COI unveils Strategic Marketing agency frameworks
1 April 2009
The Central Office of Information (COI) has radically overhauled its frameworks that support the work of its Strategic Consultancy division.
The Marketing and Brand Strategy and Internal Communication, Engagement and Change agency frameworks become operational today, and include 50 agencies between them. The frameworks include suppliers based in Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol and York as well as London.
The frameworks are based on the external skills that COI Strategic Consultancy clients are likely to need over the next four years. The launch heralds a new focus on collaborative working between internal COI strategic consultants and outside suppliers.
COI thoroughly evaluated 600 applications and reviewed around 3000 CVs and 5000 case studies during the review. The successful agencies were selected on the basis of their proven expertise and experience in one or more of the following specialisms:
- Internal Communication, Engagement and Change
Employee communication and engagement
Change management and culture change
Brand and values
Evaluation - Marketing, Brand and Strategy
Marketing and communication
Stakeholder communication
Branding
Insight and modelling
Business strategy
Concept development
Evaluation
The new frameworks have been divided into lots and labels to meet the requirements of the 2006 Public Contract Regulations that insist all suppliers "capable of performing the proposed contract" are invited to compete for each piece of business.
The new system ensures that agencies can compete for work without going through a lengthy procurement process for every contract. Briefs can also be issued across lots depending on the requirements.
Sean Larkins, COI Deputy Director of Strategic Consultancy commented:
"The review process was rigorous, and the agency applications of a very high standard. We've seen and appointed the best of the best to help us solve some of the UK's most complex communication challenges in the most cost effective way.
"We're now looking forward to working collaboratively with our agencies to deliver some really innovative, successful projects that can demonstrate significant returns on investment for our clients."
The two new frameworks are worth approximately £5 million per year and replace the Marketing and Brand Strategy Consultancy Framework, which was last reviewed in 2005.
The External Engagement and Facilitation Framework which has also been created to support COI strategic consultants will open in mid April. COI will make a further announcement about this in due course.
Ends
For press enquiries please contact Rhona de la Mer at COI on 020 7261 8306.
Notes to Editors
- COI maintains and uses around 30 world-class frameworks of suppliers which are the 'best of the best'; taking into account the anticipated needs of COI and its government and public sector clients.
- The successful agencies can be found here:
- COI's strategic consultants and analysts develop insightful, innovative, practical and effective marketing strategies and solutions. The team offers advice at the early stages of a project, before implementation begins, and helps develop the knowledge, understanding and insight that underpin the strategy. Services include segmentation and insight; stakeholder (mapping, prioritisation and strategy); brand and reputation strategy.
- The current Strategic Consultancy Frameworks have been used to help develop strategies around high-profile issues such as organ donation and binge drinking; brand and business development strategies for organisations including the Learning & Skills Council and Welsh Assembly Government; and improving employee engagement and culture change within the NHS and HM Revenue & Customs.
- An image of Sean Larkins is available on request.