This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

18 May 2026 at 15:20

Tender

05 Dec 2025 at 16:09

Summary of the contracting process

First Greater Western Limited, a private utility company based in Wiltshire, is spearheading a procurement process for a new contract titled "Creative Agency Services". This initiative aims to secure a leading creative and strategic agency partner for enhanced brand and product marketing across the travel sector. The procurement takes place through a selective process known as the "Competitive flexible procedure" and is part of the utilities special regime. The contract identified under tender ID FX1332 encompasses a main procurement category of services, specifically advertising and marketing, and involves locations throughout the United Kingdom. Award of the contract, which has been recently moved to an award stage as of 18th May 2026, anticipates a potential start by 1st July 2026, subject to a pending award confirmation from DDB UK Limited. The contract will initially extend for three years with possible extensions up to five years, and the final award will be confirmed following a standstill period ending on 28th May 2026.

This tender presents significant opportunities for creative agencies looking to leverage their expertise in high-impact travel marketing services. Firms with a proven track record in advertising and marketing, complemented by a strategic approach to developing brand identity and customer engagement, are well suited for this contract. SMEs, in particular, should note their eligibility under the procurement's suitability preferences. The project not only promises to enhance the winning agency's portfolio but also positions them centrally within the competitive setting of travel marketing, aligning with GWR's vision for dynamic marketing communications. This contract offers a gross value of £4,015,523.04, marking it as a substantial engagement that could drive business growth and recognition across the UK’s broader travel marketing landscape.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Creative Agency Services

Notice Description

GWR will be tendering for a new contract for creative services for brand leisure and product marketing activity. This is an exciting opportunity to become the creative and strategic agency partner for a trailblazing train operating company with big ambitions to raise the bar in travel marketing, driving powerful revenue impact and brand fame. We want to be the train operator that bucks the trend not only in the world of rail but in the travel category, implementing best-in-class travel marketing communications that excites customers to get on board and experience our world-class network.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: An initial 3 year contract followed by 2 x 12 months optional extensions. Contract term 5 years if fully extended. Estimated contract value is based on full 5-year term.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f017
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045472-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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


CPV Codes

79340000 - Advertising and marketing services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£8,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£8,000,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
£4,015,523 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 May 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
14 May 20261 months ago
Contract Period
30 Jun 2026 - 30 Jun 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
FIRST GREATER WESTERN LIMITED
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
WILTSHIRE
Postcode
SN1 1HL
Post Town
Swindon
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK71 Swindon
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLI London, TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)

Local Authority
Swindon
Electoral Ward
Central
Westminster Constituency
Swindon South

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

DDB

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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