Award

Purchase of an Auto Slide Preparation System and Automated Trimming Instrument

MERSEY AND WEST LANCASHIRE TEACHING HOSPITALS NHS TRUST

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

30 Sep 2025 at 15:55

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

19 Sep 2025 at 16:25

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The public procurement process, managed by Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, pertained to the acquisition of an "Auto Slide Preparation System and Automated Trimming Instrument." Located in Prescot, United Kingdom, the Trust completed the procurement using a direct award method due to the specialised nature of the equipment, uniquely available from Axlab Limited. The contracting process was categorised under the industry of pathology dissection instruments and supplies. The award notice was published on 30th September 2025, with standstill and contract execution occurring thereafter. The procurement stage is currently at the award phase, with the contract period set to commence on 1st November 2025 and end on 31st October 2030.

This tender presents significant opportunities for business growth, especially for SMEs involved in medical equipment supply and service. As the awarded supplier, Axlab Limited, which is an SME based in Ipswich, demonstrates the Trust's openness to partnering with smaller enterprises that can deliver niche and specialised goods. Companies with expertise in medical instrumentation might find valuable opportunities in similar procurement processes, especially where there is a need for unique and specialised equipment. The contract includes service provisions, indicating potential long-term business relationships beyond the initial procurement.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Purchase of an Auto Slide Preparation System and Automated Trimming Instrument

Notice Description

AS-410M Auto Slide Preparation System (inclusive of service contract) AT-192M Automated Trimming Instrument (inclusive of service contract)

Procurement Information

The Trust believes there are no other suppliers able to offer this specialist equipment, the provision of which is unique and exclusive to Axlab Ltd, as the supplier of the equipment.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-059e78
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/061055-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

CPV Codes

33910000 - Pathology dissection instruments and supplies

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£938,025 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Sep 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
19 Sep 20255 months ago
Contract Period
1 Nov 2025 - 31 Oct 2030 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MERSEY AND WEST LANCASHIRE TEACHING HOSPITALS NHS TRUST
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
purchasing@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
PRESCOT
Postcode
L35 5DR
Post Town
Liverpool
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD7 Merseyside
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD71 East Merseyside
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Knowsley
Electoral Ward
Whiston and Cronton
Westminster Constituency
St Helens South and Whiston

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

AXLAB

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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. 

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