Balloon fiesta firm to run rapid test centres

The team behind the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has been handed a £350,000-a-month contract for coronavirus testing in Bath and North East Somerset.

Richmond Event Management (REM) will be responsible for rapid lateral flow testing at three sites to identify asymptomatic cases and help break the chain of Covid transmission.

Best known for producing Bristol’s balloon fiesta and harbour festival, the Bristol-based firm has previously been used by B&NES Council for Christmas lights switch-ons and the Paralympic Flame celebration.

REM has already supported the pandemic response by helping to set up the Nightingale Hospital in Bristol, which will soon be stood down.

A decision notice signed off by council chief executive Will Godfrey said: “Given the need to work at pace and set up the arrangements as quickly as possible, some of the specific responsibilities are still being finalised as part of the contract. But, in general, REM will be responsible for setting up the sites, procuring the materials (other than the test kits that are provided by the the Department for Health and Social Care -DHSC), sourcing the staff, undertaking training, carrying out the tests and working alongside the authority to help promote and evaluate the work.”

The contract was directly awarded without a tendering process due to the need for urgency and is worth £346,000 a month.

Funding is provided at up to £14 per test minus the cost of the test, about £1.75. The government, which will reimburse the council, expects the programme to run until June 30.

REM will be expected to adopt an open-book approach to ensure transparency and clarity, with regular reviews. It is testing at Bath’s Apex Hotel (inset), Keynsham Masonic Hall and the Centurion Hotel in Midsomer Norton. Additional locations could be provided if there is demand.

Cllr Richard Samuel, the deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, said: “Like all councils we are required to set up mass testing arrangements as part of the government’s pandemic response.

“Because of the urgency of the requirement this did not allow enough time for contracts to be tendered and the contract was awarded in line with strict guidance issued by the government.”

He added: “This cost to the council of setting up the three sites - to help prevent the spread of Covid as part of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown - will be reimbursed by the DHSC.”

■ For more information about booking a rapid flow test including eligibility, visit https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/rapid-test. The rapid test involves taking a swab from your nose and throat, and takes around 15 minutes to administer. You should receive your results within an hour by text or email.

REM declined to comment.