Tenders to be assessed

Six companies have submitted bids to run Elstree Film and Television studios following the advertising of its lease.

Hertsmere Borough Council has now appointed an external advisor Tenon Media, based in London, to help assess the bids and advise the council.

Tenon Media, the media division of Tenon Group, has been a leading provider of taxation advice, accountancy and consultancy services to the film industry for the past 18 years. Its client base includes individuals, partnerships and production companies from within the UK and overseas independent sectors as well as major US studios and other production and distribution companies across the Atlantic.

Cllr John Graham, Leader of the Council, said: "We are pleased with the response and will be carefully considering all the options open to us in order to secure what is best for Hertsmere.

"We are looking forward to working with our external advisor to help us through this process."

Those companies who have submitted a tender will be invited to present their applications to the council on 8 November for further discussions and analysis to go ahead.

Negotiations with final tenderers and completion of disposal is expected by 31 March 2007.