In brief: The States of Guernsey’s Economic Development department has launched a tender process inviting private sector organisations to take over the running of the Digital Greenhouse innovation incubator. The move follows an announcement in August that the publicly funded facility would close. The aim is to continue key services at no cost to the taxpayer, though some grant funding for essential start-up support has not been ruled out.
From Public Purse to Private Hands
Economic Development has opened formal bidding for organisations wishing to take on the operation of the Digital Greenhouse, Guernsey’s innovation incubator, Bailiwick Express reports. The tender process launched this week, roughly two months after the department announced in August that it intended to close the facility.
According to an Economic Development spokesperson, “several businesses and organisations” have already “come forward with ideas for the future of the service” since that closure announcement, suggesting there is genuine appetite in the private sector to keep the incubator alive in some form.
The stated goal is for “some of its existing services to continue at no cost to the public, alongside additional commercial services that give entrepreneurs the best possible support.” In other words, the Government is hoping the market can do what the public sector has been funding, and do it without sending the bill to local residents.
Grant Funding Still on the Table
Despite the clear drive to reduce the burden on taxpayers, Economic Development has left the door open to some continued public spending. A spokesperson indicated there could be grant funding for “some ‘essential services’ to entrepreneurs, particularly those supporting new business start-ups.” The precise scope and value of any such grants has not been specified at this stage.
This is, of course, the classic government manoeuvre: announce a cost-saving privatisation, then quietly note that the cheque book may not be entirely put away. Whether that caveat grows or shrinks will depend on what proposals come in before the closing date of 9 November.
How to Apply
Interested parties should submit proposals through the States of Guernsey’s e-tendering portal, and are asked to email info@digitalgreenhouse.com afterwards to confirm their registration details. Bidding is free of charge. Anyone with questions about the process can contact procurement@gov.gg. The deadline for submissions is 9 November.
It is worth noting for interested businesses that the tendering portal is run by the States of Guernsey, the primary administrative body for the island.
Source: Bailiwick Express
