London Growth Network - Data Evaluation Tool

The London Growth Network Project is an initiative funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and a GLA grant.

It will be delivered by London & Partners, utilising existing teams as well as the recruitment of new members of staff.

The project will form part of a wider range of business support initiatives supported by the Mayor of London as part of the London Growth Hub (www.growthhub.london).

The Scope of the Project: The project will aim to assist in providing growth advice to SMEs.

For those SMEs which fulfil the qualifying criteria, a minimum of 12 hours assistance will be provided.

Once the project has been implemented, the following activities will be included within its scope: 1) SME Account Management 2) Corporate Collaboration & Supply Chain Management 3) London Outer Borough Proposition Assistance The project aims to assist 450 SMEs and create 150 new jobs.

Project outputs will be delivered from Q3 2017.

A key component of this programme is a web based data evaluation tool, which will be completed by a London & Partners Account Manager through conversation with the SME client.

This tool will have a series of questions (designed by London & Partners) which will identify the key barriers faced by the SME, including 'access to talent', 'access to finance' etc.

The web based data evaluation tool will be considered successful if the below requirements are met. (Appendix 1 provides the full range of functional and non-functional requirements which should be met).

1.

The tool is a web based questionnaire which can be used to identify the SMEs' barriers to growth.

2.

The tool expands or contracts based on answers to the questions.

Basic AND/OR/IF conditions should be possible.

3.

The tool can be edited by a London & Partners employee including the addition of aforementioned conditions.

4.

The tool will enable the Account Management team to link information (web sources, links to SharePoint documents, notes etc.) to specific barriers (including if/or/unless exceptions) such that the 'report' (which will form the basis of the Growth Plan) will include a 'solutions' column for overcoming the specific barriers (i.e. crowdsourced from knowledge and experience of the entire account management team).

5.

An early version of the tool is ready for testing prior to the May 2017 launch.

6.

It is easy for the Account Managers to use and edit the questions and solutions sections, including the entire workflow and application of rules.

7.

The front end of the tool will be visually appealing and consistent with London Growth Network branding (which will be provided).

8.

The tool will fall well within the budget to ensure scope for changes if necessary.

The London Growth Network is supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the provision of a 50% grant.