Award

Search Engine Optimisation Services (SEO)

VISITSCOTLAND

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

09 Oct 2025 at 15:18

Tender

11 Jun 2025 at 13:58

Summary of the contracting process

The contracting process for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Services commissioned by VisitScotland has reached the award stage, with the contract now being signed on 1 October 2025. This procurement, initiated under an open procedure, focused on IT services such as consulting, software development, and Internet support, specifically targeting SEO for the VisitScotland website. Located in Edinburgh, the procurement process concluded with Big Wednesday being awarded the contract. The key contract, with a value of £370,908, commenced following the identification of suppliers through a competitive bidding process that attracted a total of 16 bids.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in SEO and IT services to expand their portfolios, particularly those capable of delivering high-quality, competitive services in the digital space. SMEs, in particular, might find this contract appealing as it supports industry growth through comprehensive SEO strategies tailored to online presence enhancement. Companies with expertise in data analysis, technical SEO, keyword monitoring, and content creation could particularly leverage such contracts to establish a robust presence within the public sector market, benefiting from potential future engagements through renewable contract terms.

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

Search Engine Optimisation Services (SEO)

Notice Description

Search Engine Optimisation services for VisitScotland

Lot Information

Lot 1

The primary requirement is to provide Search Engine Optimisation Services (SEO) for https://www.visitscotland.com. Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in the regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulation 2015.

Options: Due to the optional two one-year extensions - see II.2.7

Renewal: Two 12-months extensions

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0546d0
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063872-2025
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

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


CPV Codes

72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

72212220 - Internet and intranet software development services

72212221 - Internet browsing software development services

72421000 - Internet or intranet client application development services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£420,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£420,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£370,908 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
9 Oct 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
11 Jul 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
30 Sep 20254 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
February 2028

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
VISITSCOTLAND
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
augustine.toppo@visitscotland.com
Contact Phone
+44 1314722222

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH8 8BG
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
TLM Scotland

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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

BIG WEDNESDAY

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-0546d0-2025-10-09T16:18:24+01:00",
    "date": "2025-10-09T16:18:24+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-0546d0",
    "description": "Question 2A.17 - Form of Participation (Notably as part of a group, consortium, joint venture or similar) Any contract will be entered into with the nominated lead organisation and all members of the consortium, who will in these circumstances each be required to execute said contract together with all ancillary documentation, evidencing their joint and several liabilities in respect of the obligations and liabilities of the contract. It will be for members of the consortium to sort out their respective duties and liabilities amongst each other. For administrative purposes, any associated documentation will be sent to the nominated lead organisation. Question 2D.1.2 - If a substantial proportion of the work would go to a subcontractor, we may ask for a completed SPD form for those subcontractors (only Sections A and B of Part II and Part III will be requested). We will advise bidders if we require this information prior to the subcontractor commencing work on the contract. (SC Ref:812714)",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "tender": {
        "id": "VSEH24013",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "32014L0024",
            "scheme": "CELEX"
        },
        "title": "Search Engine Optimisation Services (SEO)",
        "status": "complete",
        "classification": {
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "id": "72000000",
            "description": "IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "description": "Search Engine Optimisation services for VisitScotland",
        "value": {
            "amount": 420000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "description": "The primary requirement is to provide Search Engine Optimisation Services (SEO) for https://www.visitscotland.com. Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in the regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulation 2015.",
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "name": "Data Analysis & Insights",
                            "type": "quality",
                            "description": "20"
                        },
                        {
                            "name": "Technical Search Engine Optimisation",
                            "type": "quality",
                            "description": "10"
                        },
                        {
                            "name": "Digital Outreach",
                            "type": "quality",
                            "description": "10"
                        },
                        {
                            "name": "Key Word Research and Monitoring",
                            "type": "quality",
                            "description": "15"
                        },
                        {
                            "name": "Content Optimisation",
                            "type": "quality",
                            "description": "5"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "description": "40"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "value": {
                    "amount": 420000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "durationInDays": 360
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Two 12-months extensions"
                },
                "submissionTerms": {
                    "variantPolicy": "notAllowed"
                },
                "hasOptions": true,
                "options": {
                    "description": "Due to the optional two one-year extensions - see II.2.7"
                },
                "status": "cancelled"
            }
        ],
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "72212220",
                        "description": "Internet and intranet software development services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "72212221",
                        "description": "Internet browsing software development services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "72421000",
                        "description": "Internet or intranet client application development services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKM"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKM"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryLocation": {
                    "description": "Edinburgh"
                },
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "submissionMethod": [
            "electronicSubmission"
        ],
        "submissionMethodDetails": "http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk",
        "communication": {
            "atypicalToolUrl": "http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk"
        },
        "selectionCriteria": {
            "criteria": [
                {
                    "type": "economic",
                    "description": "VS may seek a Parent Company Guarantee if available. - VS may carry out independent Financial Credit checks on your organisation. The checks undertaken shall provide VS with information on your organisation's risk rating. It shall be at VS discretion whether we deem the risk to be unacceptable and therefore may exclude your organisation from being taken any further in the Procurement process. VS also reserve the right to request further information, if no information can be found within the Credit rating system, or the information is incomplete. - SPD Question 4B.5.1 - It is a requirement of this contract that bidders hold, or can commit to obtain prior to the commence of any subsequently awarded contract, the types and levels of insurance indicated below: Employer's (Compulsory) Liability Insurance in accordance with any legal obligation for the time being in force = 5,000,000(GBP) Public Liability Insurance = 2,000,000(GBP) for any one incident and unlimited in total - Please add details of any other relevant insurance policies you may have, along with the level of cover held.",
                    "appliesTo": [
                        "supplier"
                    ]
                },
                {
                    "type": "technical",
                    "description": "SPD Question 4C.1.2 - Bidders will be required to provide examples that demonstrate that they have the relevant experience to deliver the services/supplies. - Bidders are required to provide 2 recent case studies detailing their experience over the last 3 years of providing SEO services of similar scale and value. Case studies should (where possible) also include client name/telephone/ e -mail address information, dates and contract values. VS will have discretion to choose from the list, and thereafter obtain at least two references from the bidder's client base. - Bidders must demonstrate they have relevant experience of delivering a SEO similar to our requirements.",
                    "appliesTo": [
                        "supplier"
                    ]
                }
            ]
        },
        "otherRequirements": {
            "requiresStaffNamesAndQualifications": true
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-07-11T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "submissionTerms": {
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ],
            "bidValidityPeriod": {
                "durationInDays": 180
            }
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "startDate": "2025-07-11T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "bidOpening": {
            "date": "2025-07-11T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "hasRecurrence": true,
        "contractTerms": {
            "hasElectronicPayment": true
        },
        "recurrence": {
            "description": "February 2028"
        }
    },
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-101342",
            "name": "VisitScotland",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "VisitScotland"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street",
                "locality": "Edinburgh",
                "region": "UK",
                "postalCode": "EH8 8BG",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "telephone": "+44 1314722222",
                "email": "augustine.toppo@visitscotland.com",
                "url": "http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.visitscotland.org",
                "buyerProfile": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00118",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "BODY_PUBLIC",
                        "description": "Body governed by public law"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "COFOG",
                        "description": "Marketing/Tourism"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-151015",
            "name": "Sheriff Court (Edinburgh)",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Sheriff Court (Edinburgh)"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "27 Chambers Street",
                "locality": "Edinburgh",
                "postalCode": "EH1 1LB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "roles": [
                "reviewBody"
            ]
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-163500",
            "name": "Big Wednesday",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Big Wednesday"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "1 Lochrin Square, 92-94 Fountainbridge",
                "locality": "Edinburgh",
                "region": "UK",
                "postalCode": "EH3 9QA",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "telephone": "+44 7800858887"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme"
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-FTS-101342",
        "name": "VisitScotland"
    },
    "links": [
        {
            "rel": "canonical",
            "href": "https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000801031"
        }
    ],
    "language": "en",
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "063872-2025-VSEH24013-1",
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "status": "active",
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-FTS-163500",
                    "name": "Big Wednesday"
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "contracts": [
        {
            "id": "063872-2025-VSEH24013-1",
            "awardID": "063872-2025-VSEH24013-1",
            "status": "active",
            "value": {
                "amount": 370908,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "dateSigned": "2025-10-01T00:00:00+01:00"
        }
    ],
    "bids": {
        "statistics": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "measure": "bids",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 16
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "measure": "smeBids",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 12
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "measure": "foreignBidsFromEU",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 1
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "measure": "foreignBidsFromNonEU",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 1
            },
            {
                "id": "5",
                "measure": "electronicBids",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 16
            }
        ]
    }
}