Tender

Merseytravel : Catering Provision On Mersey Ferries, Cafe & Events

MERSEYTRAVEL

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

03 Dec 2025 at 10:49

TenderUpdate

27 Nov 2025 at 09:27

Tender

27 Nov 2025 at 09:23

Planning

22 Oct 2025 at 20:21

Summary of the contracting process

The current procurement process is led by Merseytravel, a public authority in Liverpool, United Kingdom. The tender pertains to catering provision on Mersey Ferries, covering onboard services, shoreside operations, and special event catering, structured into three separate lots. The procurement stage is in the tender update phase as of 3rd December 2025, with a competitive flexible procedure employed. Interested bidders must submit their expressions of interest by 12th December 2025, and the contract award period ends on 1st March 2026. The contract relates to the services industry and aims to enhance the hospitality experience on iconic Mersey Ferries, which serves over 480,000 passengers annually. This tender is a concession contract above the threshold value, fostering innovation and creativity among food and beverage partners.

This tender presents substantial business growth opportunities, especially for SMEs specialising in hospitality services. Businesses capable of delivering high-quality catering, with experience in managing food and beverage operations, are particularly suited for this. The procurement offers flexibility in bidding, allowing interested parties to apply for one, two, or all three lots. Special emphasis is placed on creativity, quality, and service, with a four-stage evaluation process comprising selection, invitation to tender, presentation, and contract award. Successful partners will benefit from increased exposure and networking opportunities within the cultural and tourism landscape of Liverpool, aligning themselves with the renowned Mersey Ferries brand.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Merseytravel : Catering Provision On Mersey Ferries, Cafe & Events

Notice Description

Mersey Ferries is one of the most recognisable symbols of the Liverpool City Region - a cultural icon with over 800 years of history on the River Mersey and an internationally known brand. Today the ferries serve more than 480,000 passengers a year, connecting tourists, commuters, local families, and school groups with one of the region's most memorable visitor experiences. Operating daily sightseeing cruises, essential commuter services, and seasonal themed journeys, the ferries offer unrivalled views of Liverpool's waterfront and play a major role in the city's cultural and tourism landscape. With the introduction of a new vessel, the Royal Daffodil, in 2026 operating alongside the much-loved Snowdrop (Dazzle), Mersey Ferries is entering a period of renewal - and is seeking food and beverage partners who can match this ambition with creativity, professionalism, and a passion for hospitality. The tender is structured across three lots, covering onboard catering, shoreside operations, and special event catering. Bidders may apply for one, two, or all three of these LOTS detailed.

Lot Information

On Board Cafe & Bar (Main Ferry Services)

An onboard cafe and bar operation on our ferries - serving hot drinks, snacks, light meals, and alcoholic beverages, for daytime cruises and our evening scheduled cruises covering both the Snowdrop (capacity for 350) passengers and the new vessel (with capacity for up to 480 passengers). Mersey Ferries currently operate 14 commuter services on weekday mornings, starting at 7:20 am from Seacombe and 11 commuter services on weekday evenings finishing at 6:40pm at Gerry Marsden. We do not operate the commuter service at weekends, bank holidays or during the Christmas holidays. There are 7 River Explorer Cruises scheduled daily and we operate 9 River Explorer Cruises on Bank Holidays (except Christmas) Mersey Ferries also currently operate a number of scheduled cruises that fall within this lot; the programme runs from April to October and is currently 8 Manchester Ship Canal (Premium) 34 Summer Evening Cruises, and 10 Liverpool Bay Cruises. Live entertainment as part of these cruise offers is provided by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. A comprehensive list of kitchen equipment is included in the appendices along with the vessel layout. Should, suppliers find that the provided equipment does not meet their requirements, negotiations regarding supplementation or exchange may be considered. Utilities are not applicable for this lot.

Renewal: A 2 year optional extension is available.

Seacombe Terminal Cafe (Shore-Based Operation)

A shore side cafe in the busy and newly refurbished Seacombe, Wirral terminal - with potential to serve both ferry passengers and local residents, commuters, and visitors. The cafe also serves as the main food and beverage offer for visitors of Eureka Science and Discovery Museum, attracting a footfall of PS100k per annum. Seacombe Terminal current operating times are Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm , weekend and bank holiday times vary on seasonality, but broadly 9:30am to 4:30pm during low season October to April and 9:30am to 6:30pm during the summer cruise season. Provision to extend these opening times can be discussed to support summer evening cruises. 24/7 access can be arranged if required for food preparation via separate access. Kitchen equipment provision for the Seacombe Cafe can be negotiated. Utilities for the Seacombe Cafe for 24/25; Electricity PS11k, Water PS1k and Gas PS3.5k for Kitchen use only. Please note that the occupier of the premises is liable for associated business rates, we recommend that suppliers male independent enquiry with Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and Wirral Council. How your Business Rates bill is calculated | wirral.gov.uk

Renewal: A 2 year optional extension is available.

On Board Events Management & Catering

A flexible, creative catering offer for our special pop-up cruises and events, private charter hires, and themed events - where food, drink and atmosphere help turn journeys into unforgettable experiences. Mersey Ferries are looking for a partner to help design event packages for private boat and VIP area reservations, with options tailored to client needs or tiered packages. This applies to both the heritage and new vessels. The Provider must hold all necessary licenses and permits to operate, including (where applicable): Food business registration, Alcohol license (Premises and Personal Licence Holder) Public Performance or Entertainment Licence (for music or events) Health & Safety certification. Utilities are not applicable for this lot.

Renewal: A 2 year optional extension is available.

Planning Information

There is no opt in process or any further action needed , other than registration on the tender portal at this stage. Once the tender is launched a notice will be put out for bidders to respond to. We are in the process of completing the ITT documentation and full tender pack and we are expecting to launch the tender on or before the 11th November. Bidders wishing to respond to this tender opportunity once it has launched. We would ask suppliers who are not registered with PROACTIS tender portal to visit below: https://procontract.due-north.com/SupplierRegistration/Register This will allow you to register for free for not just this future tender opportunity but other public sector tender opportunities. Once registered you will be able to when this tender launches, review the tender pack and respond and submit a bid.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d204
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/079237-2025
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

24 - Chemical products

55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services

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


CPV Codes

24322500 - Alcohol

55300000 - Restaurant and food-serving services

55400000 - Beverage-serving services

55500000 - Canteen and catering services

79952000 - Event services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£6,720,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£6,720,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
3 Dec 2025Yesterday
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
11 Nov 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MERSEYTRAVEL
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LIVERPOOL
Postcode
L3 1BP
Post Town
Liverpool
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD7 Merseyside
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD72 Liverpool
Delivery Location
TLD72 Liverpool

Local Authority
Liverpool
Electoral Ward
Waterfront South
Westminster Constituency
Liverpool Riverside

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.

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                "id": "2",
                "title": "On Board Events Management & Catering",
                "description": "A flexible, creative catering offer for our special pop-up cruises and events, private charter hires, and themed events - where food, drink and atmosphere help turn journeys into unforgettable experiences. Mersey Ferries are looking for a partner to help design event packages for private boat and VIP area reservations, with options tailored to client needs or tiered packages. This applies to both the heritage and new vessels. The Provider must hold all necessary licenses and permits to operate, including (where applicable): Food business registration, Alcohol license (Premises and Personal Licence Holder) Public Performance or Entertainment Licence (for music or events) Health & Safety certification. Utilities are not applicable for this lot.",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 2520000,
                    "amount": 2016000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 70,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 70,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 70,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 30,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "selectionCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "economic",
                            "description": "Financial Standing State your annual turnover for the last financial year- we are expecting turnover of PS200k or over: Provide confirm you have audited accounts (Yes/No): Do you have any outstanding tax liabilities (Pass/Fail):"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "technical",
                            "description": "Give a summary of your experience delivering catering and hospitality: How many years' experience in catering and hospitality do you have:"
                        },
                        {
                            "description": "Bidders will need to complete an initial PSQ stage on a Pass/Fail basis. Bidders who are successful will be invited to a ITT stage where they will be required to respond to Quality & Commercial questions they will need to submit. We will then after moderation short list bidders to complete a presentation day where they will be required under controlled conditions present dishes to a evaluation panel for scoring",
                            "forReduction": true
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "economic",
                            "description": "Financial Standing State your annual turnover for the last financial year- we are expecting turnover of PS200k or over: Provide confirm you have audited accounts (Yes/No): Do you have any outstanding tax liabilities (Pass/Fail):"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "technical",
                            "description": "Give a summary of your experience delivering catering and hospitality: How many years' experience in catering and hospitality do you have:"
                        },
                        {
                            "description": "Bidders will need to complete an initial PSQ stage on a Pass/Fail basis. Bidders who are successful will be invited to a ITT stage where they will be required to respond to Quality & Commercial questions they will need to submit. We will then after moderation short list bidders to complete a presentation day where they will be required under controlled conditions present dishes to a evaluation panel for scoring",
                            "forReduction": true
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "economic",
                            "description": "Financial Standing State your annual turnover for the last financial year- we are expecting turnover of PS200k or over: Provide confirm you have audited accounts (Yes/No): Do you have any outstanding tax liabilities (Pass/Fail):"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "technical",
                            "description": "Give a summary of your experience delivering catering and hospitality: How many years' experience in catering and hospitality do you have:"
                        },
                        {
                            "description": "Bidders will need to complete an initial PSQ stage on a Pass/Fail basis. Bidders who are successful will be invited to a ITT stage where they will be required to respond to Quality & Commercial questions they will need to submit. We will then after moderation short list bidders to complete a presentation day where they will be required under controlled conditions present dishes to a evaluation panel for scoring",
                            "forReduction": true
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-04-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2031-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2033-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "A 2 year optional extension is available."
                }
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2025-11-11T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "status": "active",
        "procurementMethod": "selective",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Competitive flexible procedure",
        "procedure": {
            "features": "The Contracting Authority is undertaking this procurement using a Competitive Flexible Procedure. The process will consist of the following stages: 1. Selection Stage - Pre-Selection Questionnaire (PSQ) Interested suppliers are required to complete and submit a Pre-Selection Questionnaire (PSQ). The PSQ will be assessed in accordance with the stated pass/fail criteria and any minimum requirements. Bidders who meet all mandatory selection requirements will be invited to participate in the next stage. 2. Invitation to Tender (ITT) Stage All bidders who successfully pass the PSQ stage will be issued with the Invitation to Tender (ITT). At this stage, bidders will be required to submit detailed responses to: Quality questions, addressing the technical and service-related requirements; and Commercial requirements, including pricing information and any supporting financial documentation. All submissions will be evaluated in accordance with the published evaluation methodology. Following evaluation and internal moderation, the highest-scoring bidders will be shortlisted. 3. Presentation and Product Evaluation Stage Shortlisted bidders will be invited to attend a presentation and product evaluation session. As part of this session, bidders will be requested to provide a selection of food products chosen in advance by the project team. These products will be evaluated against a strict and pre-defined evaluation criterion, which may include quality, taste, presentation, innovation, and suitability for the required service. Scores from the presentation and product evaluation will be combined with the ITT scores to determine the final ranking of bidders. 4. Contract Award Following completion of all stages and final moderation, the Contracting Authority will identify the most economically advantageous tender and proceed to award the contract in line with the procurement regulations."
        },
        "submissionMethodDetails": "Bidders seeking to submit a response to this tender opportunity. We request that bidders please log on to their proactis tender portal website. Bidders will be able to see all 3 LOTS which are available for bidders to submit the relevant paperwork and documentation. If you do not have a proactis account. Please follow the link below, where you will be able to register and then find the tender opportunity for you to respond to. https://procontract.due-north.com/SupplierRegistration/Register",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "expressionOfInterestDeadline": "2025-12-12T12:00:00Z",
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-03-01T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "lotDetails": {
            "maximumLotsBidPerSupplier": 2,
            "maximumLotsAwardedPerSupplier": 2
        },
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "L-1",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "url": "https://procontract.due-north.com/SupplierRegistration/Register"
            },
            {
                "id": "077499-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077499-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-11-27T09:23:11Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "077503-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077503-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-11-27T09:27:40Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "079237-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/079237-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-12-03T10:49:32Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ],
        "amendments": [
            {
                "id": "077503-2025",
                "description": "Update to tender name."
            },
            {
                "id": "079237-2025",
                "description": "Change to number of LOTS a bidder can respond to. As they will be able to bid for all. Updated total contract value of the contract to reflect the full lifetime of contract"
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en"
}