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Training Services for Adults

Lancashire Combined County Authority

This public procurement record has 6 releases in its history.

Award

02 Sep 2026 at 14:28

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Award

03 Mar 2026 at 18:38

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
TenderUpdate

30 Oct 2025 at 17:07

UK4 - Tender Notice
Tender

30 Oct 2025 at 16:56

UK4 - Tender Notice
Planning

17 Oct 2025 at 10:51

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

20 Aug 2025 at 12:55

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Lancashire Combined County Authority established an open framework for adult education and training services across Lancashire, Blackburn and Blackpool. The framework supports adult skills and education priorities and can be used by Lancashire Combined County Authority, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Blackpool Borough Council and Lancashire County Council. It covers Skills for Life, Skills for Growth, health, public services and care, engineering and manufacturing, construction and the built environment, digital technology, transport and logistics, creative and design, sales, marketing and procurement, pathways to accelerated apprenticeships, other training, and future-funded training and skills provision. The procurement is classified as education and training services (CPV 80000000). Providers can deliver services throughout the Lancashire area, including Blackburn and Blackpool.

The procurement has been awarded and contracts have been signed for 12 lots. Awards were made to multiple providers on each lot, with each lot valued at £180,000,000 gross. The awards were dated 25 February 2026 and contracts were signed on 22 March 2026. The initial contract period runs from 23 March 2026 to 22 March 2029, with the framework capable of extending to 22 March 2034. It was run as an above-threshold open procedure under the Procurement Act 2023 Light Touch Regime. The framework allows call-offs principally through further competition, with direct award also possible where permitted; pricing is set at call-off stage. Each lot was evaluated solely on quality, weighted at 100%. The framework is open to applications for one or more lots, with no limit on appointments.

This is a substantial market signal for providers of adult learning, vocational education and employability services. The appointed supplier group includes training companies, colleges, universities, charities, community organisations and specialist providers, showing that the buyer uses a broad provider base rather than a single delivery model. Suitable competitors would need a credible offer in one or more of the framework’s subject areas, such as digital, construction, engineering, transport, health and care, creative services, business skills or apprenticeship preparation. Providers should be able to demonstrate compliant, high-quality delivery for adult learners across Lancashire, Blackburn and Blackpool, and the capacity to respond to individual call-off requirements. Small and medium-sized enterprises and voluntary, community and social enterprises were expressly considered suitable for every lot.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Training Services for Adults

Notice Description

The Contracting Authority is conducting this procurement under the Procurement Act 2023, following an open tender procedure in accordance with the Light Touch Regime and the publication of the relevant Find a Tender Service (FTS) notice. The objective is to establish an Open Framework of Training Service Providers from which the Contracting Authority may enter into individual call-off agreements, either through further competition or direct award, as required to support the delivery of its adult skills and education priorities across Lancashire, Blackburn and Blackpool. The Contracting Authority initially intends to establish three main lots under the Framework, divided into sub-lots as follows: Lot 1A Skills for Life Lot 1B Skills for Growth Page 2 to 234 Lot 2A Health, Public Services and Care Lot 2B Engineering and Manufacturing Lot 2C Construction and the Built Environment Lot 2D Digital Technology Lot 2E Transport & Logistics Lot 2F Creative and Design Lot 2G Sales, Marketing and Procurement Lot 2H Pathway to Accelerated Apprenticeships Lot 2I Other Lot 3 Future Funding Training & Skills Provision There is no limit to the number of Providers that may be appointed to the Framework or to each Lot, provided that each Provider can demonstrate compliance with all requirements as set out in the tender documentation. Providers may apply for one or more Lots, and there is no maximum number of Lots for which applications may be submitted. In addition to the Contracting Authority, the Framework will also be available for use by each of the Constituent Authorities; Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackpool Borough Council, and Lancashire County Council, should they have individual requirements that fall within the scope of this Framework. A full description of the Contracting Authority's requirements is set out in the Service Specifications for each Lot, which can be found in the tender document appendices B1, B2, and B3. Providers should note that a place on the Framework does not guarantee the award of any contract for service. Framework contract value is an estimate and may be subject to revision throughout the duration of the contract, subject to compliance with procurement legislation. All timescales provided within the notice are indicative and may be subject to change.

Lot Information

Skills for Life

Options: This procurement relates to establishment of an open framework, options are as provided for under the call-off requirements. See tender documents for full details.

Renewal: The contracting authority intends to establish an open framework, under the light touch provisions of PA23. The Framework will operate in accordance with schedule 10 of the Framework Agreement (see tender documents appendix A - Framework Terms and Conditions) The Contracting Authority intends for the initial framework ("Framework 1") to remain in place for up to 3 years, with a reopening planned for autumn 2029 to establish "Framework 2." It is anticipated that the framework will be reopened at least once more before its conclusion, thereby establishing "Framework 3." The Contracting Authority reserves the right to reopen the framework as often as necessary to meet service requirements. However, at the time of this publication, it is intended that the framework will be opened at least twice during its duration. The open framework, including all schemes established under it, is expected to operate for up to 8 years, from 2026 until 2034.

Skills for Growth

Options: This procurement relates to establishment of an open framework, options are as provided for under the call-off requirements. See tender documents for full details.

Renewal: The contracting authority intends to establish an open framework, under the light touch provisions of PA23. The Framework will operate in accordance with schedule 10 of the Framework Agreement (see tender documents appendix A - Framework Terms and Conditions) The Contracting Authority intends for the initial framework ("Framework 1") to remain in place for up to 3 years, with a reopening planned for autumn 2029 to establish "Framework 2." It is anticipated that the framework will be reopened at least once more before its conclusion, thereby establishing "Framework 3." The Contracting Authority reserves the right to reopen the framework as often as necessary to meet service requirements. However, at the time of this publication, it is intended that the framework will be opened at least twice during its duration. The open framework, including all schemes established under it, is expected to operate for up to 8 years, from 2026 until 2034.

Health, Public Services and Care

Options: This procurement relates to establishment of an open framework, options are as provided for under the call-off requirements. See tender documents for full details.

Renewal: The contracting authority intends to establish an open framework, under the light touch provisions of PA23. The Framework will operate in accordance with schedule 10 of the Framework Agreement (see tender documents appendix A - Framework Terms and Conditions) The Contracting Authority intends for the initial framework ("Framework 1") to remain in place for up to 3 years, with a reopening planned for autumn 2029 to establish "Framework 2." It is anticipated that the framework will be reopened at least once more before its conclusion, thereby establishing "Framework 3." The Contracting Authority reserves the right to reopen the framework as often as necessary to meet service requirements. However, at the time of this publication, it is intended that the framework will be opened at least twice during its duration. The open framework, including all schemes established under it, is expected to operate for up to 8 years, from 2026 until 2034.

Engineering and Manufacturing

Options: This procurement relates to establishment of an open framework, options are as provided for under the call-off requirements. See tender documents for full details.

Renewal: The contracting authority intends to establish an open framework, under the light touch provisions of PA23. The Framework will operate in accordance with schedule 10 of the Framework Agreement (see tender documents appendix A - Framework Terms and Conditions) The Contracting Authority intends for the initial framework ("Framework 1") to remain in place for up to 3 years, with a reopening planned for autumn 2029 to establish "Framework 2." It is anticipated that the framework will be reopened at least once more before its conclusion, thereby establishing "Framework 3." The Contracting Authority reserves the right to reopen the framework as often as necessary to meet service requirements. However, at the time of this publication, it is intended that the framework will be opened at least twice during its duration. The open framework, including all schemes established under it, is expected to operate for up to 8 years, from 2026 until 2034.

Construction and the Build Environment

Options: This procurement relates to establishment of an open framework, options are as provided for under the call-off requirements. See tender documents for full details.

Renewal: The contracting authority intends to establish an open framework, under the light touch provisions of PA23. The Framework will operate in accordance with schedule 10 of the Framework Agreement (see tender documents appendix A - Framework Terms and Conditions) The Contracting Authority intends for the initial framework ("Framework 1") to remain in place for up to 3 years, with a reopening planned for autumn 2029 to establish "Framework 2." It is anticipated that the framework will be reopened at least once more before its conclusion, thereby establishing "Framework 3." The Contracting Authority reserves the right to reopen the framework as often as necessary to meet service requirements. However, at the time of this publication, it is intended that the framework will be opened at least twice during its duration. The open framework, including all schemes established under it, is expected to operate for up to 8 years, from 2026 until 2034.

Digital Technology

Options: This procurement relates to establishment of an open framework, options are as provided for under the call-off requirements. See tender documents for full details.

Renewal: The contracting authority intends to establish an open framework, under the light touch provisions of PA23. The Framework will operate in accordance with schedule 10 of the Framework Agreement (see tender documents appendix A - Framework Terms and Conditions) The Contracting Authority intends for the initial framework ("Framework 1") to remain in place for up to 3 years, with a reopening planned for autumn 2029 to establish "Framework 2." It is anticipated that the framework will be reopened at least once more before its conclusion, thereby establishing "Framework 3." The Contracting Authority reserves the right to reopen the framework as often as necessary to meet service requirements. However, at the time of this publication, it is intended that the framework will be opened at least twice during its duration. The open framework, including all schemes established under it, is expected to operate for up to 8 years, from 2026 until 2034.

Transport & Logistics

Options: This procurement relates to establishment of an open framework, options are as provided for under the call-off requirements. See tender documents for full details.

Renewal: The contracting authority intends to establish an open framework, under the light touch provisions of PA23. The Framework will operate in accordance with schedule 10 of the Framework Agreement (see tender documents appendix A - Framework Terms and Conditions) The Contracting Authority intends for the initial framework ("Framework 1") to remain in place for up to 3 years, with a reopening planned for autumn 2029 to establish "Framework 2." It is anticipated that the framework will be reopened at least once more before its conclusion, thereby establishing "Framework 3." The Contracting Authority reserves the right to reopen the framework as often as necessary to meet service requirements. However, at the time of this publication, it is intended that the framework will be opened at least twice during its duration. The open framework, including all schemes established under it, is expected to operate for up to 8 years, from 2026 until 2034.

Creative and Design

Options: This procurement relates to establishment of an open framework, options are as provided for under the call-off requirements. See tender documents for full details.

Renewal: The contracting authority intends to establish an open framework, under the light touch provisions of PA23. The Framework will operate in accordance with schedule 10 of the Framework Agreement (see tender documents appendix A - Framework Terms and Conditions) The Contracting Authority intends for the initial framework ("Framework 1") to remain in place for up to 3 years, with a reopening planned for autumn 2029 to establish "Framework 2." It is anticipated that the framework will be reopened at least once more before its conclusion, thereby establishing "Framework 3." The Contracting Authority reserves the right to reopen the framework as often as necessary to meet service requirements. However, at the time of this publication, it is intended that the framework will be opened at least twice during its duration. The open framework, including all schemes established under it, is expected to operate for up to 8 years, from 2026 until 2034.

Sales, Marketing and Procurement

Options: This procurement relates to establishment of an open framework, options are as provided for under the call-off requirements. See tender documents for full details.

Renewal: The contracting authority intends to establish an open framework, under the light touch provisions of PA23. The Framework will operate in accordance with schedule 10 of the Framework Agreement (see tender documents appendix A - Framework Terms and Conditions) The Contracting Authority intends for the initial framework ("Framework 1") to remain in place for up to 3 years, with a reopening planned for autumn 2029 to establish "Framework 2." It is anticipated that the framework will be reopened at least once more before its conclusion, thereby establishing "Framework 3." The Contracting Authority reserves the right to reopen the framework as often as necessary to meet service requirements. However, at the time of this publication, it is intended that the framework will be opened at least twice during its duration. The open framework, including all schemes established under it, is expected to operate for up to 8 years, from 2026 until 2034.

Pathway to Accelerated Apprenticeships

Options: This procurement relates to establishment of an open framework, options are as provided for under the call-off requirements. See tender documents for full details.

Renewal: The contracting authority intends to establish an open framework, under the light touch provisions of PA23. The Framework will operate in accordance with schedule 10 of the Framework Agreement (see tender documents appendix A - Framework Terms and Conditions) The Contracting Authority intends for the initial framework ("Framework 1") to remain in place for up to 3 years, with a reopening planned for autumn 2029 to establish "Framework 2." It is anticipated that the framework will be reopened at least once more before its conclusion, thereby establishing "Framework 3." The Contracting Authority reserves the right to reopen the framework as often as necessary to meet service requirements. However, at the time of this publication, it is intended that the framework will be opened at least twice during its duration. The open framework, including all schemes established under it, is expected to operate for up to 8 years, from 2026 until 2034.

Other

Options: This procurement relates to establishment of an open framework, options are as provided for under the call-off requirements. See tender documents for full details.

Renewal: The contracting authority intends to establish an open framework, under the light touch provisions of PA23. The Framework will operate in accordance with schedule 10 of the Framework Agreement (see tender documents appendix A - Framework Terms and Conditions) The Contracting Authority intends for the initial framework ("Framework 1") to remain in place for up to 3 years, with a reopening planned for autumn 2029 to establish "Framework 2." It is anticipated that the framework will be reopened at least once more before its conclusion, thereby establishing "Framework 3." The Contracting Authority reserves the right to reopen the framework as often as necessary to meet service requirements. However, at the time of this publication, it is intended that the framework will be opened at least twice during its duration. The open framework, including all schemes established under it, is expected to operate for up to 8 years, from 2026 until 2034.

Future Funding Training and Skills Provision

Options: This procurement relates to establishment of an open framework, options are as provided for under the call-off requirements. See tender documents for full details.

Renewal: The contracting authority intends to establish an open framework, under the light touch provisions of PA23. The Framework will operate in accordance with schedule 10 of the Framework Agreement (see tender documents appendix A - Framework Terms and Conditions) The Contracting Authority intends for the initial framework ("Framework 1") to remain in place for up to 3 years, with a reopening planned for autumn 2029 to establish "Framework 2." It is anticipated that the framework will be reopened at least once more before its conclusion, thereby establishing "Framework 3." The Contracting Authority reserves the right to reopen the framework as often as necessary to meet service requirements. However, at the time of this publication, it is intended that the framework will be opened at least twice during its duration. The open framework, including all schemes established under it, is expected to operate for up to 8 years, from 2026 until 2034.

Planning Information

Join Us - Procurement Market Engagement Event to include, ASF & Skills We're pleased to invite you to a face-to-face market engagement event hosted by the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, part of the Lancashire Combined County Authority ahead of the launch of Lancashire's Open Framework covering Adult Skills Fund and Skills Bootcamps. Date: Thursday, 30 October 2025 Time: Arrivals from 9:30am, start 10am, 12pm close Venue: Farrington Lodge, Stanfield Lane, Preston, PR25 3RJ Tickets: Available via Ticket Tailor using the link below https://buytickets.at/lancashireskillsandemploymenthub/1907585 Please note maximum of two attendees per organisation This event will provide a detailed briefing on: • The procurement process and timeline • The scope and structure of the upcoming framework • Next steps for interested providers It's a valuable opportunity to hear from the commissioning team and fellow providers, gain clarity on the framework, and prepare for the upcoming tender. Refreshments including tea, coffee and pastries will be served. If you have any dietary or accessibility requirements, please contact us at lancsskillshub@lancashireskillshub.co.uk We look forward to welcoming you and working together to deliver high-impact skills provision across Lancashire.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-058b43
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083098-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large, SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services

CPV Codes

80000000 - Education and training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£180,000,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
£180,000,000 £100M-£1B
Awards Value
£180,000,000 £100M-£1B
Contracts Value
£180,000,000 £100M-£1B

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Sep 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
24 Nov 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
30 Oct 2025Expired
Award Date
25 Feb 20267 months ago
Contract Period
23 Mar 2026 - 22 Mar 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Lancashire Combined County Authority
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
PRESTON
Postcode
PR1 0LD
Postcode Area
Preston
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD4 Lancashire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD45 Mid Lancashire
Delivery Location
TLD4 Lancashire
Local Authority
Preston
Electoral Ward
City Centre
Westminster Constituency
Preston

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
83
Supplier Names

3D 360 LIMITED

Acorn Training Ltd

AIM 2 LEARN LTD

ALTHAUS DIGITAL LIMITED

ANTREC LIMITED

Aspire and Learn LTD (TA - Aspire 2B)

Aspire Sporting Academy Ltd

BACK TO WORK TRAINING LIMITED

Blackburn College

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Blackpool and The Fylde College

Bright Direction Training Limited

B-SKILL LIMITED

BUILDING FUTURES 2GETHER LTD

Burnley College

Community CVS

Calico Enterprise Limited

CARTER HOLDINGS LIMITED

CASTLE ENTERPRISE LIMITED

CECOS Computing International Ltd

CHALLENGE-TRG SKILLS LIMITED

Code Institute

COMMUNITY LINKS TRAINING & ENTERPRISE LTD

Complete Skills Solutions

North Wales Training

Nelson and Colne College

FTW Training

GAME ACADEMY LTD

GET SKILLS EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING LTD

IMO Charity

IN4.0 GROUP LIMITED

Inspira Cumbria Limited

Lancaster & Morecambe College

Learning Curve Group

MANUFACTURERS NETWORK LTD

Maximus UK Services Limited

MAYA RAIL TECHNICAL TRAINING & CONSULTANCY LTD

MOMENTUM RECRUITMENT LIMITED

APCYMRU LIMITED

Myerscough College

New Generation Training and Consultancy Limited

North Lancs Training Group Ltd (THE)

Novus - Transforming Lives Limited

PENTAGON SKILLS LIMITED

PHX Training Ltd

Preston College

Realise Learning and Employment Limited

RUNSHAW COLLEGE

SB Skills Solutions Ltd

Seetec Business Technology Centre Limited

SKILLS COLLEGE

Skills Recruitment Limited

SKILLS-UK, EDUCATION & TRAINING LIMITED

Southport Education Group

Staff Power Training Limited

Tempus Training

NCG

The Growth Company Limited

The Skills Network

The Small Business Academy Ltd

The Verdancy Group Ltd

THINK EMPLOYMENT LIMITED

TOTAL FUTURES LTD

TOTAL PEOPLE LIMITED

Total Training Provision

Ultima Skills Ltd

THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE (COMMUNITY) LIMITED

Baltic Training Services

CINEMATECA LIMITED

Hybrid Technical Services Limited

I & F LIMITED

Just IT Training Limited

TECH LANCASTER LIMITED

The Construction Skills People Ltd

Transport Training Academy Ltd

TRN (Train) Ltd

ABS COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS LIMITED

SMART GAS TRAINING & ASSESSMENT CENTRE LIMITED

AIM BEYOND LTD

MEG TRAINING LTD

PETER SMYTHE TRANSPORT TRAINING LIMITED

Scale-Ability Ltd

Lifetime Education and Training

Further Information

Notice Documents

Notice URLs

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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