This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

03 Jun 2026 at 14:26

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Salford has successfully completed a procurement process under the CPV category 79342000 for marketing services, titled "Autumn Open Day Campaign Media Buy". This tender involved the planning and execution of an integrated media campaign to enhance recruitment for its Autumn/Winter Open Day events. The contract, valued at £246,188.43, was awarded on 26 May 2026 to SMRS, a large-scale firm located in Manchester. The procurement used a selective method through a call-off from a framework agreement, and the contract period spans from 1 September 2026 to 1 January 2027. This award marks the transition from the tender to the award stage, with the tender process having concluded on 15 May 2026.

This procurement offers substantial business opportunities, particularly for media agencies specialising in strategic campaign planning and execution within the higher education sector. Companies adept in media buying and possessing a strong understanding of brand positioning and student recruitment dynamics stand a great chance of excelling in similar tenders. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) also have the potential to compete effectively, given the suitability for such entities as highlighted in the procurement details. The nature of this tender underscores the growing need for services that can enhance brand awareness and drive engagement, presenting a robust avenue for business growth in marketing services.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Autumn Open Day Campaign Media Buy

Notice Description

The University of Salford is seeking proposals from media agencies to plan, deliver, and optimise a high-impact, integrated media campaign to support its Autumn/Winter Open Day recruitment activity for 2026. This campaign represents the University's first major recruitment push of the academic year and plays a critical role in influencing prospective undergraduate students at an early stage in their decision-making journey. In an increasingly competitive higher education landscape, the University aims to strengthen its brand presence, enhance consideration, and drive attendance at Open Days. The campaign will promote three Open Day events taking place on: * 10 October 2026 * 7 November 2026 * 12 December 2026 Activity must be strategically phased to build awareness and engagement ahead of each event, while maintaining momentum across the full campaign period. Objectives The appointed agency will be required to deliver a campaign that: * Drives qualified traffic to the University website and Open Day booking pages * Increases bookings and attendance at all three Open Days * Builds brand awareness and positive perception of the University of Salford and its student experience * Positions Salford as an attractive place to live and study * Demonstrates measurable return on investment (ROI) through clear performance

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-8237a030-f636-437c-a3d3-4b8220d1aafd
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/46d22e39-17b5-412c-8ebe-6c59ba02dd15
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Call-off from a framework agreement
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security


CPV Codes

79342000 - Marketing services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£246,188 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£246,188 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
3 Jun 20263 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
15 May 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
25 May 20261 months ago
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 1 Jan 2027 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD(THE)
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SALFORD
Postcode
M5 4WT
Post Town
Manchester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD34 Greater Manchester South West
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Salford
Electoral Ward
Ordsall
Westminster Constituency
Salford

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

SMRS

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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