Thanet Outdoor Market Operator Services - PIN Exercise

Description

This prior information notice (PIN) is for a soft market testing exercise and does not constitute a call for competition to procure any services for Thanet District Council. Thanet District Council is looking for a supplier to provide Market Operator Services for a monthly outdoor market in Ramsgate. The supplier will be required to productively manage the market and all services required for its efficient running, are to be provided by the supplier. The supplier would need to be able to identify new, innovative and sustainable ideas in recognition of the change in the retail sector and markets and in line with Thanet District Council's Corporate Statement. (found at https://www.thanet.gov.uk/info-pages/corporate-statement/) The purpose of this PIN exercise is to: • Identify the levels of interest from new potential market operators, in order to compile a list of probable operators. • Welcome suggestions on the number of traders who will be able to operate during each market, and what range of products will be on offer. • At this time two locations have been identified as suitable for a market, Ramsgate High Street and/or Westcliff Promenade Green, however, new location proposals would be considered. The Pin is also to identify innovative ideas for the efficient running and day to day management which can provide the following: • A vibrant and sustainable market • A market that supports the local community and integration into the surrounding area • Enhances the revenue for the Council • Providing an enhanced offer for traders and customers, encompassing a varied range of goods • Support for local, new and existing businesses For this PIN, the deadline for Soft Market Testing responses is 14.00hrs 28th February 2022. The Council is using the Kent Business Portal to carry out this soft marketing exercise. To view further information, please register for free at kentbusinessportal@org.uk and express your interest in this soft marketing exercise. All queries and responses must be via the Kent Business Portal messaging area on the opportunity page. The estimated Invitation to Tender commencement date is March 2022 and the estimated contract start date is May 2022. Please note, this is purely for a soft market testing exercise to be undertaken and Thanet District Council is not bound to accept any proposals offered by interested parties, or liable for any costs incurred by any party participating in this soft market testing exercise. A response to this PIN does also not guarantee an expression of interest to participate in any future procurement process that Thanet District Council may advertise.