Award

Coach Hire for Student Open Days

UNIVERSITY OF EXETER

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

12 Jan 2026 at 10:00

Tender

11 Nov 2025 at 12:00

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Exeter has completed the procurement process for the "Coach Hire for Student Open Days" contract, designed to support the University's recruitment activities by providing transport services for prospective students. Based in Exeter, Devon, the University sought a reliable coach hire service to operate during Open Days, facilitating transportation between various key locations such as the Streatham and St Luke’s Campuses, Exeter St David’s Train Station, and Westpoint Arena. The procurement process was conducted through an open competition, targeting below-threshold contracts and concluded with an active contract award on 18th December 2025. Linden Holdings (Devon) LTD was awarded the contract, which spans from December 2025 to December 2028, with an optional renewal extending up to December 2029. The total gross value of the contract is £123,462.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities for businesses in the transportation services sector, particularly those specialising in coach hire and logistics. SMEs located within or near Devon are especially well-suited to compete, given the regional focus and requirements for familiar routes for student engagement activities. The contract’s emphasis on quality, sustainability, and customer service standards offers business exposure and alignment with a reputable educational institution's values, setting a precedent for future contracts and broader market participation. Firms capable of delivering cost-effective, high-quality, and adaptable transport solutions aligned with the higher education sector’s demands are encouraged to take similar opportunities that may arise in the future.

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Notice Title

Coach Hire for Student Open Days

Notice Description

The University of Exeter hosts a series of Open Days each year to allow prospective students and their guests to visit the campus, meet staff and students, and experience university life. These events are a key part of the University's student recruitment activities and attract large numbers of visitors from across the UK. To support the smooth running of these events, the University requires a reliable and professional coach hire service to transport prospective students and guests between key locations, including Streatham and St Luke's Campus, Exeter St David's Train Station and Westpoint Arena. The appointed supplier(s) will play an important role in ensuring that visitors have a positive and safe experience when attending Open Days. This tender seeks to establish a contract with a reputable coach provider who can deliver a high-quality, flexible, and cost-effective transport service aligned with the University's standards of customer service, safety, and sustainability.

Lot Information

Lot LOT-0000

Renewal: This contract may be extended for one further 12-month period at the University's sole discretion.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05de92
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/002126-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

60172000 - Hire of buses and coaches with driver

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£160,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£160,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£102,885 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
12 Jan 20263 months ago
Submission Deadline
8 Dec 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
18 Dec 20254 months ago
Contract Period
18 Dec 2025 - 18 Dec 2028 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EXETER
Postcode
EX4 4QH
Post Town
Exeter
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK43 Devon CC
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Exeter
Electoral Ward
Duryard and St James
Westminster Constituency
Exeter

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

LINDEN HOLDINGS (DEVON

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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