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Lightening Reach System

DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

17 Jul 2026 at 12:56

Award Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Durham County Council has completed the procurement process for the "Lightening Reach System". This contract falls under the Information Technology Services category as per the Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV), with specific delivery within the North East region of the United Kingdom. The procurement process was at the award stage as of 17 July 2026, with an initial contract beginning on 1 July 2026 and concluding on 30 June 2029. The established contract, valued at £150,000, is facilitated through a selective procurement method, specifically a call-off from a framework agreement, designed to offer financial support services efficiently. The procurement’s original tender period ended on 10 June 2026, reflecting a well-planned timeline managed by Durham County Council.

This tender opens significant opportunities for businesses specialising in IT services, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary community and social enterprises (VCSEs), as it aligns with their suitability and capabilities. The contract has been awarded to Lightning Social Ventures Ltd, a company recognised for its impactful contributions and adeptness in delivering personalised support systems. Businesses with expertise in developing financial portals and supportive frameworks that enhance accessibility to various grants, benefits, and vital resources stands to benefit greatly from engaging with similar contracts facilitated by local councils striving for technological advancement and improved service delivery.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Lightening Reach System

Notice Description

Lightning Reach Refer is a financial support portal which makes it easy for people to find and apply for a wide range of personalised support in one place. This can include charity grants, help with benefits, help with their bills and other vital resources. Initial Contract Terms is 12months with 2 x 12 months optional extensions embedded.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-bc94591d-7aaa-404d-94a9-a60576713a23
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/8f273074-2115-40f4-a593-de702f85f1a5
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, VCSE
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

CPV Codes

72222300 - Information technology services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£150,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£150,000 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
17 Jul 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
10 Jun 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
16 Jul 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
30 Jun 2026 - 30 Jun 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
DURHAM
Postcode
DH1 5UQ
Post Town
Durham
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC41 Durham
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England)
Local Authority
County Durham
Electoral Ward
Neville's Cross
Westminster Constituency
City of Durham

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

LIGHTNING SOCIAL VENTURES

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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