Agenda Item No_____8_______
NEW VISION CONTRACT
Summary:
The current contract for supplying tourism related technology
expires in March 2012. A wider review of Customer Services
including the Tourist Information Centre’s will take place in
2012/13.
Conclusions:
Therefore it is expedient to extend the current TIC technology
suppliers contract for a further year which will also save around
£10,000 on the current annual contract costs.
Recommendations:
To retain the New Vision Group as the supplier of our tourism
related technology for the 2012/13 financial year at a cost of
£30,120.
Cabinet member(s):
Ward(s) affected:
Cllr. Tom FitzPatrick
All
Estelle Packham – Customer Services Manager
Extension: 6079
Email: estelle.packham@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Contact Officer, telephone
number, and e-mail:
1.
Introduction
1.1
The economic prosperity of North Norfolk is linked to the success of its tourism
sector and the Tourist Information Centres (TIC’s) play a huge role in this. They
are often the first port of call for a visitor to the area and our chance to sell North
Norfolk and all that it can offer.
1.2
There is one year round Information Centre in Cromer and three seasonal TIC’s in
Wells, Holt and Sheringham. These centres are supported by technology currently
supplied by the New Vision group.
1.3
A strategic review of Customer Services and TIC’s will take place in 2012/13.
There is an ongoing commitment to supporting tourist information services;
however, different delivery models in partnership with Town Councils and other
interested bodies will be explored. This means that there is the likelihood of our
technology requirements changing significantly in the next 12-18 months.
2.
Background
2.1
The New Vision Group currently supplies North Norfolk District Council with;
•
www.visitnorthnorfolk.com and includes, hosting, monitoring and
maintenance.
•
24/7 kiosks at each of the centers - hardware, content and maintenance.
•
A data management system which includes the ability to book
accommodation and source information.
•
Training.
2.2
A three year contract with the New Vision Group has been in place since April
2009 and is due to expire in March 2012. It would normally be at this point that
requirements were reviewed and a full tender and procurement exercise
completed. However, with a strategic review of the service planned and the
likelihood of our future requirements changing significantly in the next 12-18
months it seems sensible to review the technology requirements once the
management model has been decided and then test the market accordingly.
2.3
The annual cost of the New Vision contract for 2011/12 is £41,404.00. A quote to
extend the current contract for the year 2012/13 has been received for £30,120
which represents a saving of £11,284 for next year.
3.
Risks
3.1
Reputational Risks: The New Vision Group are one of the main suppliers of
tourism related technology in the market place and we have been using their
product successfully over a significant number of years.
3.2
Financial Risks: There are no financial risks.
4.
Sustainability
4.1
There are no direct sustainability issues associated with this decision
5.
Equality and Diversity
5.1
The extension of the contract will maintain access to services.
6.
Section 17 Crime and Disorder considerations
6.1
There are no section 517 issues.