

Vanessa von Heydebreck, Lead Project Manager Hi3 Network: vonheydv@lsbu.ac.uk
Barbara Ioannou, ERDF Programme Manager: ioannoub@lsbu.ac.uk

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