Award

Strategic Marketing and Communications

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

04 Nov 2025 at 10:27

Tender

28 May 2025 at 08:56

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Edinburgh has completed a procurement process for strategic marketing and communications services, specifically within their Accommodation, Catering & Events department. This process involved an open procedure with a focus on marketing services, classified under CPV code 79342000. Two active contracts were awarded: Public Relations, with Frame as the supplier, and Branding and Design, awarded to We are SevenThree Ltd. These agreements, each valued at £400,000, were signed on 31st October 2025. The procurement stage involved was the award, and it took place in Edinburgh, region UKM75, Scotland.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in marketing and public relations, particularly those focused on the education and hospitality sectors. SMEs like Frame and We are SevenThree Ltd have successfully secured contracts, highlighting that smaller enterprises with expertise in media outreach, branding, and stakeholder engagement are well-suited to compete. With options for contract extensions, interested businesses can establish lasting relationships with the University, enhancing their commercial presence and contributing to potential community benefits in the Edinburgh region.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

D3 Tenders Premium

Win More Public Sector Contracts

AI-powered tender discovery, pipeline management, and market intelligence — everything you need to grow your public sector business.

Notice Title

Strategic Marketing and Communications

Notice Description

The University of Edinburgh's Accommodation, Catering & Events (ACE) department is seeking to establish a contract for its commercial marketing and communications services. This initiative originally aimed to appoint external agencies across three key lots: Paid Advertising and Digital Strategy, Public Relations and Branding & Design, however the former was cancelled during the tender process. By securing expert partners, ACE will enhance brand visibility, streamline communications, and drive commercial success across its portfolio, including The University's year-round hotels, summer accommodation, highland lodges, event services, catering outlets and hospitality services.

Lot Information

Branding and Design

This lot will focus on the creation, development, and execution of the University's commercial branding and design materials to ensure a consistent and impactful visual identity across all commercial initiatives.

Options: The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months.

Renewal: The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months.

Paid Digital Advertising and Digital Strategy

The appointed supplier will be responsible for planning, buying, and optimising paid social media/Google campaigns across relevant platforms to drive engagement, brand awareness, and conversions for Accommodation, Catering and Events. Additional information: This lot was cancelled during the tender process and no award was made.

Options: The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months.

Renewal: The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months.

Public Relations

This lot encompasses the development and execution of public relations strategies tailored to the tourism and hospitality sector, with a focus on media outreach, brand partnerships, community engagement, and creating strong relationships with local, national, and international media. The goal is to raise the University's profile within the commercial hospitality space, boost its reputation, and drive engagement from key audiences, including potential guests and industry stakeholders.

Options: The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months.

Renewal: The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-052782
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/070726-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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


CPV Codes

79340000 - Advertising and marketing services

79341000 - Advertising services

79341100 - Advertising consultancy services

79341200 - Advertising management services

79341400 - Advertising campaign services

79342000 - Marketing services

79416000 - Public relations services

79416100 - Public relations management services

79416200 - Public relations consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,400,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,400,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£400,000 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
1 Jul 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
31 Oct 20253 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Cancelled
Awards Status
Active, Unsuccessful
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Contact Name
Elliot Freeman
Contact Email
elliot.freeman@ed.ac.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1316502759

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH1 1HT
Post Town
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM75 City of Edinburgh

Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
City Centre
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
2
Supplier Names

FRAME

WE ARE SEVENTHREE

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-052782-2025-11-04T10:27:42Z",
    "date": "2025-11-04T10:27:42Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-052782",
    "description": "Lot 1 was cancelled as it was determined that the specification for this lot did not adequately capture the unique requirements of the University's Accommodation, Catering and Events department. Therefore, the decision was made to not progress this lot any further in this tender. (SC Ref:812513)",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "tender": {
        "id": "EC1045",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "32014L0024",
            "scheme": "CELEX"
        },
        "title": "Strategic Marketing and Communications",
        "status": "complete",
        "classification": {
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "id": "79342000",
            "description": "Marketing services"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "description": "The University of Edinburgh's Accommodation, Catering & Events (ACE) department is seeking to establish a contract for its commercial marketing and communications services. This initiative originally aimed to appoint external agencies across three key lots: Paid Advertising and Digital Strategy, Public Relations and Branding & Design, however the former was cancelled during the tender process. By securing expert partners, ACE will enhance brand visibility, streamline communications, and drive commercial success across its portfolio, including The University's year-round hotels, summer accommodation, highland lodges, event services, catering outlets and hospitality services.",
        "value": {
            "amount": 1400000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "3",
                "title": "Branding and Design",
                "description": "This lot will focus on the creation, development, and execution of the University's commercial branding and design materials to ensure a consistent and impactful visual identity across all commercial initiatives.",
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "name": "Technical",
                            "type": "quality",
                            "description": "60"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "description": "40"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "value": {
                    "amount": 400000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "durationInDays": 720
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months."
                },
                "submissionTerms": {
                    "variantPolicy": "notAllowed"
                },
                "hasOptions": true,
                "options": {
                    "description": "The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months."
                },
                "status": "cancelled"
            },
            {
                "id": "1",
                "title": "Paid Digital Advertising and Digital Strategy",
                "description": "The appointed supplier will be responsible for planning, buying, and optimising paid social media/Google campaigns across relevant platforms to drive engagement, brand awareness, and conversions for Accommodation, Catering and Events. Additional information: This lot was cancelled during the tender process and no award was made.",
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "name": "Technical",
                            "type": "quality",
                            "description": "60"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "description": "40"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "value": {
                    "amount": 600000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "durationInDays": 720
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months."
                },
                "submissionTerms": {
                    "variantPolicy": "notAllowed"
                },
                "hasOptions": true,
                "options": {
                    "description": "The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months."
                },
                "status": "cancelled"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "title": "Public Relations",
                "description": "This lot encompasses the development and execution of public relations strategies tailored to the tourism and hospitality sector, with a focus on media outreach, brand partnerships, community engagement, and creating strong relationships with local, national, and international media. The goal is to raise the University's profile within the commercial hospitality space, boost its reputation, and drive engagement from key audiences, including potential guests and industry stakeholders.",
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "name": "Technical",
                            "type": "quality",
                            "description": "60"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "description": "40"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "value": {
                    "amount": 400000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "durationInDays": 720
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months."
                },
                "submissionTerms": {
                    "variantPolicy": "notAllowed"
                },
                "hasOptions": true,
                "options": {
                    "description": "The University will have the option to extend this contract by an additional period of 24-months."
                },
                "status": "cancelled"
            }
        ],
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "3",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79340000",
                        "description": "Advertising and marketing services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79341000",
                        "description": "Advertising services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79341100",
                        "description": "Advertising consultancy services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79341200",
                        "description": "Advertising management services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79341400",
                        "description": "Advertising campaign services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKM75"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKM75"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "3"
            },
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79341000",
                        "description": "Advertising services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79341100",
                        "description": "Advertising consultancy services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79341400",
                        "description": "Advertising campaign services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79340000",
                        "description": "Advertising and marketing services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79341200",
                        "description": "Advertising management services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKM75"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKM75"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79416000",
                        "description": "Public relations services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79416100",
                        "description": "Public relations management services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79416200",
                        "description": "Public relations consultancy services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKM75"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKM75"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "2"
            }
        ],
        "submissionMethod": [
            "electronicSubmission"
        ],
        "submissionMethodDetails": "https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/esop/pts-host/public/pts/web/login.html?VISITORID=b00bf88c-8f28-485d-87cf-5a33b56e5fa8&VISITORID=b00bf88c-8f28-485d-87cf-5a33b56e5fa8",
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "economic",
                "documentType": "economicSelectionCriteria"
            },
            {
                "id": "technical",
                "documentType": "technicalSelectionCriteria"
            }
        ],
        "contractTerms": {
            "performanceTerms": "The SLA and KPIs applicable to this contract are detailed in the ITT for each lot.",
            "hasElectronicOrdering": true,
            "electronicInvoicingPolicy": "allowed",
            "hasElectronicPayment": true
        },
        "otherRequirements": {
            "requiresStaffNamesAndQualifications": true
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-07-01T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "submissionTerms": {
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ],
            "bidValidityPeriod": {
                "durationInDays": 120
            }
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "startDate": "2025-07-01T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "bidOpening": {
            "date": "2025-07-01T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "hasRecurrence": false
    },
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-2023",
            "name": "University Of Edinburgh",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "University Of Edinburgh"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Charles Stewart House, 9-16 Chambers Street",
                "locality": "Edinburgh",
                "region": "UKM75",
                "postalCode": "EH1 1HT",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Elliot Freeman",
                "telephone": "+44 1316502759",
                "email": "Elliot.Freeman@ed.ac.uk",
                "url": "https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/esop/pts-host/public/pts/web/login.html?VISITORID=b00bf88c-8f28-485d-87cf-5a33b56e5fa8&VISITORID=b00bf88c-8f28-485d-87cf-5a33b56e5fa8"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer",
                "centralPurchasingBody"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.ed.ac.uk",
                "buyerProfile": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00107",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "BODY_PUBLIC",
                        "description": "Body governed by public law"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "COFOG",
                        "id": "09",
                        "description": "Education"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-404",
            "name": "Edinburgh Sheriff Court",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Edinburgh Sheriff Court"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "27 Chambers Street",
                "locality": "Edinburgh",
                "postalCode": "EH1 1LB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "roles": [
                "reviewBody"
            ]
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-165591",
            "name": "Frame",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Frame"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Four Winds Pavilion, Pacific Quay",
                "locality": "Glasgow",
                "region": "UKM82",
                "postalCode": "G51 1DZ",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "telephone": "+44 1415595840"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme"
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-165592",
            "name": "We are SevenThree Ltd",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "We are SevenThree Ltd"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "37 One George Street",
                "locality": "Edinburgh",
                "region": "UKM75",
                "postalCode": "EH2 2HN",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "telephone": "+44 7411987662"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme"
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-FTS-2023",
        "name": "University Of Edinburgh"
    },
    "links": [
        {
            "rel": "canonical",
            "href": "https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000797930"
        }
    ],
    "language": "en",
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "070726-2025-1",
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "title": "Paid Digital Advertising and Digital Strategy",
            "status": "unsuccessful",
            "statusDetails": "discontinued"
        },
        {
            "id": "070726-2025-2",
            "relatedLots": [
                "2"
            ],
            "title": "Public Relations",
            "status": "active",
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-FTS-165591",
                    "name": "Frame"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "id": "070726-2025-3",
            "relatedLots": [
                "3"
            ],
            "title": "Branding and Design",
            "status": "active",
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-FTS-165592",
                    "name": "We are SevenThree Ltd"
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "contracts": [
        {
            "id": "070726-2025-2",
            "awardID": "070726-2025-2",
            "title": "Public Relations",
            "status": "active",
            "value": {
                "amount": 400000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "dateSigned": "2025-10-31T00:00:00Z"
        },
        {
            "id": "070726-2025-3",
            "awardID": "070726-2025-3",
            "title": "Branding and Design",
            "status": "active",
            "value": {
                "amount": 400000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "dateSigned": "2025-10-31T00:00:00Z"
        }
    ],
    "bids": {
        "statistics": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "measure": "bids",
                "relatedLot": "2",
                "value": 12
            },
            {
                "id": "6",
                "measure": "bids",
                "relatedLot": "3",
                "value": 18
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "measure": "smeBids",
                "relatedLot": "2",
                "value": 12
            },
            {
                "id": "7",
                "measure": "smeBids",
                "relatedLot": "3",
                "value": 17
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "measure": "foreignBidsFromEU",
                "relatedLot": "2",
                "value": 0
            },
            {
                "id": "8",
                "measure": "foreignBidsFromEU",
                "relatedLot": "3",
                "value": 0
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "measure": "foreignBidsFromNonEU",
                "relatedLot": "2",
                "value": 12
            },
            {
                "id": "9",
                "measure": "foreignBidsFromNonEU",
                "relatedLot": "3",
                "value": 18
            },
            {
                "id": "5",
                "measure": "electronicBids",
                "relatedLot": "2",
                "value": 12
            },
            {
                "id": "10",
                "measure": "electronicBids",
                "relatedLot": "3",
                "value": 18
            }
        ]
    }
}