Award

Delivery of West Midlands Business Festival

WEST MIDLANDS COMBINED AUTHORITY

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

07 Nov 2025 at 10:51

Award

11 Aug 2025 at 08:59

Tender

09 Jun 2025 at 12:22

Summary of the contracting process

The West Midlands Combined Authority has completed an open procurement process, culminating in the award of a contract to IceBlue Marketing & Design Ltd for the delivery of the West Midlands Business Festival (WMBF) 2026. The festival is scheduled to take place from 2nd to 13th February 2026 in the West Midlands region. This contract, valued at £396,000, also includes an optional extension for the 2027 festival and is part of a strategic initiative to enhance business opportunities within the region. The process reached the award stage with IceBlue Marketing & Design Ltd selected to fulfil key roles in brand development, programme coordination, and marketing, under the oversight of Business Growth West Midlands. The contract was signed on 6th November 2025, and work is set to commence immediately, with a completion date of 31st March 2026, extendable to March 2027.

This tender offers significant business growth opportunities, particularly for those in the marketing and event management sectors. It presents a chance for businesses to engage with a high-profile regional festival aimed at showcasing local enterprises and stimulating economic development. The open procedure procurement method opens doors for a variety of businesses, catering to UK-based suppliers with a focus on advertising and marketing services. SMEs, like IceBlue, are especially well-suited to deliver on this project due to their agility and ingenuity in managing and promoting large-scale events. The festival's impact metrics focus on sponsorship revenue, improved attendance, and overall engagement, offering measurable outcomes for participants seeking enhanced visibility and growth.

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

Delivery of West Midlands Business Festival

Notice Description

Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) who are a part of West Midlands Combined Authority has awarded a contract to Ice Blue Marketing to support the successful delivery of the West Midlands Business Festival (WMBF) 2026, with an optional extension to support on the delivery for 2027. This flagship initiative is designed to showcase and support businesses across the West Midlands Region. Building on the foundations established by WMBF 2025, the festival aims to reach a wider audience, improve the event quality, and deliver measurable business impact. WMBF will take place from Monday 2nd February 2026 to Friday 13th February 2026. WMCA will require the awarded supplier to support with the following with BGWM having oversight: 1) Build on the 2024/ 2025 Festival Brand. 2) To coordinate the organisation and delivery of the 'business festival' (not to be confused with business events, business weeks, corporate events or expos), which will include identifying and liaison with key partners and external organisations to create a comprehensive programme of events that will be of interest to businesses in the West Midlands Region. 3) To produce, develop and deliver a comprehensive marketing promotional programme. This includes advertising and publicising the overarching festival and working with partners for support and individual events. In addition to this, provide operational support to ensure increased attendance. 4) To conclude a performance monitoring framework and economical assessment post festival. 5) To explore potential revenue streams that will naturally arise from the festival.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: Optional extension included to deliver West Midlands Business Festival 2027

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-054542
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/071921-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
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

79342000 - Marketing services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£350,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£350,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
£330,000 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
£330,000 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
7 Jul 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
10 Aug 20256 months ago
Contract Period
7 Nov 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
WEST MIDLANDS COMBINED AUTHORITY
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement.team@wmca.org.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BIRMINGHAM
Postcode
B19 3SD
Post Town
Birmingham
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG3 West Midlands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG31 Birmingham
Delivery Location
TLG West Midlands (England)

Local Authority
Birmingham
Electoral Ward
Newtown
Westminster Constituency
Birmingham Ladywood

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

ICEBLUE MARKETING & DESIGN

Further Information

Notice Documents

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-054542-2025-11-07T10:51:14Z",
    "date": "2025-11-07T10:51:14Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-054542",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PGMD-1353-PZVX",
            "name": "West Midlands Combined Authority",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PGMD-1353-PZVX"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "16 Summer Lane",
                "locality": "Birmingham",
                "postalCode": "B19 3SD",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKG31"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "procurement.team@wmca.org.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.WMCA.org.uk",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-03366651",
            "name": "IceBlue Marketing & Design Ltd",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "03366651"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "6 Church St",
                "locality": "Kidderminster",
                "postalCode": "DY10 2AD",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKG12"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "HELLO@ICEBLUE.CO.UK"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false,
                "publicServiceMissionOrganization": false,
                "shelteredWorkshop": false
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PGMD-1353-PZVX",
        "name": "West Midlands Combined Authority"
    },
    "planning": {
        "noEngagementNoticeRationale": "Market engagement has not been undertaken in this instance as the requirement is a continuation of an existing service, where the scope, suppliers, and market conditions are already well understood."
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "Project_1038, ITT_1705",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Delivery of West Midlands Business Festival",
        "description": "Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) who are a part of West Midlands Combined Authority has awarded a contract to Ice Blue Marketing to support the successful delivery of the West Midlands Business Festival (WMBF) 2026, with an optional extension to support on the delivery for 2027. This flagship initiative is designed to showcase and support businesses across the West Midlands Region. Building on the foundations established by WMBF 2025, the festival aims to reach a wider audience, improve the event quality, and deliver measurable business impact. WMBF will take place from Monday 2nd February 2026 to Friday 13th February 2026. WMCA will require the awarded supplier to support with the following with BGWM having oversight: 1) Build on the 2024/ 2025 Festival Brand. 2) To coordinate the organisation and delivery of the 'business festival' (not to be confused with business events, business weeks, corporate events or expos), which will include identifying and liaison with key partners and external organisations to create a comprehensive programme of events that will be of interest to businesses in the West Midlands Region. 3) To produce, develop and deliver a comprehensive marketing promotional programme. This includes advertising and publicising the overarching festival and working with partners for support and individual events. In addition to this, provide operational support to ensure increased attendance. 4) To conclude a performance monitoring framework and economical assessment post festival. 5) To explore potential revenue streams that will naturally arise from the festival.",
        "status": "complete",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79342000",
                        "description": "Marketing services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79340000",
                        "description": "Advertising and marketing services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKG",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 420000,
            "amount": 350000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "submissionMethodDetails": "In order to access the documents and submit your bid please do so through BravoSolution, the WMCA's e-tendering portal (https://wmca.bravosolution.co.uk). The project reference is itt_1705.",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-07-07T16:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-06-20T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-08-08T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "complete",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 420000,
                    "amount": 350000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Technial",
                            "description": "Technical Capability holds 70% of the tender award weighting.",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 70,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "cost",
                            "name": "Commercial",
                            "description": "Commercial Submission holds 30% of the tender award weighting.",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "selectionCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "economic",
                            "description": "All Suppliers are required to complete a Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) and return this in accordance with the Procurement Timetable and instructions within the ITT Pack accessible via BRAVO. Areas covered under the mandatory Conditions of Participation include: 1) Preliminary questions 2) Confirmation of core supplier information 3) Additional Exclusion Information 4) Sub Contractor Confirmation 5) Insurance Requirements 6) Evaluation of Financial Standing 7) Legal Capacity - Acceptance of Core Terms and Conditions 8) Modern Slavery Act 2015 9) Real Living Wage"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "technical",
                            "description": "None"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2025-08-20T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2026-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2027-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Optional extension included to deliver West Midlands Business Festival 2027"
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "030930-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/030930-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-06-09T13:22:01+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "contractTerms": {
            "financialTerms": "Please refer to Appendix D - Payment Delivery Milestones."
        },
        "riskDetails": "Not Applicable.",
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ]
    },
    "language": "en",
    "bids": {
        "statistics": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "measure": "bids",
                "value": 4,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "measure": "finalStageBids",
                "value": 1,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "measure": "smeFinalStageBids",
                "value": 1,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "measure": "vcseFinalStageBids",
                "value": 0,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ]
    },
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "title": "Delivery of West Midlands Business Festival",
            "status": "active",
            "date": "2025-08-11T00:00:00+01:00",
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 396000,
                "amount": 330000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-COH-03366651",
                    "name": "IceBlue Marketing & Design Ltd"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "79340000",
                            "description": "Advertising and marketing services"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UKG",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        },
                        {
                            "region": "UKG",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "1"
                }
            ],
            "standstillPeriod": {
                "endDate": "2025-08-20T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "contractPeriod": {
                "startDate": "2025-08-21T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2026-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                "maxExtentDate": "2027-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "hasRenewal": true,
            "renewal": {
                "description": "1 x 12 months to deliver West Midlands Business Festival 2027"
            },
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "subcontracting": {
                "subcontracts": [
                    {
                        "id": "1",
                        "mainContractors": [
                            {
                                "id": "GB-COH-03366651",
                                "name": "IceBlue Marketing & Design Ltd"
                            }
                        ],
                        "description": "Not Applicable."
                    }
                ]
            },
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "047515-2025",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK6",
                    "description": "Contract award notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/047515-2025",
                    "datePublished": "2025-08-11T09:59:33+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ],
            "assessmentSummariesDateSent": "2025-08-11T00:00:00+01:00",
            "milestones": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "type": "futureSignatureDate",
                    "dueDate": "2025-08-21T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "status": "scheduled"
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "contracts": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "awardID": "1",
            "status": "active",
            "period": {
                "startDate": "2025-11-07T00:00:00Z",
                "endDate": "2026-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                "maxExtentDate": "2027-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "hasRenewal": true,
            "renewal": {
                "description": "1 x 12 month optional extension to delivery 2027 West Midlands Business Festival."
            },
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 396000,
                "amount": 330000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "dateSigned": "2025-11-06T00:00:00Z",
            "agreedMetrics": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "title": "Project Timeline Adherence",
                    "observations": [
                        {
                            "id": "frequency",
                            "period": {
                                "durationInMonths": 1
                            }
                        }
                    ]
                },
                {
                    "id": "2",
                    "title": "Engagement Metrics"
                },
                {
                    "id": "3",
                    "title": "Sponsorship Revenue"
                },
                {
                    "id": "4",
                    "title": "Improved Attendance"
                }
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "071921-2025",
                    "documentType": "contractNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK7",
                    "description": "Contract details notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/071921-2025",
                    "datePublished": "2025-11-07T10:51:14Z",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}