Legal Support for Planning Transfer of Functions

Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington (ECW) is a company owned by the three unitary authorities in Cheshire and Warrington. It was previously the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for the area and transitioned to local authority ownership in 2024. As part of the Government's devolution program, a Combined Authority (CA) will be established in Spring 2026 to oversee strategic economic development in the region, a role previously held by the LEP and ECW. With the formation of the new Combined Authority, there may be a transfer of functions currently managed by ECW and the Cheshire and Warrington Local Transport Body (CWTB) to local authorities, the CA, or other entities. The specifics of these transfers are still under consideration. ECW is looking to hire a provider of specialist legal advice to assist in these discussions, focusing on pre-transfer planning and due diligence regarding the potential transfer of ECW's functions, assets, and responsibilities. This legal support will be provided through a retainer and call-off contract. The selected provider should have expertise in various areas, including organizational, corporate, public law, employment, and commercial matters, and must be able to respond promptly as the situation evolves.