FAQ
- What qualifications do I need to join the Integrated Business Enterprise?
- How do we join an IBE?
- Do you offer advice to anyone on completing tenders?
- What if a suppliers drops out of a contract?
- How do we find out about opportunities?
- How much does it cost to join?
- Why do you ask about Environmental, Equality and Health and Safety policies in the application form?
- If I am a WCBN member do I still have to apply to join the IBE?
- Which sectors does the IBE apply to?
What qualifications do I need to join the Integrated Business Enterprise?
The Integrated Business Enterprise only has the following requirements for its membership:
1) Your business must be located in Cornwall.
2) Your business must be defined as an SME (i.e less than 250 employees).
3) No director of the company has been involved in an insolvent liquidation in the past 5 years.
Each application is treated individually and we seek to ensure we can offer benefits to you and therefore sometimes we may not accept applications for membership (in such cases feedback can always be sought).
How do we join an IBE?
Its easy to join the IBE in two steps.
1) Fill out the relevant application form for your sector (which can be found in the sectors section) and return it to us by email or by post.
2) We will then arrange a meeting with you at your convenience to discuss your business in further detail and the membership options which will suit your business best. At the meeting we will place you on the capability matrix and organise membership payment.
Do you offer advice to anyone on completing tenders?
No we do not offer advice on completing tenders unless it is specifically for an IBE project. For advice on the tender process please see http://www.tendersincornwall.co.uk, http://www.supply2.gov.uk and the Cornwall Council Corporate Procurement Unit at http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=9853.
What if a suppliers drops out of a contract?
For all collaborations the firms involved will need to seek independent legal and financial advice to ensure the contracts are sound and risk is minimised. To try and reduce the risk of this having a damaging effect the Integrated Business Enterprise will seek to ensure there are at least three suppliers with the same skills within the membership.
How do we find out about opportunities?
If you become a member of the Integrated Business Enterprise we will communicate relevant opportunities to you through emails.
How much does it cost to join?
There are two ways of joining the Integrated Business Enterprise. Firstly, if you join the West Cornwall Business Network, entry to the IBE is free (subject to meeting entry criteria). Alternatively, a firm can join the IBE without WCBN membership and benefits at a lower cost.
Current WCBN members will not be charged for joining the IBE.
Details of membership costs can be found in the resources section here
Why do you ask about Environmental, Equality and Health and Safety policies in the application form?
All public sector work requires the contractors to have these policies, but do not worry we are asking so we can help you develop them to raise you to the standards required. Your answer to this question will not affect your application whatsoever.
If I am a WCBN member do I still have to apply to join the IBE?
Yes you do still need to apply for membership to the Integrated Business Enterprise. This is for two reasons, firstly, it is part of an application process to ensure quality remains high within the IBE and secondly, the information collected for WCBN membership is not enough to ensure you will benefit from the IBE.
It is free for WCBN members to join the IBE.
Which sectors does the IBE apply to?
Currently the IBE is only available for suppliers in the ICT sector.
If you feel the principles of the Integrated Business Enterprise will work well in your sector then why not give us a call to inspire us of where to reach out to in the future.