Award

Media Buying

WEST MIDLANDS COMBINED AUTHORITY

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

Award

03 Feb 2026 at 10:01

TenderUpdate

29 Oct 2025 at 10:53

Tender

28 Oct 2025 at 13:59

Planning

04 Aug 2025 at 13:56

Summary of the contracting process

The West Midlands Combined Authority has completed its procurement process for a Media Buying contract, which involves planning, purchasing, managing, and reporting on media campaigns. The process was conducted using an open procedure under UKPGA legal framework 2023/54. This contract is significant as it aims to deliver cost-effective, targeted communications aligned with the authority’s strategic objectives. The primary industry focus is on advertising campaign services, and the contract is marked above the procurement threshold, highlighting its importance. The procurement process concluded on the 3rd of February 2026, with the contract period starting on the 16th of February 2026 and running until the 15th of February 2029, with the possibility of renewal for an additional 24 months. The buying organisation is located in Birmingham, UK.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in media strategy and execution, particularly those capable of managing multi-channel communication strategies. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been actively engaged in the bidding process, with several SMEs, including BBJ&K Ltd, Harvest Digital Limited, and others, participating. The awarded contract went to BBJ&K Ltd, a Birmingham-based SME, providing a significant growth opportunity for this local business. Companies with capabilities in delivering targeted marketing and advertising solutions will find this contract particularly lucrative, offering the potential to fortify their portfolio and expand their presence in the public sector market.

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

Media Buying

Notice Description

WMCA is seeking to procure a qualified media buying agency to plan, purchase, manage, and report on media campaigns across multiple channels. This contract aims to deliver cost-effective, targeted communications that reach intended audiences and support the organisation's strategic objectives.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: The contract can be extended by 2 periods of 12 Months at the sole discretion of WMCA

Planning Information

WMCA intend to circulate a questionnaire through Bravo (WMCA e-tendering portal), allowing you to provide more information about your interest and comment on the proposed approach. Portal Website: https://wmca.bravosolution.co.uk PQQ Title: Pre Market Engagment Media Buying Bravo Solution Project Reference: pqq_257 https://wmca.bravosolution.co.uk/go/2123785901987551F0C9

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-056c68
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/009301-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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


CPV Codes

79341400 - Advertising campaign services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£15,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£18,000,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
£15,000,000 £10M-£100M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
3 Feb 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
24 Nov 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
8 Sep 2025Expired
Award Date
3 Feb 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
16 Feb 2026 - 15 Feb 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
WEST MIDLANDS COMBINED AUTHORITY
Contact Name
victoria taylor
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

BBJ&K

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-056c68-2026-02-03T10:01:26Z",
    "date": "2026-02-03T10:01:26Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-056c68",
    "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": {
                "name": "victoria taylor",
                "email": "procurement.team@wmca.org.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.WMCA.org.uk",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-10418977",
            "name": "BBJ&K Ltd",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "10418977"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Crownworks 22 Mark Street",
                "locality": "Birmingham",
                "postalCode": "B3 1UD",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKG31"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "beth.reid@bbjandk.com"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier",
                "tenderer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false,
                "publicServiceMissionOrganization": false,
                "shelteredWorkshop": false
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-03595066",
            "name": "Harvest Digital Limited",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "03595066"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "New Wing Somerset House",
                "locality": "London",
                "postalCode": "WC2R1LA",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKI32"
            },
            "roles": [
                "tenderer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-01983874",
            "name": "McCann Erickson Central Ltd",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "01983874"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Highlands Road",
                "locality": "Birmingham",
                "postalCode": "B904WE",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKG32"
            },
            "roles": [
                "tenderer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-06309397",
            "name": "Mediaworks UK Ltd",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "06309397"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Floor 2 Honeycomb Gateshead",
                "locality": "Newcastle Upon TYne",
                "postalCode": "NE119SZ",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKC22"
            },
            "roles": [
                "tenderer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-03981236",
            "name": "Mediaplus UK Ltd",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "03981236"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Waverley House 7 - 12 Noel Street",
                "locality": "London",
                "postalCode": "W1F8GQ",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKI32"
            },
            "roles": [
                "tenderer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PGMD-1353-PZVX",
        "name": "West Midlands Combined Authority"
    },
    "planning": {
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "WMCA intend to circulate a questionnaire through Bravo (WMCA e-tendering portal), allowing you to provide more information about your interest and comment on the proposed approach. Portal Website: https://wmca.bravosolution.co.uk PQQ Title: Pre Market Engagment Media Buying Bravo Solution Project Reference: pqq_257 https://wmca.bravosolution.co.uk/go/2123785901987551F0C9",
                "dueDate": "2025-08-15T23:59:59+01:00",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "045690-2025",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045690-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-08-04T14:56:57+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "PRT-COMM-ESG-2025-0001",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Media Buying",
        "description": "WMCA is seeking to procure a qualified media buying agency to plan, purchase, manage, and report on media campaigns across multiple channels. This contract aims to deliver cost-effective, targeted communications that reach intended audiences and support the organisation's strategic objectives.",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "79341400",
                        "description": "Advertising campaign services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKG",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKG",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 18000000,
            "amount": 15000000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-02-01T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2029-01-31T23:59:59Z",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2031-01-31T23:59:59Z"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "status": "complete",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 18000000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Technical Quality Assessment",
                            "description": "6 Technical/Quality questions are to be answered. Each question carries a weighting, with the total weighting for all questions totalling 70%.",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 70,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Technical Quality Assessment",
                            "description": "6 Technical/Quality questions are to be answered. Each question carries a weighting, with the total weighting for all questions totalling 60%.",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 60,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 40,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "selectionCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "economic",
                            "description": "Financial Capacity assessed through self-completion of WMCA's Financial Risk Assessment Tool. If a 'Fail' or 'Flag as Risk' is received for any metrics, the tenderer MUST engage with WMCA BEFORE THE END OF THE CLARIFICATION PERIOD to provide an explanation and agree mitigation measures. If Tenderers receive a 'Fail' or 'Flag as Risk' and don't engage during the clarification period, they will Fail this condition of participation. The Concessionaire will be required to hold the following levels of insurance; * Professional Indemnity: PS2,000,000 * Public Liability: PS5,000,000 * Employers' Liability: PS10,000,000 * Cyber Liability: PS1,000,000 Tenderers must confirm that they commit to obtaining and maintaining these levels of insurance throughout the duration of the contract and must upload either; a) Insurance Certificates showing that these levels of cover are currently held; or b) A letter/quotation from an insurance company confirming that they would offer the required level of insurance"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "technical",
                            "description": "A Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) will be used. Insurance Requirements - Pass/Fail Financial Standings - Pass/Fail Modern Slavery 2015 - Pass/Fail Real Living wage - Pass/Fail"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "economic",
                            "description": "Financial Capacity assessed through self-completion of WMCA's Financial Risk Assessment Tool. If a 'Fail' or 'Flag as Risk' is received for any metrics, the tenderer MUST engage with WMCA BEFORE THE END OF THE CLARIFICATION PERIOD to provide an explanation and agree mitigation measures. If Tenderers receive a 'Fail' or 'Flag as Risk' and don't engage during the clarification period, they will Fail this condition of participation. The Concessionaire will be required to hold the following levels of insurance; * Professional Indemnity: PS2,000,000 * Public Liability: PS5,000,000 * Employers' Liability: PS10,000,000 * Cyber Liability: PS1,000,000 Tenderers must confirm that they commit to obtaining and maintaining these levels of insurance throughout the duration of the contract and must upload either; a) Insurance Certificates showing that these levels of cover are currently held; or b) A letter/quotation from an insurance company confirming that they would offer the required level of insurance"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "technical",
                            "description": "A Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) will be used. Insurance Requirements - Pass/Fail Financial Standings - Pass/Fail Modern Slavery 2015 - Pass/Fail Real Living wage - Pass/Fail"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "The contract can be extended by 2 periods of 12 Months at the sole discretion of WMCA"
                }
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2025-09-08T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "status": "complete",
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "submissionMethodDetails": "Via Bravo https://wmca.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/go/47290782019A0BA65FD1 Interested suppliers will need to register for a Bravo account if required",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-11-24T17:00:00Z"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-11-13T17:00:00Z"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-01-14T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "068990-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/068990-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-10-28T13:59:42Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "069266-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/069266-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-10-29T10:53:51Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "amendments": [
            {
                "id": "069266-2025",
                "description": "Evaluation weightings have been corrected"
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en",
    "bids": {
        "details": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "valid",
                "tenderers": [
                    {
                        "id": "GB-COH-03595066",
                        "name": "Harvest Digital Limited"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLots": [
                    "1"
                ]
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "status": "valid",
                "tenderers": [
                    {
                        "id": "GB-COH-01983874",
                        "name": "McCann Erickson Central Ltd"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLots": [
                    "1"
                ]
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "status": "valid",
                "tenderers": [
                    {
                        "id": "GB-COH-06309397",
                        "name": "Mediaworks UK Ltd"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLots": [
                    "1"
                ]
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "status": "valid",
                "tenderers": [
                    {
                        "id": "GB-COH-03981236",
                        "name": "Mediaplus UK Ltd"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLots": [
                    "1"
                ]
            },
            {
                "id": "5",
                "status": "valid",
                "tenderers": [
                    {
                        "id": "GB-COH-10418977",
                        "name": "BBJ&K Ltd"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLots": [
                    "1"
                ]
            }
        ],
        "statistics": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "measure": "bids",
                "value": 5,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "measure": "finalStageBids",
                "value": 5,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "measure": "smeFinalStageBids",
                "value": 5,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "measure": "vcseFinalStageBids",
                "value": 0,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ]
    },
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "title": "Media Buying",
            "status": "pending",
            "date": "2026-02-03T00:00:00+00:00",
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 18000000,
                "amount": 15000000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-COH-10418977",
                    "name": "BBJ&K Ltd"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "79341400",
                            "description": "Advertising campaign services"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UK",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "1"
                }
            ],
            "standstillPeriod": {
                "endDate": "2026-02-12T23:59:59+00:00"
            },
            "contractPeriod": {
                "startDate": "2026-02-16T00:00:00+00:00",
                "endDate": "2029-02-15T23:59:59+00:00",
                "maxExtentDate": "2031-02-15T23:59:59+00:00"
            },
            "hasRenewal": true,
            "renewal": {
                "description": "upto a further 24 months"
            },
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "009301-2026",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK6",
                    "description": "Contract award notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/009301-2026",
                    "datePublished": "2026-02-03T10:01:26Z",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ],
            "assessmentSummariesDateSent": "2026-02-03T00:00:00+00:00",
            "milestones": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "type": "futureSignatureDate",
                    "dueDate": "2026-02-13T23:59:59+00:00",
                    "status": "scheduled"
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}