PR & Marketing Support

Introduction

Tech Cornwall invites proposals from qualified PR and Marketing providers to deliver dynamic, results-driven campaigns for two of our key initiatives:

• The Festival of Tech (February 2024 and ongoing).
• The Academy and Digital Futures Projects, supporting talent development and innovation in Cornwall’s tech and digital sectors.

The successful provider will play a critical role in publicising these initiatives, building a strong narrative around Cornwall's tech ecosystem, and driving engagement at both local and national levels.

We are seeking a partner who can demonstrate innovative approaches to PR and marketing.

About Tech Cornwall

Tech Cornwall is a membership organisation for thinkers, doers, and pioneers in Cornwall's thriving tech sector. As one of the UK’s fastest-growing tech clusters, we empower businesses, individuals, and innovators through community-building, outreach, and professional development initiatives.

Our mission is to drive positive social change by building Cornwall’s vibrant tech community and inspiring the next generation of talent. Key to this mission are:

1. The Academy and Digital Futures Projects, which aim to upskill and inspire talent across Cornwall, fostering new opportunities for careers in tech and digital innovation.
2. The Festival of Tech, an event showcasing Cornwall's tech strengths and future opportunities.

Learn more at Tech Cornwall.

Scope of Work

1. Festival of Tech (February/March 2024)

• Campaign Development: Create a comprehensive campaign plan to promote the event (the 2025)locally and nationally.
• Media Engagement: Secure media coverage in key local and national outlets.
• Event Coverage: Provide on-site PR support, live updates, and post-event media and social content.
• Post-event Amplification (2024): Distribute follow-up stories, testimonials, and results to further build momentum.

2. Academy and Digital Futures Projects Feb 2024-March 2026.

• Strategic PR and Marketing: Develop an overarching strategy to highlight the Academy's and Digital Futures' priorities and impact, including the launch of new programmes, products, and services.
• Portfolio and Content Creation: Build a strong content portfolio showcasing success stories, impact, case studies, and participant journeys to inspire future engagement and support funding or grant applications.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Position the Academy as a leader in digital skills development through effective press campaigns and partnerships with key organisations and educational institutions.
• Campaign Innovation: Identify and implement new opportunities to grow awareness of these initiatives at local and national levels.

3. Content Creation and Distribution

• Regular production of high-quality, brand-aligned content for Tech Cornwall’s website, social media, newsletters, and press.
• Build and maintain a narrative around Tech Cornwall’s mission, ensuring consistent visibility across all platforms.
• Develop a rolling calendar of creative campaigns to sustain long-term engagement.

Budget

• Core Monthly Budget: £3,000 per month (Feb and March) and TBC April - March 2026
• Additional funds available for ad hoc extras, including special campaigns, additional coverage, and new initiatives.

In your proposal, please outline:

• What services and outputs you can deliver within the core monthly budget.
• Examples of how ad hoc budgets could be utilized to enhance the value of the partnership.

Requirements

• Expertise in PR and marketing in the tech and digital sectors, with a strong understanding of Cornwall’s unique ecosystem.
• Proven ability to promote events and initiatives, particularly those focused on talent development and community engagement.
• Extensive local and national press connections.
• Strong portfolio of previous work in similar sectors, demonstrating creativity and results.
• Ability to start immediately and cover the Festival of Tech in February 2024.
• Preferably Cornwall-based, with an appreciation of local opportunities and challenges.

Deliverables

1. Campaign Plans: Detailed monthly plans for both the Festival of Tech and Academy/Digital Futures.
2. Content Outputs: Regular production of engaging press releases, social media content, blogs, newsletters, and case studies.
3. Press Coverage: Reports on coverage secured in local, national, and industry outlets.
4. Engagement Metrics: Analytics and data demonstrating the success of campaigns.
5. Collaborative Workflow: Regular updates and reviews to ensure alignment with Tech Cornwall’s goals.

Proposal Requirements

Your proposal should include:

1. A detailed plan of services you can provide within the £3,000 monthly budget.
2. Suggestions for utilising the additional ad hoc budget for maximum impact.
3. Case studies of relevant projects.
4. A timeline and proposed milestones for the Festival of Tech and Academy/Digital Futures projects.
5. Profiles of your team members who will be involved.
6. References from clients with similar projects.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be assessed based on:

• Experience and expertise in the tech and digital sectors, with a strong focus on Cornwall.
• Ability to deliver within the specified budget.
• Quality and creativity of proposed strategies.
• Strength of local and national press connections.
• Evidence of past success through case studies and references.
• Value-added services or innovative approaches.

Submission Details

• Deadline: 4th Feb 9am 
• Contact: info@techcornwall.co.uk
• Submission Format: Proposals must be submitted as a PDF or Word document.

Tech Cornwall looks forward to partnering with an experienced and creative team to make a lasting impact with these exciting initiatives.