Award

Pathology Histology Modernisation & Automation Microtone

EAST SUSSEX HEALTHCARE NHS TRUST

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

06 Nov 2025 at 12:32

Award Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust has completed a procurement process titled "Pathology Histology Modernisation & Automation Microtone," focusing on the acquisition of laboratory, optical, and precision equipment essential for healthcare services. The procurement pertains to the NHS Trust located in the UK, specifically in the region of East Sussex. This completed procurement process follows the award stage with a contract signed on 23rd October 2025. The procurement was executed through a limited method, namely, an award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition, as the equipment supplier is outside the usual national framework. The equipment involved is a Fully Automated Microtome with a seven-year maintenance agreement, set to begin once the manufacturer's warranty ends.

This tender represents significant potential for businesses specialising in laboratory and precision equipment supply, particularly those capable of offering advanced histology solutions with long-term maintenance packages. However, as the procurement method was limited, businesses looking to compete in similar opportunities should focus on establishing unique, value-driven offerings and ensure they are positioned to actively engage in negotiations with NHS entities. Companies like AxLab Limited, an SME and the supplier awarded this contract, exemplify how strategic alignments in pricing and sector-specific expertise can lead to successful contracts with public health organisations.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Pathology Histology Modernisation & Automation Microtone

Notice Description

Histology Modernisation - Purchase of Fully Automated Microtome and 7 year Maintenance

Lot Information

Lot 1

Histology Modernisation - Purchase of Fully Automated Microtome and 7 year Maintenance. Additional information: 7 Year maintenance to commence once the manuafacturers warranty ends.

Procurement Information

AxLabs is the sole supplier of the equipment that required. They are not currently on a national framework. Pricing for this equipment has been negotiated nationally by NHS England, ensuring value for money and consistency across trusts participating.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05dbc2
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/071602-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

CPV Codes

38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
6 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
22 Oct 20254 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
EAST SUSSEX HEALTHCARE NHS TRUST
Contact Name
Procurement
Contact Email
esht.procurement@nhs.net
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
ST LEONARDS ON SEA
Postcode
TN37 7PT
Post Town
Tonbridge
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ2 Surrey, East and West Sussex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ22 East Sussex CC
Delivery Location
TLJ2 Surrey, East and West Sussex
Local Authority
Hastings
Electoral Ward
Conquest
Westminster Constituency
Hastings and Rye

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

AXLAB

Further Information

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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